2.8 z3 improve revs

[Jasonthirsk7]

Hi all, I have a 2.8, wide body 1999, I’m looking at trying to improve the revs low down, as car seems a bit sluggish in 1st and 2nd gear, found a guy who has advised a performance k&n filter, changing the plugs and fitting an exhaust header, car has been serviced well over the years and has done 98k miles, any advice or guidance would be much appreciated thanks

 

[andyglym]

Hi all, I have a 2.8, wide body 1999, I’m looking at trying to improve the revs low down, as car seems a bit sluggish in 1st and 2nd gear, found a guy who has advised a performance k&n filter, changing the plugs and fitting an exhaust header, car has been serviced well over the years and has done 98k miles, any advice or guidance would be much appreciated thanks

Hi mate. The 2.8 comes alive once the VANOS kicks in above about 3500rpm (your VANOS may need an overhaul). That aside, the 2.8 ain't lightning fast off the line full stop, never has been. Adding a K&N will make it slower and reduce BHP, they make a great whooooosh but, like all of these things, are generally snake oil. A good service will most likely get you back to where you need to be, that and an Itslian Tune.

 

[Duncodin]

And more snake oil whoooosh makes you want to change up later, hold lower gears longer, making it look like the car is performing better than it was. When in fact all it does is change your driving stlye.

Having said that. I do love that 'no filter' sound.

 

[andyglym]

And more snake oil whoooosh makes you want to change up later, hold lower gears longer, making it look like the car is performing better than it was. When in fact all it does is change your driving stlye.

Having said that. I do love that 'no filter' sound.

Yup. Mine runs much better with an OEM filter. The whoooosh was great but she lost her pep.

 

[Jasonthirsk7]

Hi mate. The 2.8 comes alive once the VANOS kicks in above about 3500rpm (your VANOS may need an overhaul). That aside, the 2.8 ain't lightning fast off the line full stop, never has been. Adding a K&N will make it slower and reduce BHP, they make a great whooooosh but, like all of these things, are generally snake oil. A good service will most likely get you back to where you need to be, that and an Itslian Tune.

Cheers for that going to change the plugs, it’s had a recent oil change is there anything else I need to be doing service wise? what’s an itslian tune Andy?

 

[t-tony]

Italian tune up is code for “Thrash the nuts off it and give it a good clear out”.

Tony.

 

[andyglym]

Cheers for that going to change the plugs, it’s had a recent oil change is there anything else I need to be doing service wise? what’s an itslian tune Andy?

As Tony said, a good thrashing once warmed up.

 

[Jasonthirsk7]

As Tony said, a good thrashing once warmed up.

So in your opinion guys is an exhaust header a waste of time and money also?

 

[t-tony]

In a word yes, on a standard engine. A manifold upgrade would likely be your best option.

Tony.

 

[Jasonthirsk7]

In a word yes, on a standard engine. A manifold upgrade would likely be your best option.

Tony.

Ok thanks I’m such a novice sorry, how does a manifold upgrade differ from an exhaust header? I’ve always had modern cars so just took them to get a remap and job done but not an option with this? If it was your 2.8 what would you do to it? Any specific links or products would be appreciated guys as I’m taking it across Europe in may and just want to be sure I’ve done everything I can(without ruining it) to improve it, even if it just means it’s a small improvement

 

[andyglym]

Cheers for that going to change the plugs, it’s had a recent oil change is there anything else I need to be doing service wise? what’s an itslian tune Andy?

If everything is working OK just plod through a routine service. That aside, cooling system (water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, pulleys and tensioners), Diff and Gearbox oil, rear beam bushes (check), spare wheel (check), fuel tank straps (check). All the info you need is on here, just fire in the Qs.

 

[andyglym]

Ok thanks I’m such a novice sorry, how does a manifold upgrade differ from an exhaust header? I’ve always had modern cars so just took them to get a remap and job done but not an option with this? If it was your 2.8 what would you do to it? Any specific links or products would be appreciated guys as I’m taking it across Europe in may and just want to be sure I’ve done everything I can(without ruining it) to improve it, even if it just means it’s a small improvement

You can have hour 2.8 remapped. You won't spin the earth the other way but you will notice a difference.

 

[Jasonthirsk7]

You can have hour 2.8 remapped. You won't spin the earth the other way but you will notice a difference.

I rang dyno remaps and he said they couldn’t? I did read a small difference, about 15th, just would drive better if it revved a bit better low down I think, I’d be interested to see how many horses it’s lost over 25 years too

 

[andyglym]

I rang dyno remaps and he said they couldn’t? I did read a small difference, about 15th, just would drive better if it revved a bit better low down I think, I’d be interested to see how many horses it’s lost over 25 years too

The Z3 has an ECU so it can be remapped. The 2.8 doesn't lose that many, if any, which is nice

 

[t-tony]

My neighbour fitted an upgrade manifold on his old 2.8 which he sold on here, it’s now having body conversion done. As far as I understand a remap after a manifold upgrade will give a wider “power band” through the revs. I’ve never done one, never had a 2.8 Z3. Search at top of page for Z3 manifold upgrade and also on YouTube too.

Tony.