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Next project is underbody lights, tomorrow and next week the headliner. Real performance starts the week after that. Any suggestions on pulleys? And anybody done a tune after a %15 or %17 pulley?
Adding a pulley is very common, one of the three basic bolt-ons that many R53 owners do. Go with 15% if you plan to track the car or spend lots of time at the redline. 17% is fine for a spirited DD/street car. I've had both: started with the 15% then later went to the 17%. Just make sure you get the proper belt and colder plugs with either one. Way Motor Works sells a package that includes everything.
I also had my car tuned, but not until I'd added a cam & header. You can safely & easily run a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and pulley without tuning the car. Due to the cost of tuning, I'd recommend waiting until you have all your power mods installed, then tune.
Here is a great package that includes everything you need for the pulley, belt, plugs, etc. upgrade. Of course, any of this can be purchased seperately:
I have one of these coming for my R53. "BMW ‘de-tuned’ cars for the North American market in the event inferior fuel was used. We reverse those changes to gain more horsepower and torque. 91 or higher octane fuel must be used." They don't state it, but up to 20 HP gain.
If you really wanted to do everything at once, here is a great package:
Hope this helps! Please be sure to ask any questions. Be sure to use your August 12% discount on the parts where it applies (those that aren't already on sale or special order.)
Avoid the shark injector as we have seen the files and along with other tuners in the industry have found many flaws in that tune. There is no way it will get you 20hp, let alone be close to that number. Also the timing files are not good for the car long term especially if you can't get higher octane fuel.
email us any other questions as we are happy to help