BMW BOX

Popular mods (for the E46 M3) include:

• Header swapout on the US Spec M3. The US M3 has the Catalytic Converters in the headers to allow them to heat up quicker to pass US emissions testing. This robs the exhaust gases of extra speed exiting the muffler as well as increases the chances of the cats “melting.” The best header swapouts that I am aware of include evosport E46 M3 headers, and the supersprint stepped headers. Previous supersprint headers had cracking issues. I myself plan to upgrade to the ceramic coated evosport headers later, but once you do the headers (in the US M3), expect to do the Cats and other exhaust sections at the same time.
• Short Shift Kits. UUC short shift kit is one such solution. Shorter throw, quicker shifting, ’nuff said.
• Hi-Flo Cats. The E46 BMW M3 Euro cat section incorporates two, side-by-side, 400-cell catalytic converters, offering an approximate 55% flow area. But these stock cats are still hugely restrictive. The US ones are worse, being in the headers. Enhancing power from within this area involves using higher-flow cats. This arrangement is the performance ideal - significantly reducing backpressure levels and enabling increased flow rates. Once fitted, one can expect much sharper throttle response from a now free-revving engine, with cooler operating temperatures.
• N/A: Hi-Flo Intake / Cold-Air Intake.
• Custom Software
• RTABs/RSMs
• Lightweight Clutch
• CSL Body Kits; OEM, Vorsteiner
• Differential Swap (3.91 or 4.10).
• Coilovers/Springs; Bilstein PSS9, Tein, Ground Control
• Big Brake Kits (BBKs); Brembo, StopTech
• Lightweight Wheels; my favorites: BBS RS-GT, RGR, CH; Volks
• Supercharger (and newer, HorsepowerFreaks Turbo!); active autowerke, VF engineering

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