Auto Racing: Tuning, fuel pressure regulator, fuel air mixture

Question
Dear Dan,
   I am a proud owner of a 1998 BMW 318i. I have just bought the car. As you know, it is powerful, but not that powerful. I want to tune my car. I want your expert opinion on all the following ideas.
   First of all, I am thinking of beginning with a Superchip ($300) and a K&N 57i induction kit. I would like to know if installing a superchip would harm my engine.
   Second, the tuning above won't give much power to my engine, so I am thinking of taking the next step, and installing a full turbo kit. I am not a real expert in turbochargers, but I have read a few articles about the topic. I know that I need the turbocharger, the wastegate, the blow-off valve, the boost controller, the turbo timer, and the intercooler. What I need you to explain is why I need a new exhaust manifold, larger injectors, a high flow fuel pump, a fuel pressure regulator (what is that by the way?), and new engine management. I would really appreciate an expert's explanation of the stuff above. If there are any other turbo kit components that I should get please list them.
Thank you very much.

Answer
Hello Hamza:

I would suggest that you start with the K&N kit and the performance chip. The chip will not harm your engine, but most performance additons and options affect your fuel mileage.  If you live in an area other than the United States, that could be a major conisderation.

The turbocharger option creates pressure within the induction system to force the fuel/air mixture into the cylinders, this means more gas and air will be in each cylinder when cumbustion occurs. This is the basis for almost every performance modification you can make, and turbos work very well for street applications, and also in racing.

Since you are forcing more fuel into the sytem, you will need the larger injectors, and the high flow pump. The fuel pressure regulator does what it's name implies, it regulates fuel pressure from the pump to the injection system , typically this pressure should be between 35 and 40 PSIG (Lbs. per square inch) . The new engine management system will do things like adjust ignition timing for maximum power output, and control the fuel mixture through the monitoring of various engine temperatures.  You need the new exhaust manifold to adapt the turbo to the exhaust and intake systems.

While you are buying all this stuff, you should explore a free-flowing exhaust system to complete the installation.

Like I said above, horsepower is related directly to the amount of fuel used, so when you floor the throttle and the turbo kicks in, you are using a LOT of gas.

Turbo cars are fun to drive, and wickedly fast, but you will pay for it at the gas pumps in your area.  Since I have always used my street cars for business purposes, I have never used one.

The above is all I know about the subject, I would suggest you subscribe to "Sport Compact" magazine, look through the advertisers, and contact a few for their advice.

Good luck!

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida USA