What RPM does YOUR S-14 pull to just before you feel its time to shift ?

[m3pat2]

Great thanks Pat, I've been emailing back and forth with Luis about a chip for my rebuild and it is good to know that he's done something similar before. I'll be running a Maxx Alpha-N so I just need the ignition timing suitable for 292/284 and hope I can get the tune good enough with just the fuel map on the Maxx.

-chris

No problem Chris. I'm running a Split-sec, but had Luis burn me a Alpha-N chip (since I can control fuel), with timing dialed back in the lower-mid rpms (due to me pinging on 91 octane). I am running 50mm TBs, with a stage 3 type head work. Luis is the man! you're in good hands.

[jimmy p.]

2.3 Ported head with stock valve sizes, somewhat conservative cams, shift light comes on at 7600, rev limit set at 8000.
I know I have a few RPM to play with before it limits,,, but its done making power by 7600~ish so why wear it down.

[M20Curtis]

So glad I found this! I drive an E46 M3 daily so I have become used to the free-revving S54 newer technology all the way to 8k. On my E30 M3 with freshly rebuilt motor, now that it is broken in with over 1,000 miles on it, it doesn't seem to want to rev super high but pulls strong and evenly. I shift safely at 6k but it seems to fight me above that. It has a no-name chip in it that says M3 7800 on it in pen writing. I am scared to push it super high in the revs until I try another known chip. Anyone seen something common that I can check that may be holding it back? Still sewing machine smooth just no umph like I expected out of this little screamer. Looks like I need to drive another one and compare as well. I need to get up over 7k and screaming!

[m3pat2]

So glad I found this! I drive an E46 M3 daily so I have become used to the free-revving S54 newer technology all the way to 8k. On my E30 M3 with freshly rebuilt motor, now that it is broken in with over 1,000 miles on it, it doesn't seem to want to rev super high but pulls strong and evenly. I shift safely at 6k but it seems to fight me above that. It has a no-name chip in it that says M3 7800 on it in pen writing. I am scared to push it super high in the revs until I try another known chip. Anyone seen something common that I can check that may be holding it back? Still sewing machine smooth just no umph like I expected out of this little screamer. Looks like I need to drive another one and compare as well. I need to get up over 7k and screaming!

If I recall correctly the stock rev limiter is set at 7600 rpm. If you're still using the stock valve springs and have a aftermarket chip with a raised rev. limit, I wouldn't goto 7,800 rpm, due to increased valve float. I'm running upgraded valve train and springs for increased safety margin at higher revs.

I do agree with Jimmy, if you're making good power and torque at lower rpms, there isn't a need to goto 8k + due to increased wear and reduced longevity.
But I do have to admit, because I ride a motorcycle, I do like the top end rush and scream of my motor.

[M20Curtis]

I Definitely agree with all of the above and don't care to go that high. I just want it to scream easily to redline in any gear and it feels held back starting at 6000. Time to try another chip and report back!

[m3pat2]

Curtis, nice motorcyle you got there. I don't know if just getting an iigo chip will make that much of a difference (it'll help with ignition timing). They key is making sure your whole system flows well in order to continue building power at higher revs. What do you have regarding...
- AFM or AFM delete
- Throttle bodies
- Cams
- Head work
- Free flowing exhaust

[RMBII]

The responses from the original question have been great ! Thanks for the input, I'm looking forward to more info from various modifications.

RMBII