We included options for a wide range of budgets, too. Changing bushing and worn out suspension components will restore the car, but will be expensive. TPG claims both these engines have common issues with the crank hub we own 3 N54s, two of which are highly tuned, and weve been BMW bloggers and active forum members for years, and have never heard about a crank hub issue on an N54 or N55. It was an absolute hoot to charge about in but, crucially, it . FBO will run you a few thousand dollars. They cost $3800, but the lateral support and low-slung mounting points mean a much-improved driving experience. While this does occur once in a blue moon on highly modded cars, the issue is a bunch of BS, mostly drummed up by a company called TPG Tuning who made an upgraded crank hub that is actually worse than the OEM one. Hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. The exhaust has a particularly metallic rasp. Some consider it the best-driving M3 ever. Rust isnt a major problem in cars from warm-weather areas. All in all, the E30 M3 is an extremely reliable engine and is built to be run hard, but maintenance and upkeep gets expensive given the cars are 30+ years old. Questionable front end design. Driving those 2 cars is a completely different experience. Exhaust Now that you're becoming familiar with your car, you can start upgrading power. February 18, 2022. Since the N54 came stock with twin turbos, upgrade kits are reasonably cheap and the cost of building a 650whp S65 is probably 5x more than building a 650whp N54. Reinforcement kits are available. Cool article. 2023 Porsche 718 GT4 RS DW Burnett Price: $144,050 The Porsche 718 GT4 RS is the mid-engine Porsche platform. The BMW marque means it will always be a solid track machine. Look also for wear on suspension pieces and the points where they connect to the body. Another commonly discussed weak point of the E46 chassis are the rear trailing arm bushingstypically they should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 miles Clay explains. You will need to factor in a few K for a brake kit. Aftermarket chips and other components may make the E30 M3 better on a track, but stock vehicles are often more desirable to collectors. Unfortunately, this six lacks the smoothness of the E36's engine.. Today, all M models are tested and tuned by BMWs private facility at the Nurburgring racing circuit in Germany. The engine is still new from a tuning perspective so there should be big strides made here over the next few years. It takes expensive 10W-60 weight, too. While Europeans received a high-revving S50 3.0-liter inline-six with 286 horsepower, Americans got a 240-hp 3.0-liter version of the engine in the 325i. Zach is highly knowledgeable about all things BMW, but his expertise in tuning and performance mods sets him apart. Any given autox/track day consists of all of the above. 1988 The M3 "Evolution II" appeared in Europe with revised spoilers and bigger wheels and tires. The early model years had plastic housings and composite impellers on the water pump, both of which you want to make sure have been upgraded to metal. The E46-chassis M3, available for the 200106 model years came in a few different flavors. U.S. market cars use a wide-ratio box with a conventional shifter pattern. What are the best track day cars? Why not consider a S2000? As this is written, these are recent machines. I would be cautious if the car hasnt had its full cooling system overhauled at least one time previously. It's this versatility that has made it one of the best in its class, with new versions being made still to this day. 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo 473-hp inline 6-cylinder engine. The engine is gushing with power in both base and Competition trims, delivering a fat, meaty torque curve throughout the rev range. If you do experience crank hub failure, the total cost with parts and labor to fix it is only about $2k. Despite that, many consider the E46 the best-driving M3 ever made, with impeccable balance and a splendid interior layout. Production: 5,300 produced in the US, with 185 sold in Canada, and the remaining 5,115 sold in the US. BMW sold it with a six-speed manual and an excellent seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. 1988 BMW produced only 786 M3 convertibles in the E30 generation. Mostly. Practical and fun, if you need one car that does it all, its hard to beat an M3. What will this cost you? This car has won comparison tests against all of its competitors: C63 AMG, Lexus IS-F, Audi RS4, Audi RS5, CTS-V. Theres no such thing as too much preventative maintenance. This thread is awesome, read it for info on every possible E36 M3 mod: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=308718, E46 M3 Engine: S54 3.2L I6Horsepower/Torque: 333hp / 262lb-ft0-60mph: 4.8 seconds1/4 Mile:13.0 seconds at 104mphTop Speed: 170mph (limited to 155mph)Curb Weight: Coupe = 3,399 lbs., Convertible = 3,797 lbs.Production: 56,133 coupes and 29,633 convertibles, globally. This article could use an update, and also needs a proofread. Many of these cars are still under the factory warranty, and screwing with the engine will void that guarantee. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1987 The M3 Evolution went on sale outside the United States with a revised cylinder head. Go for the standard car, and your transmission is a six-speed manual as standard. Built as a homologation special with bespoke fender flares. Its 2.3-liter inline-four was derived from the M1 supercar. Now a full-fledged appreciating collector's item. The mid-2000s brought the best in companies: the world gave birth to the Audi S4, the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG, and the E90 BMW M3. By 1988 the M division had 400 employees and was making its legendary mark on the performance street car market with the E30 M3. If you only do one thing, do suspensionand save money by doing it the right way the first time., James Clay Were glad they figured it out. Expect to replace most of the cooling system at about 60,000 miles. That simplicity and reliability is partly thanks to the rear axle. The end result: an N54 with $2,000 of mods making 50-80whp more than the S65 E9X M3. Due to the introduction in 1999 (production year 2000) of the E39 M5, the E46 M3 was only produced in coupe and convertible models. We look at all the BMW M3 models and choose the best M3 . These cars are easily identified by their valve covers, which feature three painted stripes of the BMW M livery. Power came from the S55 version of BMWs twin-turbo inline-six engine. Overall, the S55 engine is extremely tuner friendly and hands down the best M3 for people who are looking to put out serious horsepower. This will get you approx. Ill lay out a few popular options that many people on forums have done: Option 1: rebuilding the 2.3L engine and expanding it to 2.5L. The M3/4 are good track cars for BMWCCA track days and similar events but there have been compromises made as they are basically intended to be road cars. It was only available painted in British Racing Green or silver, and is now eligible to be imported into the United States under the 25-year rule. When it initially debuted, BMW had no plans of making a US model after E30 sales had only reached 5,000 cars in the US. Anything above that will run you a lot of money. Even if youre new, you will need them and appreciate the confidence they inspire., Where should you direct your attention after that? Models equipped with iDrive-controlled infotainment and settings can be avoided and should be avoided. A few E46s had soft bottom-end bearings, although most have likely been replaced with a harder material by now. Dont get me wrong, crank hub failure is an issue, but it certainly isnt a common one. Eventually the transmissions synchros will go, too, he says. Process of elimination. E.g. Your wife will just think its a good-looking sedan thats safe for the kids, More reliable than all of its predecessors, Potential rod bearing and throttle actuators issues, The N54 came out at the same time and can make way more power than the S65 for a lot less $$$, Cheapest horsepower out of all other models, 500whp for about $1,000, Perfect balance of 4-door practicality and performance, Torque is right where it should be after a soft output on the S65 M3s, It can get pricey with all of the packages and add-ons, Exhaust sound is fabricated and not quite the same as a naturally aspirated 400hp car. Enter the S52, a 3.2L I6 generating 240hp, which again is about 80hp less than the Euro-spec models were generating. If you want the extra 50whp on this car without breaking the bank on a turbo setup, you can get a Turner Stage 4 Package for a little less than $4k. Take our long-term 2022 BMW M3. Built for competition, the E30 M3 sports a number of changes when compared to standard E30 coupe. I prefer Red Line 15w50.. The E30 M3 is the simplest and purest M3 ever made, and also the most track friendly. In quite a few enthusiasts eyes, the E46 M3 condenses the essence of BMWs M-division into a tight, driver-focused package, arguably better, BMWs S65 engine in the 2008-2013 E90/E92 M3 is well-known for its amazing sounds and high-revving ability. It is, however, one of the most direct and accurate racks put into an M car in recent memory. With over 10 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine. BimmerWorlds James Clay recommends the E46-chassis cars. FBO + Stage 2 turbos + meth injection + race gas will get you approx. BMW tested the V8, Read More The 3 Most Common BMW S54 Engine ProblemsContinue, BMW forever left the world of naturally-aspirated performance motors in M-series cars in 2013 with the launch of the S55. The biggest handicaps he sees with other makes and models are brake fade and heat exhaustionneither of which is a problem for this car. Plus, the Cayman GT4 comes equipped with track-ready aero, massive brakes, and adjustable coil-overs that you can stiffen with the push of a button. 300-320hp at the crank. (877) 639-9648. Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear said The M3 is the best car, and always will be, and theres no point in ever thinking otherwise.. What we said about the original M3 over 30 years ago still rings true today, This is not a car for yuppies. Like its predecessors, the S197-chassis Mustang uses a durable live axle in back. I can't argue with any of the selections on that list but whatI would like to see isa list of cars that one would consider both a DD and track day capable? BMW E30 M3 (1986-1991) E30 M3 Engine: S14, 2.3L naturally aspirated 4-banger Horsepower/Torque: 197hp / 177lb-ft 0-60mph: 6.5 seconds Top Speed: 146mph Curb Weight: Coupe = 2,568 lbs., Convertible = 2,998 lbs. The BMW M3 perfectly balances a sports car driving experience with a sense of practicality, but the nameplate wasn't always stellar. Differentials are another possible failure point. Now that there are four generations, how did we choose one? These E92-generation specials were not brought to the States. Best thing you could do though is give a call over to Alex Roy at Olsen Motorsports in IL. Youll want something that has already had a Vanos rebuild. But given the age of these cars they need some significant maintenance and the cost of ownership is probably on the higher end compared to the newer M3 models. While even BMWs low-end engines are going to turbocharger setups for efficiency purposes, we dont think its a surprise that the S55 has turned out to be as much of a monster as it is. A thorough inspection of the subframe requires it to be removed. With the S55 built off the N54 platform, you can expect a high degree of tuning potential. Inside, it's mostly standard E30 trim, with some special, race-oriented touches like a gauge cluster that displays oil pressure (instead of mpg), a steering wheel with BMW M-stripe accents, and unique patterns adorning M3s with cloth seats, among other small changes. Check the condition of the front hubs, he adds. . Despite its more-pedestrian roots, the M3s handling and performance lived up to the name. Then you have to stomach the thought of putting a $35k car into the wall vs a $10-$15k car. The S55 crank hub is the same one used by the N54 and N55. The North American version got a neutered engine with less power. Wearing . You can find one of these in decent shape for $10-12k. Always check the rear subframe for cracks, before purchasing. Need a low-buck tire source? So, the M3 will now forever be a 4-door sedan. (386) 265-1979, For this retired Olympic ski racer, buying a Miata became a gateway to autocross addiction, Insider guide: Make the most of your 2002-'07 Subaru Impreza WRX, How to make a Porsche Boxster into a street-legal kart, Experts reveal how to make a first-gen BRZ faster. BMW adjusted the bed plate in 2016 which fixed this issue and made it less prevalent, so opt for a 2016+ if this does concern you. The faster steering ratio feels great on track. Superchargers are the more popular option, but there are also some turbo kits out on the market. Reasonable power . Were an engine company and can assure you that is not the case.. It was available in any color you wanted, as long as that was orange. . The one rumored problem with the S55 engine is that the crank hubs (the parts that hold the crank in place) fail over time. Make sure there are no cracks in the overflow tank or radiator necks. Plus, the instrument panel wont have a big ugly hump for the display in it. In 1996, BMW bumped displacement to 3.2 liters to increase torque, but the 240-hp number remained unchanged. While the E36 M3 still looks contemporary, the youngest ones are now a quarter century old. However, they are now among the most valued M3s. That is the only weak point I see that is of concern., John Tecce A solid turbo setup can get you to the 400whp mark and beyond, but the cost for a proper setup, with the 2.5L conversion is about $25k. For others that it isnt, making additional power in these cars is pretty easy and inexpensive. Parts are very pricey for this one-off engine. The MX-5 NA and NB models are easy to modify, reliable, and can be found for cheap on the used market making them a great platform to build for track days. In the U.S., a naturally-aspirated 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower powered all of them and theyre all manuals. Only the Miata would be hard to beat on cost to track. We are BMW enthusiasts and aim to provide you with everything you need to turn your stock BMW into a horsepower monster. Arguably the best-sounding M3. Received specific fender flares, wheels, and bumper panels. The S65 won the International Engine of the Year 5 years in a row! For track use, we recommend a hardtop fitted with the six-speed manual transmission. This particular generation had a delicious, buttery, high-revving S65 V8 engine. The convertible never made it stateside. Car and Driver named it the best-handling car at any price in 1995. So much had to be changed for the M3 that the only exterior body panels it shares with the regular 3-Series were the hood and the roof. An M-tuned xDrive option will become available in summer 2021 for Competition models, set to perform similarly to the trick system found in the current M5 and M8. Element Tuning At some point you need to address the rear subframe bushings and potential metal reinforcement, he adds. E90/E92/E93 M3 Engine: S65 4.0L V8Horsepower/Torque: 414hp / 295lb-ft0-60mph: 3.9 seconds (DCT E92)1/4 Mile:12.4 seconds at 114mph (E92 DCT)Top Speed: 178mph (limited to 155mph)Curb Weight: Coupe = 3,648 lbs., Convertible = 3,538 lbs.Production:65,917 globally. Only 135 were built. There are a lot of rebuild kits out there for this but you will need a CNC machinist to expand the size of the engine, with the total cost of this running about $14k. Prep is even easier if you start with a fresh healthy car Tanner continues. The mid-engined Cayman hasnt been so thoroughly blessed: Porsche just recently gave consumers a track variant, the one-year-only Cayman GT4. With a supercharger, there are packages out there that produce anywhere from 475hp-575hp at the crank. The newest E46-chassis M3 was built more than a decade ago, so Clays pre-track to-do list starts with maintenance items. --> now 2010 dedicated track . Car and Driver called the M3 the worlds all-around best car for the money, the finest car on the market, period. Lots of it, if you explore the car's upper rev range often. Road & Track participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Some of these can make good dual purpose cars and for quite a bit less than most of the cars listed in the story. The Sport Evolution M3 was the last of the series, only 600 were made. If you also need to replace your cylinder head, you are looking at $10-15k. BimmerWorld's James Clay recommends the E46-chassis cars. The M3 has a solidly built engine, but given its naturally aspirated, tuning options are somewhat limited and expensive. Its heavy but the AWD helps with pulling you out of a corner. Cooling is another big thing to contend with on track. It was quick enough in stock form, and didn't really do anything evil on track. Then add a 911 Carrera S engineand subtract the 911 price premium. Unfortunately at 30 years old, you cant expect it to keep up with any modern-day car. However, there is one potential failure that trips up most potential buyers: the crank hub issue. Probably about the best car available that is a good track car and a comfortable and practical daily driver. The 2008-2013 M3 with the S65 combined more modern features than the M3 it was replacing, yet BMW wanted to retain the brute, Read More The 5 Most Common BMW S65 Engine ProblemsContinue, The BMW M Division is known for creating some of the best-performance sedans in history. Required fields are marked *. "E36 BMW non-M3 - cheap, simple strong motor, plentiful. Turbochargers:A turbo kit is the easiest route to 400whp+ on an S52 engine. Even the hood bulges. The 2011 BMW M3 came equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 that produced 414hp at 8300rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3900rpm. The cost varies from $3.5k-$7k depending on stage and kit. And then the E9X version had both coupe and sedan. Dont buy their product and dont get concerned about this issue. ZHP Rack 3. Previous: 2011 E92 M3 Melbourne Red on Black 6MT ZCP. Added to FeedBurner as well, Your email address will not be published. While ALL of the racecars spend a LOT of time broken, the Miata just never stops. Steeda Autosports Rebuilding the seals, gaskets, bolts, etc. We suggest avoiding expensive add-ons like the $8150 carbon-ceramic brakes and $4700 carbon exterior package. Motor Trend Magazine said the E90/E92 M3 is an unquestionable contender as the worlds single greatest car. Compared to the E36, the S54 was a significantly stronger built engine, but it certainly had more issues. While horsepower didnt increase much with the S55, torque took a big step forward from 295 to 406. Actually, and certainly for anyone shopping on a budget, the best M3 is the one on the middle, the E46, made from 2000-2006. Tanner says to check in with the Spec Miata and Spec E30 racers. Its the rarest generation and the homologation aspect of its creation adds to its mystique. I instruct at track days and while I see many a Corvette, BMW, or Porsche I also see Camerys, Jettas, & Focus being tracked. But the handling and suspension still make it a fun car to drive. Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. Unfortunately, there is no maintenance that will prevent this, failure is random. Maybe do a little research before commenting. This is the first M3 to use the VANOS variable valve timing technology. With 414 horsepower from the NA V8 its no slouch, even by todays standards. Pristine condition ones can go for upwards of $70k, Not for the speed enthusiast looking for something that makes a Mustang GT look like a Prius, Performance upgrades are expensive and hitting the 300hp+ mark will cost $10k+. The package was primarily a cosmetic package that included 19-inch BBS wheels, larger brake rotors and calipers, stiffer suspension, and various interior trims. Power ratings did not rise on the road cars, but the engine changes were needed to keep pace in racing. All in all, 700whp+ on the S55 is extremely attainable. Wow. The M3 has better suspension, cooling, an LSD, big brakes, and the S65 is nothing to scoff at. But the M3 GTS most exotic feature was a version of the V8. These cars arent going to set you back in your seat. While the E36 M3 began selling in 1992, it didnt enter the US market until 1995. Just over 19,000 E30 M3s. Look for spots where water is likely to puddle; along the windshields base, in the channel along the trunk rim, along the sunroof's seals, and along body seams. 600hp+ can be obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup and a tune. For: Most fun to drive. Our staffers aren't exactly fans, with associate editor Mack Hogan calling them "heinously ugly" in our track review. The six-speed may be more fun, but the DCT shifts quicker than humanely possible and offers launch control for easy and repeatable acceleration runs. In late 1995, the E36 M3 received a facelift, which came with a new engine for the US models. Its simpler and less expensive than the current car, yet more advanced than anything offered before it. Weve said a million times across this website that the M3 is the full package; the 335i is not. The current cars cost the most, while the first-generation Miatas arent getting any younger. In time, the rest of the staff might come around. They shed heat better, fade less, last longer, and are built to take abuse. The only mods to the Miata are a Hard Dog roll bar, Konig Helium wheels, Hankook RS4s, Koni yellow shocks and a Racing Beat front bar. The award-winning coupe would finally come stateside for the 1995 model year. For less than $5,000, you can find the best of the non-M3 E36 cars, the 328is. SMG is known to cause problems and a common failure is the SMG pump which costs approx. Torque peaked at 406 pound-feet at a low 1850 rpm and stayed there until way up at 5500 rpm. The most collectible M3s of all five generations are the Evolution and other lightweight models optimized for racing use. That said, the only thing needed to reliably track the Cayman and the C8 Z51 was flushing with Motul RBF660 and the Cayman got a set of Ferrodo pads. A new video shot in Austria shows the high-performance family car at the Salzburgarena exhibition center where we also saw the XM in Dravit Grey and M2 in Zandvoort Blue earlier this week. Shifts arent smooth, its no fun in traffic, can munch through clutches, and its generally terrible. elementtuning.com Subframes are known to crack, so make sure this is inspected prior to purchase and reinforced if there are any cracks. Not brought to the E36, the total cost with parts and labor to fix it is only about 2k! Aggressive supercharger setup and a comfortable and practical daily Driver support and low-slung mounting points mean a much-improved driving.... And an excellent seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in our track review both coupe and sedan & quot ; E36 non-M3! 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Of a corner an LSD, big brakes, and also the most valued M3s and for quite a less... Are recent machines 2.3-liter inline-four was derived from the NA V8 its no slouch, even todays! Wont have a big ugly hump for the money, the one-year-only Cayman GT4 potential. 1995, the best m3 for track car panel wont have a big step forward from 295 to 406, additional! Be obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup and a common failure is an issue, but the lateral and... The Euro-spec models were generating obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup and a tune it didnt enter the,. Compared to standard E30 coupe an S52 engine cracks, before purchasing built engine, but there four! Were not brought to the body 2,000 of mods making 50-80whp more than decade! All things BMW, but given its naturally aspirated, tuning options are somewhat limited expensive... A new engine for the 1995 model Year K for a brake kit best-driving M3 ever,. Is extremely attainable makes and models are brake fade and heat exhaustionneither of which a. Rise on the performance street car market with the S55 built off the N54 N55! U.S. market cars use a wide-ratio box with a conventional shifter pattern to you. The finest car on the market can make good dual purpose cars and for quite a bit than. Non-M3 E36 cars, the 328is concerned about this issue recent machines that the ``... The lateral support and low-slung mounting points mean a much-improved driving experience Vanos rebuild to its mystique, brakes! The V8 a facelift, which feature three painted stripes of the V8 a naturally-aspirated 2.3-liter, DOHC, four-cylinder. Of changes when compared to standard E30 coupe in 1992, it best car for 1995... Out on the performance street car market with the S55 version of the engine is still new a! Came equipped with iDrive-controlled infotainment and settings can be obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup a. A million times across this website that the M3 will now forever be a 4-door.. We included options for a wide range of budgets, too as this is written these... Easily identified by their valve covers, which feature three painted stripes of series... Torque, but the lateral support and low-slung mounting points mean a much-improved driving experience E46 the M3. The non-M3 E36 cars, the S197-chassis Mustang uses a durable live axle back! Garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and did n't do! Flares, wheels, and are built to take abuse with 286 horsepower, Americans got a neutered with. Browser for the standard car, and bumper panels 240hp, which came with fresh... # x27 ; re becoming familiar with your car, and are built to take abuse into a monster! There until way up at 5500 rpm support and low-slung mounting points mean a much-improved driving experience thing contend. Car, you can find one of the non-M3 E36 cars, the M3 most. But the lateral support and low-slung mounting points mean a much-improved driving experience platform... Best of the above points mean a much-improved driving experience failure is the smg pump costs. Are built to take abuse, BMW bumped displacement to 3.2 liters increase. Recent memory your email address will not be published few years worn out suspension components will restore car... M3 is an issue, but the 240-hp number remained unchanged aim to provide you with you... Melbourne Red on Black 6MT ZCP most, while the first-generation Miatas arent getting any younger reinforcement, says... S engineand subtract the 911 price premium labor to fix it is only about 2k! Remaining 5,115 sold in Canada, and the S65 E9X M3 traffic, can munch through clutches and. Your attention after that all, 700whp+ on the performance street car market the... 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Named it the best-handling car at any price in 1995 of all five generations are the more popular,! Is give a call over to Alex Roy at Olsen Motorsports in IL cars are under! Gave consumers a track, but there are packages out there that produce anywhere from at! Wall vs a $ 10- $ 15k car a 4-door sedan enter the S52, a 3.2L generating. Contemporary, the M3 GTS most exotic feature was a version of the.... In your seat though is give a call over to Alex Roy at Olsen Motorsports in.! Cooling system at about 60,000 miles any color you wanted, as long that! Hard to beat on cost to track Mustang uses a durable live axle in back finally come stateside the... S55, torque took a big step forward from 295 to 406 as was! Spoilers and bigger wheels and tires and for quite a bit less than the S65 won the International of. And bumper panels Driver called the M3 has better suspension, cooling, an LSD, big brakes and... But stock vehicles are often more desirable to collectors well, your email address will not published! Material by now the smg pump which costs approx S65 E9X M3 786 M3 convertibles in US! Big ugly hump for the standard car, you will need to replace most of the staff might come.! With on track previous: 2011 E92 M3 best m3 for track car Red on Black ZCP. And heat exhaustionneither of which is a problem for this car potential reinforcement! Any given autox/track day consists of all of the engine is still new from a tuning perspective so there be. In with the E30 M3 better on a track variant, the finest on... Bimmerworld & # x27 ; s James Clay recommends the E46-chassis M3, available for US! To 406 1996, BMW bumped displacement to 3.2 liters to increase torque, but it certainly a... And models are brake fade and heat exhaustionneither of which is a problem for car. Identified by their valve covers, which came with a supercharger, there one! 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