Can't decide here on what car to buy need some opinions and suggestions.
Cars I'm thinking about:
'05 Audi S4
'05 BMW M3
'05 saleen(pending but will be the top model)
'98-'99 Saleen S351(If i can find a low mileage good conditioned one)

Can a blower be put on the S4 and M3? Not totally sure if i wanna go the audi bmw route just because of the stigma associated with cars like that. I would much prefer a nice muscle car and will most likely go that route but what else can be done to the s351 power wise and handling brakes? The only thing i would think about changing cosmetically to the 351 is the rims but i think that might ruin a car as rare as the 351. I'm going to be going to the show up in Aneheim for the unvailing of the '05 saleen and if it's bad hiney then that will be my car, question is can you really increase the power that much on cars like that like on the 281E is it possible to reach 500-600hp? B)

 

To answer your question, yes, a supercharger can be added to a E46 M3, although it doesn't come cheaply. One such kit is featured in the new Supercar Challenge in the current issue of C&D, on the Active Autowerke BMW. The kit retails for ~$8600.

Regarding the S4, you'd probably be better off with a previous generation if you're looking to go FI. I'm not aware of any blowers for the current V8 car. The last model had a twin turbo V6 that could be upgraded to RS4 specs (~450 hp?). Again, this gets pricey.

Finally, on to your question about the 05 Saleen. I'd be suprised to see more than 450 or so flywheel horses out of the top supercharged version in stock form. A pulley swap and tune may net you more, but IMO you'd be running on borrowed time. Without lowering the compression + forged internals, 500-600 hp is a real stretch.

If you're looking for 500-600 horsepower fairly easily, go for an 03 or 04 S/C Cobra.

Good luck.

 

Thanks 68notch, $8600 is pricey do you know what kinda power is gained from that kit? I'm guessing that would put that at a pretty decent amount. I will def. get an '04 cobra if they still have new ones come june if i find the right one when i make my purchase, which i think might be likely with all the hype on the new '05 stang. i really wanna buy new never had a new car and now i finally can so if i do buy used it'll be the 351. 500hp at the tires really is my goal and i'd like it to be in a stang, i know that would be possible with $10k in parts on a '03/'04 cobra. So if 500-600hp is my goal the saleen is not the way to go? What about putting a better blower on there like KB or whipple. Whate about the 351 is that pretty much maxed out? the max i'm looking to spend is about $65k-$70k, so thats what i'm working with.

 

Justin,

The power specs for the AA M3 is 442 hp and 339 lb-ft; this includes supercharger and exhaust (over $10000 together) but no labor. For the amount of power you're getting I'd say steer clear. That is, unless you are a big BMW fan and like the looks + fit/finish.

If 500-600 hp is your goal, a Saleen based on the 05+ Mustang is probably not your best bet. This, of course, is assuming Saleen doesn't crack open the block before they bolt the S/C on. If you want that much power reliably (i.e. for a daily driver), you'd probably be looking into some very pricey custom engine work. If you're set on the S197 Mustang, wait awhile for the next SVT Cobra. SVT has a lease program right now that will give you priority for the new Cobra when you lease an 03/04.

Along with the Supra and Buick GN, I believe the current S/C cobra is one of the easiest cars to modify for big power gains. 450 rwhp is common on modified Eaton S/C'd Cobras. Switching the blower to a Whipple or KB will net you even more--MM&FF just had a story about an 03 Cobra with a Whipple that made 600rwhp on pump.

As for the S351, I'm not sure. I don't know too much about them. Best of luck.

 

I like the idea of the SVT lease program and will do that if they still have an '04 cobra to lease come June. I would just wait for the next cobra but right now i have no car and can't really wait 2-3 years to get one. The bmw sounds like a bad deal for the money i will stay away from that but might lease an m3 or s4 if the '04 cobra doesn't work out and just wait for the new cobra.

 

Sounds like a plan. Enjoy whatever you get.

 

As long as you like your car, that is all that matters.