S54 swap questions and concerns

[jink0619]

List of parts I'm using so far, I'll keep this list updated for anyone who wants info for this swap.

-engine
02 s54
E46m3 harness and ecu
Andrew's harness adapter
E46 electronic gas pedal
E46 FPR and fuel filter
Tyler@Arc Asylum custom subframe and oil pan
E36 engine arms
E28 engine(green)mounts
Ebay headers
E30 oil cooler

-Trans
96 ZF320
S52 duel mass flywheel
S52 clutch kit
E36 5spd driveshalf
E36 clutch slave cylinder
E30 trans brace
E30 trans mounts
3.46 diff or lower *I'm still searching for one

-Brakes
E32 735i booster
remote reservoir from a 2002
*havnt tested for fitment yet

-Cooling
E46m3 Radiator
E30m3 coolant tank
*im not a fan of electric fans so looking for clutch/fan options that will fit*

I've replaced the waterpump/t-stat, oil housing gasket, valve and pan gasket.

[jink0619]

Still need to figure out what I'm going to do with oil cooler lines and oil return line. Motor should be ready to drop in soon as I get the header, then just finish everything up from there.

[jink0619]

Sub'd. If my S14 ever craps out I'm going S54.

Consider this, your s14 still running will basically pay for an s54 swap.

[G FORCE]

Consider this, your s14 still running will basically pay for an s54 swap.

That's a great list, thanks a bunch for that.

I often contemplate the idea of the swap. It would certainly be better to do it proactively than re-actively in terms of value/cost!

Question: was it not easy to implement the 6speed from the E46 or did you just choose to stick with the 5speed?

[jink0619]

If you go 6spd, you'll just need to find a auto driveshalf from an e36m3

i decided to go ZF cause it's cheaper and easier to source one if it was to ever break.

[jink0619]

Questions for the experienced:

For the e30 temp gauge, where do I put the e30 temp sensor?

Which trans cover plate do I use? The thin metal plate that goes between the trans and engine*

What are my clutch and fan options that would fit?

I have both e30m3 and e46m3 coolant resorvior which is better to use?

I have both e30m3 and e46m3 oil cooler which is better to use?

Thanks in advance

[WannaBe30]

S54 swap questions and concerns

I have the part numbers on those rod bearings
I have them new sitting in the box waiting install.

Will post up in the morning

[jink0619]

My swap took a step back because I had the flywheel machined and turns out it's not an s52 flywheel, didn't bolt up to the clutch kit.

[jink0619]

Got this today, thanks Andrew :)

[FredK]

Questions for the experienced:

For the e30 temp gauge, where do I put the e30 temp sensor?

Which trans cover plate do I use? The thin metal plate that goes between the trans and engine*

What are my clutch and fan options that would fit?

I have both e30m3 and e46m3 coolant resorvior which is better to use?

I have both e30m3 and e46m3 oil cooler which is better to use?

Thanks in advance

I used an Ebay radiator hose temperature gauge adapter. I cut my upper radiator hose and slipped one of these in, and drilled and tapped a hole for the stock E30 temperature sender. It's kind of ghetto, but it works.

I used a regular E36 trans cover plate. Works perfectly.

I used an electric fan. I used a E30 coolant reservoir. I used an aftermarket oil cooler with AN fittings. The stock M3 oil cooler has a fairly small capacity. It's certainly better than no cooler, but the E46 piece is not known to have a great thermal capacity either.

[JETBLKE30]

anyone running vanos delete? Havn't started on my build yet but this is one thing I am contemplating on. From what I heard you lose low end power. Anyone that can help :)

[nando]

Why would you want to? You can't make more power without it.

[FredK]

It would cost more to delete it and run standalone. Preemptively addressing its issues will run around an extra 300.

[jink0619]

I used an Ebay radiator hose temperature gauge adapter. I cut my upper radiator hose and slipped one of these in, and drilled and tapped a hole for the stock E30 temperature sender. It's kind of ghetto, but it works.

I used a regular E36 trans cover plate. Works perfectly.

I used an electric fan. I used a E30 coolant reservoir. I used an aftermarket oil cooler with AN fittings. The stock M3 oil cooler has a fairly small capacity. It's certainly better than no cooler, but the E46 piece is not known to have a great thermal capacity either.

Thank you for your response, I will go with the adapter for temp sensor like u did cause would hate to drill hole in T-Stat housing. For the oil cooler, I also have one from an Acura TSX, it's flat like the ones that come on the e90/e92 335i, might see if it will work.

Tyler custom subframe coming in tomr so I'll have that installed and hopefully drop motor in if weather permits. Will update with pics

[jink0619]

ArcAsylum subframe bolted up nicely, excuse the dirty bay, my power washer broke.