I have a question on how much hp I can make if I build a reasonable s52 motor. I have an s52 swap e30 and I am looking for a little more power. My motor was very used at the time of the swap and I did not have the budget to build it. I am looking at any budget friendly possibilities. I would even consider a frankenstien motor or forced induction or an s50. I am only really thinking I should stay with my motor because I could cut the cost of a new ecu and harness. There is a lot of information on hp numbers from different routes but a lot of it is conflicting and most of the info does not have a comprehensive build. Let me know what route you took. I would like the car to be a track only car with 350+ hp. I am okay with anything from a simple build of cams and full bolt ons all the way to a built motor with a turbo. Anything goes. Budget does matter but not at the expense of reliability.
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s52 Built Motor/ More Power?
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Your best bang for buck will be forced induction. Building a naturally aspirated 350+ whp engine is going to be expensive.
I've got a turbocharged M52B28 in my E30.
Even turned down at what I would estimate is 300WHP it is a riot to drive, and I'm looking at suspension/bushing tweaks to get the power down without wheel hop.
As the chassis is so light, you don't need a ton of power to go quickly. If you are thinking about a track-orientated build, I would focus on how the power is delivered rather then peak numbers.
I have a friend with a supercharged S52 E36 and it feels very torquey throughout the rev range. However turbocharger tech has come a long way in the 10 years since he built that car. You can now build a very responsive turbocharged setup with very usable power on-track.
Regardless of power-adder choice, you should strongly consider a standalone ECU. The prices these days are 1/10th of what they were 20 years ago.
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This is exactly what I was thinking. I have seen a lot of praise for the new garret turbos and other oems doing turbo setups that have good power down low. I guess I was kinda wondering if I could get away with just cams but I dont think I will be satisfied. And I see a lot of “race motors that are expensive to build and maintain.
Also I should have mentioned but my car is a 318is with a 5lug swap and ground control coilovers. I do not want a crazy powerful car without supporting mods that will either break stuff or kill me.
I’d imagine I can get away with gaskets and studs on my motor and a turbo setup for under 5k.
My setup right now is obd1 manifold, injectors, and tune. I’m not looking for crazy power just a little more. I will look more into standalone ecus.
Thanks!
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Originally posted by Panici View Post
As the chassis is so light, you don't need a ton of power to go quickly. If you are thinking about a track-orientated build, I would focus on how the power is delivered rather then peak numbers..
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Originally posted by bmw_builds View PostOh I haven't thought much about this yet. Good suggestion. If I am already have a swap car wouldnt it be easy to do for cheaper than that. I’m not well versed on the s54. Would I need the updated trans and diff or would I be good for just the engine and ecu?
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Originally posted by hoveringuy View Post
S54=$15k +/-
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I would add a centrifugal S/C, as it’s less likely to over power the chassis89 E30 325is Lachs Silber - currently M20B31, M20B33 in the works, stroked to the hilt...
new build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=317505
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