S52 to Euro S50B32

[stormspike]

I currently have the S52 swap for a year and a half and its been great. I was wondering how hard is it to go from that swap over to a Euro motor. I looked at the threads and did not see a good write up of that swap or that parts needed. I currently have the AC and everything running but am thinking of more power. Anyway, any ideas or should I upgrade the US motor and see what I can get from it. I currently running ODBII and original intake, etc.

Thoughts, ideas? I am not planning on tracking the car, just have a fast DD.
I did see the tread of adding the 6 speed to the S52.

Basically for those of you who have driven the Euro motor, would a new intake, ODBI conversion, and maybe Cams, etc bring the US motor close to the Euro or would the money be better spend finding a good Euro specimen?

My US motor has maybe 49k on her. Runs great.

thanks!

[Wh33lhop]

If you're looking for S50B32 swap info, you'll find it's few and far between around here. Probably over 10x as many people have done the S52 swap simply because it's the USA. You're a lot closer to on your own if you want to attempt a euro swap.

The good news, though, is that the few people who have done it tend to really know what they're doing (or have paid a shop to do it ;)).

As I recall it's actually not all that more difficult fitting-wise, but since the hardware on the intake side of the engine is more complex it's also bigger, and you'll have to find a solution for that (I recall possibly a remote brake booster, but it might have been as simple as a remote reservoir). The motor isn't at all similar to the US S5x variants though so things like wiring info are going to be a lot tougher to find.

Being in the middle of an M50 swap I'd say maybe stick with the low-mileage S52, maybe some sunbelt cams and stick a 6 speed on it if you think that'd tide you over. There's always boost if that's not enough for you.

[sharky]

6 speed, and a SC, cheaper, faster, easier to fix etc. Yeah not as cool but still will spank a euro motor for less money

[graphikg]

What 6 speed do people use on the S/M5x motors in the e30? --> and I recommend sc too. Parts and potential complications when having the euro motor may be difficult.

[Wh33lhop]

What 6 speed do people use on the S/M5x motors in the e30? --> and I recommend sc too. Parts and potential complications when having the euro motor may be difficult.

For a car with plenty of power? A Getrag 420 out of the E46 M3. The ZHP transmission is also a decent candidate but it had some problems, and doesn't have near the same power holding capabilities.

[namsayin]

i have a e46 m3 trans thats going into mine w/ the s54

[graphikg]

For a car with plenty of power? A Getrag 420 out of the E46 M3. The ZHP transmission is also a decent candidate but it had some problems, and doesn't have near the same power holding capabilities.

Thats what I was thinking, the e46 m3 tranny. But whats the ZHP? Is that out of the M roadster?

i have a e46 m3 trans thats going into mine w/ the s54

I didnt realize THAT was your build. I thought you were doing an s52. OUCH! You better have pics and a writeup once its all done. Lucky ass :).

[erik325i]

Here's what's different between the Euro swap and the US swap:
Brake booster clearance, and header clearance.

The rest of the swap is pretty much the same (e34 oilpan...)

Erik

[Wh33lhop]

Here's what's different between the Euro swap and the US swap:
Brake booster clearance, and header clearance.

The rest of the swap is pretty much the same (e34 oilpan...)

Erik

And here's one of the guys I was talking about. :)

How bad is the booster clearance? What did you do to work around it?

[erik325i]

And here's one of the guys I was talking about. :)

How bad is the booster clearance? What did you do to work around it?

The booster clearance is pretty bad. Here are all the options I'm aware of:
*Boosterless dual master cylinder setup
*Geo Metro
*Remote hydraulic booster from a 5 or 7 series
*Modifying the intake plenum to clear booster

I'm running the dual master setup made by Mike B on this forum.
When I install my brother's Euro motor in his car, we're going to try the remote booster from the 7 series.

Erik

[JGood]

With only 49k on your, I'd get a set of cams, an m50 manifold, a bigger MAF, a good tune, etc... and you can get to 260 or so whp. Isn't that about what a euro b32 puts down at the wheels? I'm not sure about the torque curve comparison between the motors, but I'm willing to bet it would be close.