Interest in s54/s62/etc. plug-n-play?

[e30polak]

How big is the difference between the S54 and the S62?

Is the S62 worth the extra cash and work?

I had an S54 in E30 so I know how that works.

The s62 is leaps and bounds better than an s54, but not necessarily the best choice for an e30 IMO. The v8 + M5 6 speed are significantly heavier then the s54 set-up. It's also a more expensive motor, which makes parts for it that much more expensive.

The aftermarket scene for the s62 is nearly non-existent, not like you need more than 400hp in an e30. On the other hand, the s54 has some nice, affordable mods that really wake it up.

An s62 e30 would be ridiculous. The broad power-band would allow for some pretty long gears for gas mileage, while still having enough grunt to hang with a new Z06.

The s54 will probably be my next swap unless I go for an LSX motor, or go through with the blower this summer. It truly is an amazing engine, it's the perfect match for an e30 IMO.

[rThor432]

^^How exactly is the S62 leaps and bounds better than the S54? The factory pulled 343 bhp from them with roughly 3/5 the displacement it took to achieve 400-ish bhp with the S62. I understand the torque difference, bug I don't see it being "leaps and bounds" better in any way. I used factory numbers for comparison because once you start modding either engine you can throw the comparisons in the shitter. Even BMW pulled 360 bhp from the CSL with little mods.

[kristov]

The s62 is leaps and bounds better than an s54, but not necessarily the best choice for an e30 IMO. The v8 + M5 6 speed are significantly heavier then the s54 set-up. It's also a more expensive motor, which makes parts for it that much more expensive.

The aftermarket scene for the s62 is nearly non-existent, not like you need more than 400hp in an e30. On the other hand, the s54 has some nice, affordable mods that really wake it up.

An s62 e30 would be ridiculous. The broad power-band would allow for some pretty long gears for gas mileage, while still having enough grunt to hang with a new Z06.

The s54 will probably be my next swap unless I go for an LSX motor, or go through with the blower this summer. It truly is an amazing engine, it's the perfect match for an e30 IMO.

Thanks for your input!

Have you driven both engines in an E30?

I was looking for some real world experience.

With MAF-delete and alpha-n tuning the S62 is supposed to deliver 440hp. That would be perfect for my needs.

[e30polak]

^^How exactly is the S62 leaps and bounds better than the S54? The factory pulled 343 bhp from them with roughly 3/5 the displacement it took to achieve 400-ish bhp with the S62. I understand the torque difference, bug I don't see it being "leaps and bounds" better in any way. I used factory numbers for comparison because once you start modding either engine you can throw the comparisons in the shitter. Even BMW pulled 360 bhp from the CSL with little mods.

I guess I'm a little biased as far as my 'leaps and bounds" better. First off, the Vanos set-up is MUCH more advanced on the s62. The cam-timing and tuning is spot on from the factory, and gives the feel of a much higher displacement v8. The s62 also pulls like a freight train on the freeway!

The main thing the s62 has over an s54, other than power, is the sexy exhaust note! The factory s54 sounds like a cat being killed by a chainsaw. :shock:

The factory s62 exhaust is much nicer, but when it's opened up it sounds godly! :bow:

There are only a few e46 m3s that I've heard with nice exhaust, most sound horrible to me. The US s54 is easily BMWs worst sounding motor from the factory. Granted with the CSL airbox, and non-US headers, it sounds better, but still not all that great. :down:

The e39 m5 wakes up nicely with modifications, just like the s54. However, the mods for an s62 cost more then they're worth. Ultimately I've always been a much bigger fan of v8s over 6 cylinder engines, and the s62 is one of my favorites. In reality for hp/litre, the s54 is more impressive, but it will never be a v8.

Thanks for your input!

Have you driven both engines in an E30?

I was looking for some real world experience.

With MAF-delete and alpha-n tuning the S62 is supposed to deliver 440hp. That would be perfect for my needs.

I wish I could drive either in an e30! :puppy:

There are VERY few owners of either swap in an e30. Most of them are on your side of the pond at that. The s62 would be a monster in an e30!

Here are clip's of Limmet's Beast, I'd love to own that e30!!! :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFBF2Vpn-MI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcc7C1jldc0&feature=related

Another option is to get an s54 and throw a supercharger kit on it. :twisted:

[mutty]

Thanks for your input!

Have you driven both engines in an E30?

I was looking for some real world experience.

With MAF-delete and alpha-n tuning the S62 is supposed to deliver 440hp. That would be perfect for my needs.

If you look at the OP's sig you could gather that he is the proud owner of both swaps. Send him a pm and you could get the best feedback that is out there.

[kristov]

If you look at the OP's sig you could gather that he is the proud owner of both swaps. Send him a pm and you could get the best feedback that is out there.

Already done! ;)

[Bimmerman325i]

I'd love an S62 in my E30. I'd absolutely love it. Does anyone have a source for good S62s or a cost effective way to get rid of the carbon buildup?

Just want to let you all know, e30.de offers OEM S62 ECU flashing to make it work drop-in in our e30s.

http://wp1016621.wp027.webpack.hosteurope.de/fotost/f01810/f01810.htm

Translation (via google): http://translate.google.com/translat...tm&sl=de&tl=en

^ basically, in case the translator doesn't work, the cost is 849 euro (~$1400) to make the S62 drop in with the OEM ECUs and have VANOS work in the E30, E31, etc. They also offer the a/n and MAF delete for an additional 400 euro ($600) which bumps the car up to 440hp or so. For those of us at altitude, the german a/n tuning isn't the best idea, but otherwise it's a great cost effective setup.

Now, where to find said S62......

[rThor432]

I've got a source for S54's and S62's in CA. The guy I bought my S54 from has a parts yard that deals strictly with E46 M3's and E39 M5's, nothing else. An S62 and 6-speed with between 40k and 80k will cost roughly $6,800 with shipping factored in, iirc.

[Bimmerman325i]

I've got a source for S54's and S62's in CA. The guy I bought my S54 from has a parts yard that deals strictly with E46 M3's and E39 M5's, nothing else. An S62 and 6-speed with between 40k and 80k will cost roughly $6,800 with shipping factored in, iirc.

Now to start saving!

[kristov]

I've got a source for S54's and S62's in CA. The guy I bought my S54 from has a parts yard that deals strictly with E46 M3's and E39 M5's, nothing else. An S62 and 6-speed with between 40k and 80k will cost roughly $6,800 with shipping factored in, iirc.

rThor432: please check your PM.

[rThor432]

^^PM'd you back Kristov. Thanks.

[gobuffs]

S62 is lighter than an S54.

[Mr Two]

I know a guy local to me that also deals with S54s and S62s. Mostly S62s, though.

[e30polak]

S62 is lighter than an S54.

No it's not.

The s62 isn't really all that much heavier. However, if you get Euro headers and a Carbon Fiber intake plenum for the s54 you save even more weight.

S54
Straight 6 DOHC 24V Solid Lifter Valvetrain with Dual VANOS and Individual Throttle Bodies. 2001-present. 148kg 326lbs
Used in the E46 M3 and the last of the Z3 M-Coupe and M-Roadster.
3.2 (321-343bhp)

S62
V8 DOHC 32V Solid Lifter Valvetrain with Dual VANOS and Individual Throttle Bodies. 1999-present. 158kg 348lbs
Used in E39 M5 and Z8
4.9L (400bhp)

[rThor432]

I know a guy local to me that also deals with S54s and S62s. Mostly S62s, though.

I think I've seen him on Ebay.. At any rate there was a guy from Tennessee with a lot of E46 S54 parts and E39 S62 parts listed. Must be nice to have someone like that local to you.