S54 vs LS1 Swap for my E30...???

[gobuffs]

have you considered an m54b30 with cams and headers? it wouldnt be as much power, but MUCH lighter and would probably beat an s54 or ls1 around a track and be WAY cheaper to do
This should help you decide
http://www.bimmerforums.com/engine_faq.php

Shirley you jest. cheaper? yes. Lighter? debatable. faster? no.

[Bimmerfreak87]

Stang guy. At least it's better than the Honda/Drifter guys.

Ha! Yeah... WAY better.

Still looking for more s54 swap info... Haven't seen too many of these swaps done, but I know that it can be done and this is one of the few bmw motors capable of my power goals in an n/a setup and can be had for an affordable price.

[BingM3]

While many think doing an S54 swap sounds easy, it isn't....unless you bring it to a shop that has done conversions with a stand alone system. Aside from Rui's car at Azevedo, I have not seen any other car running, all I have seen so far are a few videos of start-ups...anyone can get the engine to start-up, running it with no issues is another story.

You may spend more time trying to make it run and may give up. There are wiring harnesses available via Bimmerworld and VAC but it will cost you $ 3 g's, and still have to make other mods. If it was a simple task there should be a lot of conversions by now:) since S54 came out since 2001.

[Bimmerfreak87]

While many think doing an S54 swap sounds easy, it isn't....unless you bring it to a shop that has done conversions with a stand alone system. Aside from Rui's car at Azevedo, I have not seen any other car running, all I have seen so far are a few videos of start-ups...anyone can get the engine to start-up, running it with no issues is another story.

You may spend more time trying to make it run and may give up. There are wiring harnesses available via Bimmerworld and VAC but it will cost you $ 3 g's, and still have to make other mods. If it was a simple task there should be a lot of conversions by now:) since S54 came out since 2001.

I don't give up so I am not worried about that,:p but I thought s54 conversions were becoming the wave of the future and were going to make the m5x swaps kind of obsolete...??? Jason's s54 in his "pinky" car is awesome even though he had to build that car from the ground up. He had it dyno tuned and races it on the track. He even moved the engine and firewall back for proper weight distribution. I know this swap can be done and it usually yields exceptional results as far as Ive seen.

[brandonj1]

IF you have the money you can get HPF to turbo your s54 to 1100 horse and still be dd able....for like 40k i think lol

[Bimmerfreak87]

IF you have the money you can get HPF to turbo your s54 to 1100 horse and still be dd able....for like 40k i think lol

I think I will get this ^ soon as I win the lottery...
or rob a bank.

[weedshoes]

can an e30 really put down 400 horses that effectively? and are you sure an m54 couldn't beat an s54 even on the twistiest of tracks?

[Bimmerfreak87]

can an e30 really put down 400 horses that effectively? and are you sure an m54 couldn't beat an s54 even on the twistiest of tracks?

Yes an e30 really can put down 400+hp effectively. The m54s weight is comparable to the s54 and the s54 makes more power so I wouldn't think the m54 is faster around the track... :razz:

[JJ1]

One thing to consider is the tranny you will be using. The beemer will have a way better feel to it.

[e30s50dan]

the LS1 is starting to gain in the polls

[M-technik-3]

nominate a ratty e36 M3 for an LSX swap. Kits been around awhile, the car has better brakes and suspension for power to tarmac issues.

Plenty of them vs it's getting harder and harder to find an unmolested E30 these days, better front to rear balance. Cheaper parts sources and far better drag coefficient.

[weedshoes]

i did some research and stand crrected. :) well played bimmerfreak

[Bimmerfreak87]

One thing to consider is the tranny you will be using. The beemer will have a way better feel to it.

I would use the t-56 w/ lsx swap or a beeffed up getrag 260 (I guess) w/ the s54 swap.

the LS1 is starting to gain in the polls

I started this leaning towards the lsx swap and the poll was so one sided I began to rethink. Now the lsx swap is making a come back and I am even more torn then when I started. :crazy:

nominate a ratty e36 M3 for an LSX swap. Kits been around awhile, the car has better brakes and suspension for power to tarmac issues.

Plenty of them vs it's getting harder and harder to find an unmolested E30 these days, better front to rear balance. Cheaper parts sources and far better drag coefficient.

Nah, I already have an e30 that I got from the original owner unmolested w/ all service records and a rebuilt motor. Also, I already bought suspension and have e36m3 brakes ready for 5 lug swap. Just need to find a pair of frt coilovers for an e36m3 and I will bolt on my better suspension and brakes.

i did some research and stand crrected. :) well played bimmerfreak

:D

[M-technik-3]

Or purchase someone else's swapped car or race car. Most times it's cheaper to purchase an already built racer than to build one.

[Bimmerfreak87]

Or purchase someone else's swapped car or race car. Most times it's cheaper to purchase an already built racer than to build one.

I want to build my e30 because thats half the fun. I already have tons of stuff for it and I have only had it for about 2 months. I only need e36m3 frt coilovers, fab a cage, and my motor/tranny setup. Have everything else: wheels/tires, brakes, suspension, seat, guages/dash... etc. I should have paint and body work done in a couple weeks.