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

[Bimmerfreak87]

Whatever you do, it won't be smog legal. Just do an M50 turbo.

Why won't it be smog legal? I mean, I know it won't when I add all my goodies, but why not w/o goodies?

Plus I have a stock m20 (just in case) for smog. ;)

[Danny]

Converting an OBD2 motor like an LS1 or an S54 to OBD1 makes it illegal.

[Bimmerfreak87]

Converting an OBD2 motor like an LS1 or an S54 to OBD1 makes it illegal.

Well I will have to research this thoroughly and worst come to worst I always have the m20 for smog, but that would be a major pain to do every 2 years. I'll just always be running from the coppers. Nothing new.

[MIKe30]

if you're dead set on 400whp power go ls1.

[garretvs]

If you really want to know what it takes to stuff an LSx engine into an E30, look here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=175197

[Schwarz325]

i don't want to be that guy, but have you done enough track events and had enough seat time at the track to be able to control that power? Not saying you can't drive, but 400 hp on the track is completelyyyyyy different.

But i'd go with an ls1, unbeatable power for the price!

good luck and post your build :P

[e30s50dan]

me..... S54 and lighten the shit out of it!

[Jean]

LSx , light, compact and more hp/tq! If you are capable of doing the swap that is.

[MR E30 325is]

I make 400bhp in my E30, and I gotta tell you, sometimes it isnt enough.

Go S54. Keep the BMW tradition alive.

[weedshoes]

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

[Bimmerfreak87]

if you're dead set on 400whp power go ls1.

I want to keep up with the big boyz on the track including my best friends heads, cam, lt's, int, exh ls6 zo6. He is putting down 465+ rwhp n/a and I would like to somewhat keep up on the track.

If you really want to know what it takes to stuff an LSx engine into an E30, look here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=175197

Thanks. This is a big help.

i don't want to be that guy, but have you done enough track events and had enough seat time at the track to be able to control that power? Not saying you can't drive, but 400 hp on the track is completelyyyyyy different.

But i'd go with an ls1, unbeatable power for the price!

good luck and post your build :P

Heh... I have a kb cobra so I think I will be able to handle it. ;) I also raced my 420rwhp stroker n/a fox body before I sold it to get my kb cobra.

LSx , light, compact and more hp/tq! If you are capable of doing the swap that is.

I hope so. :roll:

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

I like that this would be cheaper, but my hp goals are probably not very realistic with an m54 n/a setup. It would get around the track nicely, but I want it to race around the track furiously. :D

[Bimmerfreak87]

Anyone know where I can find more info. about the s54 swap...??? Found a couple people that have done it, but not too much info. about the swap process.

[Jean]

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

What's the total weight of m54b30 with all the things attached to it? The weights on the site above are not for complete engines with all accessories etc. You can tell by the very low weights for the m10/m20 etc when people have put these on scales and they are almost 2x the weight with everything attached+tranny.

[PxTx]

LSX since it has a better aftermarket track parts, like a dry sump.

Heck, the LS7 gets you a factory drysump AND Ti connectimng rods (which can run about $1000 each by them selves) All for $12k!

You just can't beat the performance per dollar, let alone the build time becuase the hop-up parts are off the shelf, not custom time and fab.

[Farbin Kaiber]

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