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

[Bimmerfreak87]

Excellent points! :)

[318isbmw]

LS1, its cheap and parts are easily accessible and plenty more power to be made. Could pull hard up top in the rpm's and still have great torque for dding.

[Bimmerfreak87]

I have the M54 in my e30. I can attest to its light weight and it makes great torque. For a daily driver it's perfect, probably even good as an auto-x motor, but I wouldn't say it's a track motor at all.

I think the S54 is only slighter better than an S52 up to the S52's redline but then keeps pulling up to its redline. If you're not going to operate it at those rpms you might as well get an S52, imo.

So, for the track S54. For the street LS1

It will be for the street and the track so... which motor then? :D

Obviously you aren't afraid of a challenge and personally I would pick the S54. Have you considered a compromise between the two maybe a S62 (E39 M5) or S65 (E9X M3). The prices between the S54 and S62 are very close on ebay. The two V8s are BMW M engines, have 400+ hp out of the box along with that V8 growl and torque that makes the LS1 so attractive.

I just figured BMW v8's (especially M's) would cost both my arms and legs. I don't know anything about the BMW v8 swaps for the e30... I can assume good power with some added weight, but parts, pricing, swap info, and specs... I know not of. :puppy: If the motors are afforable... looks like I'll be doing a lot more research. Yay!

[AWDE30]

Obviously you aren't afraid of a challenge and personally I would pick the S54. Have you considered a compromise between the two maybe a S62 (E39 M5) or S65 (E9X M3). The prices between the S54 and S62 are very close on ebay. The two V8s are BMW M engines, have 400+ hp out of the box along with that V8 growl and torque that makes the LS1 so attractive.

[hoveringuy]

I have the M54 in my e30. I can attest to its light weight and it makes great torque. For a daily driver it's perfect, probably even good as an auto-x motor, but I wouldn't say it's a track motor at all.

I think the S54 is only slighter better than an S52 up to the S52's redline but then keeps pulling up to its redline. If you're not going to operate it at those rpms you might as well get an S52, imo.

So, for the track S54. For the street LS1

[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.

[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]

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

[weedshoes]

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

[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.

[e30s50dan]

the LS1 is starting to gain in the polls

[JJ1]

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

[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:

[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]

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.