Will there be a S54 f.a.q. / how-to, like there is in the M/S50/2 section?

[FredK]

I intend on using a PS cooler. I picked up a brand new 7 series PS cooler (whatever the last gen was) for $5. if I can't figure out how to mount that (inlet/outlet on opposite sides), I'm going to use the E30 325ix PS cooler (about $70).

Yup. I was going to use an E30 iX PS cooler, but I had a nearly brand-new stock E30 oil cooler on a shelf, so I just used it.

so basically as long as I replace the 8mm hoses to all the hardlines I should be fine. I need to do that anyway, they're all original.

Yep. That's exactly what I did. A lot of them were getting crispy and needed replacement anyway.

[DesertBMW]

-If you are using a ZF310/320 5 speed transmission the only non-aftermarket flywheel you can use is the one from a 2001/2002 Z3M (or possibly other euro S50 flywheel). This works with the E46 M3's starter. Why couldn't you use the starter from a ZF310/320?

This is wrong information. E46 M3 starter is the same as E36 and all dual mass flywheels, clutch configurations, transmissions, from E36 will fit S54 no problem. I am using S54 starter, haven't even removed it from the donor engine, S52 flywheel/clutch setup and getrag 250.

[318isbmw]

Shrug. If you get a Z3M timing cover metal pipe (fairly inexpensive) you can run the stock E30 late model expansion tank in the stock location.

Is that PN: 11537830988 from the Z3M diagrams? I believe i'm reading correctly and that's the metal pipe you're referring to.

[FredK]

Yes, 11537830988 is the steel pipe I am referring to.

[Andrew325is]

Quote:
-If you are using a ZF310/320 5 speed transmission the only non-aftermarket flywheel you can use is the one from a 2001/2002 Z3M (or possibly other euro S50 flywheel). This works with the E46 M3's starter. Why couldn't you use the starter from a ZF310/320?


This is wrong information. E46 M3 starter is the same as E36 and all dual mass flywheels, clutch configurations, transmissions, from E36 will fit S54 no problem. I am using S54 starter, haven't even removed it from the donor engine, S52 flywheel/clutch setup and getrag 250.

Okay, let me rephrase. The 01/02 Z3M flywheel is the only dual mass flywheel available in the United States that is specifically calibrated to match the S54 & euro S50's torque curve and resonant vibration characteristics. A non-S54 (or euro S50) dual mass flywheel used with a S54 will not effectively absorb resonant engine vibrations and may overload because the S54 generates more torque and horsepower than the non-S54 flywheel was designed for, causing it to excessively slip, overheat, and burn up. Therefore, your only safe alternative is a solid (single) mass flywheel.

[butters]

Okay, let me rephrase. The 01/02 Z3M flywheel is the only dual mass flywheel available in the United States that is specifically calibrated to match the S54 & euro S50's torque curve and resonant vibration characteristics.

this is the type of detail I love. you need to do a writeup of your swap, for science!

but I am curious re: oil pump difference.

[nando]

Okay, let me rephrase. The 01/02 Z3M flywheel is the only dual mass flywheel available in the United States that is specifically calibrated to match the S54 & euro S50's torque curve and resonant vibration characteristics. A non-S54 (or euro S50) dual mass flywheel used with a S54 will not effectively absorb resonant engine vibrations and may overload because the S54 generates more torque and horsepower than the non-S54 flywheel was designed for, causing it to excessively slip, overheat, and burn up. Therefore, your only safe alternative is a solid (single) mass flywheel.

I won't argue about engine resonance, but clutches are rated by torque holding capacity, not by horsepower. the S54 doesn't actually make a whole lot more torque than an S52B32 E36 motor (~270ft/lbs vs ~240). there are probably stock/bolt on E36 M3s running more torque than that without any trouble.

also, an aftermarket single mass flywheel probably isn't designed specifically for the resonance of an S54, either.

[Andrew325is]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew325is
use a [] euro S50b30 oil pump (the S54 is just a revision of that engine),


What's the difference between a euro S50B30 pump and one from a US motor?

Absolutely nothing except for the sprocket. :) If you have a M50 pump just make sure you stick the euro S50/S54 sprocket on it. Part #11411317284.

Quote:
use an E46 M3 rad

Any mods required, or does it pretty much fit right in?

You just have to cut & bend the lower rad brackets on the E30 out of the way and make your own lower brackets to hold the rad. We used L shaped pieces of aluminum with wood blocks. On top I used the stock E30 holder, except my friend cut out little pieces of wood to stick in there to hold it more snugly.

Quote:
-You'll have to make your own brackets for most everything under the hood.

For what specifically? I won't do hydroboost so I'm guessing you're talking about the coolant expansion tank? what else?

Hmm, yeah hydroboost for sure, air filter, coolant expansion tank, brake fluid expansion tank, fuel filter with fuel pressure regulator, the rad as said before. I guess that's about it. I ordered the bracket from BMW that goes with the little oem clutch fluid reservoir. And reused the bracket for the charcoal canister. It went up between the brake booster and the fuse box bolted onto one of the 4 brake booster bolts.

Why couldn't you use the starter from a ZF310/320?

BMW lists starter with part # 12417835735 for use with all S54 powered cars so when building my parts collection that's the one I ordered. As DesertBMW has pointed out, I suppose you could use a different one as long as it matches the teeth on the flywheel you are using.

Quote:
-The E46 M3's power steering pump can be used with the E34 pan but you'll have to grind some metal off the port the lower hose goes on.

Is it the front sump thing that it hits or somewhere else? This probably doesn't apply to me but I'm curious.

Yeah the top of front sump that sticks out.

Quote:
-Use the X60004 connector from a SMG or automatic E46/E39 etc and reroute the wires for your wiring. Solder everything; don't crimp and use heat-shrink tubing for professional looking work.

why does the X6004 need extended but not the X6001, 002, 003?

also the connectors aren't that expensive and you can buy the pins in bulk from an electronics supplier, and crimp them like stock.

Because wiring harnesses from a car with a manual transmission do not have a X60004 connector. Those functions that WDS lists for that connector must go through CANbus normally. You can leave the others alone for the most part except for the fuel pump relay that goes to X60002 #11 on USA E46 M3 MSS54 ECU's (X60004 # 10 on Euro MSS54 ECU's). And don't forget to wire up your own relay for the fuel pump because its not in the engine harness (its back by the fuel pump on the E46). Yeah, the pins are not expensive. I bought lots of them from BMW. But it was convenient to also use wire I already had as I had a spare SMG harness.

Quote:
-Use fuel hoses with high pressure connectors (like the E46 M3's) or you'll probably start spraying fuel everywhere. ;-)

Did you use E46 M3 fuel hoses and connectors from the tank all the way to the FPR?

No, I used regular 8mm fuel hose with hose clamps. But after about 10 minutes after the new owner of the car took off in it he called me because one of fuel hoses came off and leaked gas everywhere. It was in a hard spot to get to so it was a real PITA getting it tightened up in a McDonald's parking lot in the dark. So I recommend using quick connect hose like on the E46. :) It's kind of funny I drove the car 4500 miles without a problem. I guess the car was real sad it wouldn't see me again. :..(

[Wanganstyle]

Okay, let me rephrase. The 01/02 Z3M flywheel is the only dual mass flywheel available in the United States that is specifically calibrated to match the S54 & euro S50's torque curve and resonant vibration characteristics. A non-S54 (or euro S50) dual mass flywheel used with a S54 will not effectively absorb resonant engine vibrations and may overload because the S54 generates more torque and horsepower than the non-S54 flywheel was designed for, causing it to excessively slip, overheat, and burn up. Therefore, your only safe alternative is a solid (single) mass flywheel.

You forgot a few options:


The Z4M (S54 car) uses a ZF 6 speed transmission with a Flywheel that has a needle bearing pilot inside it (not in the crankshaft like older cars)

This flywheel (with its 6 speed) is also a native S54 option; its lighter than the e46M unit


The S52 dual mass flywheel also works very well with S54. I used the S52 Dual mass and clutch and 5 speed back in the 2009 with my S54 swap.


S52 flywheel is 22lbs and dual mass, the USA only S52 clutch kit is the same PN as S50b32 euro and can take S54 power all day long. Same with the S52 flywheel if it is new.

The Original BMW USA spec S52 OEM Dual mass+Clutch kit can handle a bolt on modified a Alpha N standalone S54B32 @ 8,400RPM in 4th gear pushing a E36 M3 (full street weight). S54 in bolt on naturally aspirated form does not make enough torque to overcome the original S52 clutch in 4th gear loaded pushing wind @ ~140mph.

My fuel experience:

I mounted the 5.0 bar FPR and original e46M S54 fuel filter under the car.

I used the original S54 relay to power the fuel pump, and fed the S54 return less 5.0 bar fuel rail with conventional rubber fuel line with hose clamps (factory BMW clamps). This did not come loose over time; I would not suggest re-use of plastic hose dis-connects of S52 or s54.

[Andrew325is]

If you don't already have one, I highly recommend getting an awesome Stripmaster wire stripper like # 45-292. It makes wiring work fun. :)

http://www.lowes.com/pd_34029-12704-45-292_0

[Andrew325is]

You forgot a few options:


The Z4M (S54 car) uses a ZF 6 speed transmission with a Flywheel that has a needle bearing pilot inside it (not in the crankshaft like older cars)

This flywheel (with its 6 speed) is also a native S54 option; its lighter than the e46M unit


The S52 dual mass flywheel also works very well with S54. I used the S52 Dual mass and clutch and 5 speed back in the 2009 with my S54 swap.

Realoem lists the Z4M flywheel as the same part as the E46 M3 flywheel. Part # 21212229900. You can't use that flywheel with the 5 speed transmission because of the different sized input shaft. I was referring to a flywheel you can use with the ZF310/320 transmission that is a perfect match for the S54 that will give you the beautifully refined driving experience BMW intended. I used the S52 clutch as well from the S54 Z3M. Same clutch.

[Wanganstyle]

Realoem lists the Z4M flywheel as the same part as the E46 M3 flywheel. Part # 21212229900. You can't use that flywheel with the 5 speed transmission because of the different sized input shaft. I was referring to a flywheel you can use with the ZF310/320 transmission that is a perfect match for the S54 that will give you the beautifully refined driving experience BMW intended. I used the S52 clutch as well from the S54 Z3M. Same clutch.

ZF 6 speed change of imput bearing to flywheel is stated above.
6 speed transmission fits perfect in a e30; with original m20 engine OR S54 install.

if one can afford the S54 swap than a 6 speed install should also be considered.

I used a S52 complete dual mass and clutch kit with original S52 ZF SG320 5 speed back in 2009 when I did my S54 swap. Works perfectly and all parts are USA common items

[E30Strube]

I mounted my fuel filter (one of the Summit inline ones) and the stock FPR on a L bracket mounted to the driver side motor mount, just next to the PS reservoir. For ease, I would recommend going with the modded pan/subframe that the guy here on R3v provides. To clean things up, I mounted the stock charcoal canister in the driver side fender and plumbed it in using off the shelf hose. The stock E30 coolant reservoir can be mounted in the battery tray using a custom bracket. I used some random coolant hose from BMW to plumb it in. A E36 M3 radiator (I have a Mishimoto) can be used, but you will need to raise it a bit from the stock L brackets on the bottom. I used washers and the stock rubber isolators. For oil cooler, I have a Setrab unit mounted on custom brackets. You will also need a fuel pump solution. I kept the stock in tank unit and used a Walbro in the stock location in front of the driver side rear wheel.

[nando]

You will also need a fuel pump solution. I kept the stock in tank unit and used a Walbro in the stock location in front of the driver side rear wheel.

do you have standalone? did you use the E46 M3 PWM relay?

FWIW, the stock E46 M3 pump pretty much drops straight into the E30's FP carrier (late model, both 4 and 6 cyl). I'm not a fan of Walbro, but either way the stock M3 pump should work well, and you can get them pretty inexpensively.

Even a new stock E30 pump would probably be good enough, but it might not live as long since the S54 runs on 5 bars of fuel pressure instead of 3. It would probably be worth researching when the turbo guys are maxing out the stock E30 pumps.

I also think the PWM relay is worth keeping, should extend the pump's life as well as keeping things quieter.

[Andrew325is]

I used a Deatschwerks DW300 fuel pump. I was sold on the 3 year no fault warranty.

http://www.deatschwerks.com/products/fuel-pumps/dw300

It looks like there's some new high flow Walbros on the market now too. Not sure about their warranty though.

http://www.full-race.com/store/fuel-systems/fuel-pumps/walbro-400lph.html

http://www.lethalperformance.com/walbro-465-lph-high-pressure-fuel-pump.html