S54 swap questions and concerns

[jink0619]

My swap took a step back because I had the flywheel machined and turns out it's not an s52 flywheel, didn't bolt up to the clutch kit.

[WannaBe30]

S54 swap questions and concerns

I have the part numbers on those rod bearings
I have them new sitting in the box waiting install.

Will post up in the morning

[jink0619]

Questions for the experienced:

For the e30 temp gauge, where do I put the e30 temp sensor?

Which trans cover plate do I use? The thin metal plate that goes between the trans and engine*

What are my clutch and fan options that would fit?

I have both e30m3 and e46m3 coolant resorvior which is better to use?

I have both e30m3 and e46m3 oil cooler which is better to use?

Thanks in advance

[jink0619]

If you go 6spd, you'll just need to find a auto driveshalf from an e36m3

i decided to go ZF cause it's cheaper and easier to source one if it was to ever break.

[G FORCE]

Consider this, your s14 still running will basically pay for an s54 swap.

That's a great list, thanks a bunch for that.

I often contemplate the idea of the swap. It would certainly be better to do it proactively than re-actively in terms of value/cost!

Question: was it not easy to implement the 6speed from the E46 or did you just choose to stick with the 5speed?

[jink0619]

Sub'd. If my S14 ever craps out I'm going S54.

Consider this, your s14 still running will basically pay for an s54 swap.

[jink0619]

Still need to figure out what I'm going to do with oil cooler lines and oil return line. Motor should be ready to drop in soon as I get the header, then just finish everything up from there.

[jink0619]

List of parts I'm using so far, I'll keep this list updated for anyone who wants info for this swap.

-engine
02 s54
E46m3 harness and ecu
Andrew's harness adapter
E46 electronic gas pedal
E46 FPR and fuel filter
Tyler@Arc Asylum custom subframe and oil pan
E36 engine arms
E28 engine(green)mounts
Ebay headers
E30 oil cooler

-Trans
96 ZF320
S52 duel mass flywheel
S52 clutch kit
E36 5spd driveshalf
E36 clutch slave cylinder
E30 trans brace
E30 trans mounts
3.46 diff or lower *I'm still searching for one

-Brakes
E32 735i booster
remote reservoir from a 2002
*havnt tested for fitment yet

-Cooling
E46m3 Radiator
E30m3 coolant tank
*im not a fan of electric fans so looking for clutch/fan options that will fit*

I've replaced the waterpump/t-stat, oil housing gasket, valve and pan gasket.

[G FORCE]

Sub'd. If my S14 ever craps out I'm going S54.

[The Dark Side of Will]

ditching the stock headers option after hearing about ur low end problems with them

There aren't problems with the stock headers... it's just that the X-pipe/Merge pipe is not in the correct location. This is something that's made for the swap, so it's a swap issue, not a stock headers issue.

[jink0619]

Got some goodies today, a step closer towards the finish line.

[jink0619]

I would replace the rod bearings for sure, it's crazy not to if you already have the oil pan off. There are superceded part numbers for the old ones. I can try to dig up the part numbers on the ones I got.

The post-cat o2 sensors will be disabled. One word of advice, don't switch the pre-cat o2's! The harness can be misleading, my #2 plug was labeled #1. There is a detailed chart on m3forums showing the shape of the plug and which header it corresponds with, look at that before you put the motor in.

I made sure to label the O2s after reading ur swap thread, actually I made sure to label everything haha. Thanks for the info

[nando]

Yeah i turn off the rear O2s. As far as the computer cares, they never existed.

[Jb325is]

I would replace the rod bearings for sure, it's crazy not to if you already have the oil pan off. There are superceded part numbers for the old ones. I can try to dig up the part numbers on the ones I got.

The post-cat o2 sensors will be disabled. One word of advice, don't switch the pre-cat o2's! The harness can be misleading, my #2 plug was labeled #1. There is a detailed chart on m3forums showing the shape of the plug and which header it corresponds with, look at that before you put the motor in.

[jink0619]

To answer some previous questions..I run the stock U.S E46 M3 headers with chopped cats. Low end power is not to my liking currently because the merge is too close to the headers. Trial and Error right! I run the X pipe and have 2.5 piping all the way. I have (2) Magnaflow resonators to keep her quiet.

I have VAC UD pulleys and DINAN high-flow ITB with the stock airbox, BIMMERWORLD silicone boot and ECIS (KN63) filter. The car dyno tuned 330+ constantly and the final run and flashed tune is a 340rwp/277 tq. The car is set at a 7800rpm rev-limiter because im a waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles. Randy wanted me to go north 8200+ but ...I haven't replaced the rod bearings and Im not that loco. The car was still making power at 7600+.

OT: I run the 2.93 so I can run with my friends GTR and neighbor's 997 TT. Plain and simple.
I walked a stg 2 AA E46 M3 vert at the toys for tots event last sunday like a puppy dog. It was marvelous to see the guys face wearing a Santa hat. He couldn't even smell me. I've pulled on faster cars but this kill was the most recent. The 997TT starts to catch up at 130 but I gave him a beating. N/A power! All day everyday!

OP good luck! E30 S54 is fun fun fun x 100 with the right tune.

Wow, that's amazing powa! I had an s52 swapped car so can imagine how exciting this experience would be like, hoping for first drive to be somewhat comparable to my first piece of ass, just blast.....! feeling good about me. Anyways back to reality haha, waiting on parts to come in, clutch kit, waterpump, T-stat, oil pan gasket, bolts and drive belt from BMW, picking up flywheel from machine shop tomr. So I planned on replacing the rod bearings although the motor has had it done twice under recall, but BMW doesn't sell the bearing kit anymore, said they can sell me the original caps that were recalled...whaaaaaa!?! Umm no thanks lol, so just gonna leave it alone.

Question: ditching the stock headers option after hearing about ur low end problems with them, so will be going with ebay headers and my question is what do u do with all 4 o2 sensors? are they all used or what? Btw...nice kill!