S54 swap?

[Mike B.]

Looks pretty sweet! :D

I notice there's some welding done to the plenum--this looks like it might have been done while you were futzing around with different brake booster combos, because this v2.0 prototype looks like it clears no problem! Did you decide on dual 7/8" MCs for front and rear?

Thanks for your input guys, I'm seriously mulling this one over! I figure it'd be easiest to drop in an S50B30 (like, the real one) over the winter and call it a day, but an idle mind is the devil's playground...

The mechanical part is no problem, but the EMS is a little intimidating. I know I could just go with evosport's AEM system, as it requires wiring the bare harness to a dozen or so of the stock S54 sensors, getting their mechanical throttle and Vanos blockoff plate.

I have no qualms with not running Vanos. I figure if it can be enabled, though, I might as well take advantage of it and avoid having to buy $550 worth of nonadjustable cam gears and a blockoff plate.

I am using 3/4th (19mm) masters for the E30M3 brakes installed on the car. It's a pretty firm pedal because the pedal ratio is around 4:1, but it will be very nice for the track. The 7/8th masters in the picture above are installed on another car.

EMS install is pretty straight forward and can be done DIY with sucess, but the tuning is better left to a shop with a good dyno operator. I can't stress this enough. I've done quite a few Porshe 911 EFI conversions and the tuning portion is crucial. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of money on dyno time.

[Jason89i]

fred - i too have been contemplating this for a good daily driver. i just dont have any time this winter.

dont forget about the oil pan. not sure if it can (or is even a good idea) to be swapped with the e34 lump. i have been exploring the possibilities of using a different method to keep the s54 oil pan / pump. (would also work on the s50's to keep the dual sump.) no conclusive answers.

mike - nice work on the dual master. looks awesome.

cheers, jason

[FredK]

Here is a pic of the v2.0 prototype. The final version will be a bit more polished looking, but you get the idea.

Looks pretty sweet! :D

I notice there's some welding done to the plenum--this looks like it might have been done while you were futzing around with different brake booster combos, because this v2.0 prototype looks like it clears no problem! Did you decide on dual 7/8" MCs for front and rear?

Thanks for your input guys, I'm seriously mulling this one over! I figure it'd be easiest to drop in an S50B30 (like, the real one) over the winter and call it a day, but an idle mind is the devil's playground...

The mechanical part is no problem, but the EMS is a little intimidating. I know I could just go with evosport's AEM system, as it requires wiring the bare harness to a dozen or so of the stock S54 sensors, getting their mechanical throttle and Vanos blockoff plate.

I have no qualms with not running Vanos. I figure if it can be enabled, though, I might as well take advantage of it and avoid having to buy $550 worth of nonadjustable cam gears and a blockoff plate.

[Mike B.]

Nope.

Master cylinder size is spec'd to accomodate this.

[Teaguer]

Here is a pic of the v2.0 prototype.

So theres no power assist then ?

[Mike B.]

How much, Mike?

I am still trying to finalize some details... Steel v. Alum., include masters or not, include fittings, etc...

I'm not sure how much of a market these would have, so I'll probably make these on an 'as needed' basis.

[BeirBrennerE30]

I haven't seen the ETM for the S54's, so I can't comment. But if I'm going aftermarket gauges, the only C101 connections that I would really need would be the starter/alt, so why not bypass it all together?

yoru right, if you plan on ditching the oem stuff you really doesnt need c101

[matt]

How much, Mike?

[Mike B.]

why would you bypass c101 when it only takes liek 15 connections to get everything to work like stock. C101 isnt the issue its the ems. and AEM does do dual vanos if you want it too. this is the route i am goin.

I haven't seen the ETM for the S54's, so I can't comment. But if I'm going aftermarket gauges, the only C101 connections that I would really need would be the starter/alt, so why not bypass it all together?

[Mike B.]

Here is a pic of the v2.0 prototype. The final version will be a bit more polished looking, but you get the idea.

[BeirBrennerE30]

Looking back I would probably go S54 w/ Motec engine management and aftermarket gauges. Essentially bypass the C101 connection altogether.

BTW I have a nice solution for the brake booster issue. v2.0 is weather tight and fits in a nice small package (4x4x6.125). No fitment issues with the euro 3.2 intake, so I assume it would be fine with the S54 intake.

Do it, Fred, do it... Cave in to the peer pressure...

pics of said booster solution???

why would you bypass c101 when it only takes liek 15 connections to get everything to work like stock. C101 isnt the issue its the ems. and AEM does do dual vanos if you want it too. this is the route i am goin.

[matt]

MS4

And Motec, EFI Tech, etc... but has anyone actually used one on an S54? (besides pro racers using motec)

[backtrail69]

Autronic can do dual vanos control. That is what Dom bought for his s50b32 swap.

[LINUS]

not worth it, for that much $ you could have a reliable boosted s50/2 putting down way more power, with much less of a head ache...s54 is overrated just like the new v8 m3

No. by the time you add the manifold pressure, you are at a dead even level of $$$, or so close it's splitting hairs.

Now realize you have non-boost reliabilty, and the option to boost down the line if you feel the need, and I'd call a S54 a winner too.

Sadly, like already stated - the "spoonfed" type info isn't out there yet - there's a level of uncertainty that might require some self ambition or a wallet to cover, but the ambition will work.

I wish I could be more help, the most I see was a Aussie & his buddies who had a couple S54's & 6-speeds, I think they post here.

[e30polak]

not worth it, for that much $ you could have a reliable boosted s50/2 putting down way more power, with much less of a head ache...s54 is overrated just like the new v8 m3