M54. Let the foolishness begin.

[Dozyproductions]

Major kudos in answering my questions.

Lovely to see these being in the same price category as s52's. Fantastic.

[hoveringuy]

I honestly don't like the idea of an s54 in an e30 for the weight alone. I'm familiar with the arguments against that perspective but I'd ideally I'd rather have the numbers from an m54 for a four banger but the m54 will do ;)

Being able to rev up to 6500 without a sweat would lessen some concern with this swap. Then again I don't know how it feels to drive an m54 e30 so judgement will have to wait :)

Are you saying the ATI damper is mainly worth it to counteract the added vibrations from the shrick cams? As in stock form the damper isn't necessary? Is the OPS problem from people who track these engines near 7k rpm or do engines seeing mainly DD also experience this? Or did I just misunderstand you lol.

I think it's mainly people that track their cars and sustain 7000 rpms. I don't think the harmonics have a chance to develop when the rpms are constantly rising and falling as in spirited street driving, but the damage accumulates over time when the conditions are right. I haven't heard of many (if any..) street-driven motors sheering the shaft.

I hear that besides peace of mind the ATI damper makes the engine much smoother throughout the rev band so I think it would be worth it.

[Dozyproductions]

I honestly don't like the idea of an s54 in an e30 for the weight alone. I'm familiar with the arguments against that perspective but I'd ideally I'd rather have the numbers from an m54 for a four banger but the m54 will do ;)

Being able to rev up to 6500 without a sweat would lessen some concern with this swap. Then again I don't know how it feels to drive an m54 e30 so judgement will have to wait :)

Are you saying the ATI damper is mainly worth it to counteract the added vibrations from the shrick cams? As in stock form the damper isn't necessary? Is the OPS problem from people who track these engines near 7k rpm or do engines seeing mainly DD also experience this? Or did I just misunderstand you lol.

[hoveringuy]

it seems like these guys get the ati damper, s54 chain tensioner, and shrick cams to subdue the harmonics considerably.

The ATI damper is really nice. It's designed differently in how it drives the accesories which lets it really do its job. I don't think anybody understands exactly where the harmonics are coming from, except there's clear evidence in broken oil pump shafts that sustained revs somewhere over 6000 are bad.

I don't have any mods besides ZHP cams (which are very mild) and have my rev limiter set to 6200. My power starts to drop over 6000 so the only reason to guard against harmonics would be in company with the Shrick cams which move peak power to the right.

I've always thought if you were really interested in reliable, high-RPM power then you're better off just getting an S54...

[Dozyproductions]

Hoveringuy, thanks again for making such a thread. So with some research on e46fanatics it seems like these guys get the ati damper, s54 chain tensioner, and shrick cams to subdue the harmonics considerably. I don't have the time to read through the entire thread so if you don't mind answering this possibly for the millionth time; have you done all of these for your engine and what other aftermarket parts or oem upgrades do you suggest to be able to increase high rpm reliability?


This engine seems like it's the perfect upgrade. Perhaps you might get easily too used to the HP numbers it cranks out but the smile factor achieved from the weight savings in the front would probably solve that issue. After all that's the entire point of the e30 no!? ;) Inspiring stuff the say the least.

[hoveringuy]

thoughts?

I'd like a supercharger on my M54!

(and that's a good price for that motor if it's a 3.0)

[bigdrick323]

Theres a m54 engine with no reported problems for sale for 500, thoughts?

"Came here expecting rape van, left disappointed."

[Dirtboy]

That's some damn fine work you've done there sir!

I've always wondered what it would be like to put my m54 from my e46 into my e30. I've got the ESS TS2+ supercharger on the m54...

Dyno from ESS:

[hoveringuy]

See the M54-S50-S52 dyno comparo a few posts back. I will say it as often as anyone cares to listen, the m54 makes TORQUE! It trumps the S motors up to around 4000 rpms and then runs out of breath.

For a daily-driven street car like mine it makes sense. The light nose is just delightful.

For a track car, I'd get an S50/S52/S54, no question.

and yes, my econo-gauge works perfectly!

[VinniE30]

Forget having an s54 forcing the e30 chassis to lug its massive weight around like a fat lard riding a tricycle. 265HP out of a N/A engine that weighs two 15lbs dumbells more than a stock m20 is...... Unbelievable...

The M54 weighs less than the M20.
Otherwise, I agree, light weight, especially in the front of a car is what makes a car fun, power is important too but an m54 already makes more than enough power, and really great low-rpm power with DISA too.

[nando]

the only OBC function that relies on the engine is MPG and econometer, but I'm sure steve has them working as he's the guy who makes the OBC correction circuit. :)

[JinormusJ]

This build is the epitome of badassery

Forget having an s54 forcing the e30 chassis to lug its massive weight around like a fat lard riding a tricycle. 265HP out of a N/A engine that weighs two 15lbs dumbells more than a stock m20 is...... Unbelievable...


Almost like the m54 was made with the e30 in mind. I have you subbed and bookmarked sir, and will definitely be referencing you (hopefully) in the future

Kinda curious as well as to how all the OBC sensors function after the swap readin the m54 performance; MPG, average MPH, etc. Econogauge and everything still reading right?

[moatilliatta]

Any luck out there yet with unlocking the stock dme?

[hoveringuy]

hi can anyone help me im thinking ov coverting my e30 into m54 auto, i dont have much skills in converting looms and ecu's was wondering if icould use the complete loom as i have the full donor car

At some point you'll need to integrate e30 wiring with e46; I'm sure it might be possible to use the e46 loom but if you don't have the skill to convert looms you probably can't do it.

[dickos330]

hi can anyone help me im thinking ov coverting my e30 into m54 auto, i dont have much skills in converting looms and ecu's was wondering if icould use the complete loom as i have the full donor car