M62 vs S54

[Jon325i]

S62 is too much $$$, only two choices are M60/62 or S54 as both provide more than enough HP w/o going with FI (PITA in CA).

Currently my car appears to be competitive in the current config, BUT as with anything else it comes to racing comes time when you need go with more tire/hp to keep up with other cars.

El-Ess-Wun ;-)

[Jean]

^ not legal in SM

[Danny]

^ not legal in SM

+1. That would put you in XP.

[Wh33lhop]

El-Ess-Wun ;-)

The OP states that the Ellis Juan is not an option. (edit: waay late on this revelation)

I'd probably want to go with the S54 due to more area under the curve (and 8000rpm) but the M62 might be a bit quicker autocrossing due to the likely better weight distribution and the power delivery characteristics.

Regarding torque, well yeah the M62's obviously going to put out more brute force, but if you take into account the gearing advantage that the S54 makes possible (2000 more rpm to play with) it is not so bad. The M62 is going to be a little quicker than its peak hp number suggests, but the s54 will still obviously be the quicker motor when you get some room to stretch its legs.

[erik325i]

no euro engines = can't bar it.

You're really that set on having it BAR'd?
As you may have guessed, my vote goes to the Euro motor. I'm getting ready to start on my third Euro swap.

Erik

[Jean]

Yes, it's not a big deal really, and makes most sense since it's driven on the road to the events etc. Plus, why would I want a more expensive motor with almost the same power as more available m62/s54?? To me that doesn't make any sense. I don't care about the bling.

[ColdAccord]

i'm trying to decide between euro s50b32 and s54. cost is about the same. would like to graduate from s50/s52 swaps to the next (faster) level. by the way I have 3 s5x e30's for sale lol

[Wh33lhop]

I'd like to see a dyno comparison between the s54 and the s50b32.

[LowR3V'in]

Well I keep seeing a ton of bmw v8s in the junkyard now a days so
based on that, get the v8.

Have you thought about the v12?

[Wh33lhop]

Have you thought about the v12?

M70/72/whatever is too damn big to be useful in small chassis like the E30. A V8 would be better suited for the job, as well as make close to the same power.

[LowR3V'in]

yeah I think they're pretty shitty too. :P
Boosted m30 is all you need.

[Ray Smoodiver]

S50B32 isn't even in the same league as the S54. Don't even mention it in the same thread.

[dude8383]

S50B32 isn't even in the same league as the S54. Don't even mention it in the same thread.

Truth, you speakith it.

[Jean]

v12 are a waste of effort imho.... and boost is not in option in CA that's why i narrowed it down to two choices :)

Couple benefits I see to s54 over m60/2 - no need to lower front subframe, no need to relocate mc/booster hardware to the very front of the car. Longer rpm range, cheaper tranny, ITB, newer, lower mileage choices, mechanically almost a bolt in swap.

I hate to say it but on paper s54 looks better.... no?

[Danny]

Carb legal 745i setup with an MBC seems smart to me.