found a clean e46m3 motor

[325Projectz]

FredK is right.

[grapedrink]

This would be the most straight-forward approach. I know that an US spec S52B32 converted over to OBD I is good for something in the low 270bhp range. Do a little port work, add some cams, and the appropriate software and you will be past the 300bhp threshold. The end result wouldn't be as exotic as having six individual throttle-bodies but it will be more reliable and nearly as powerful as an S54 or euro-spec S52.

As for the SMG box thing, to me that seems to be just more headaches in the making....especially when trying to swap it into an E30. I'm more of purist....just give me 5 or 6 cogs to shift and three pedals on the floor ;-)

Jon

Yea and doing all of that only costs maybe $3k. You can spend the rest of the mony making it a 3.3 or 3.4l and blow the crap out of the S54. You are still ahead as you could have a running car by the end of a weekend.

[asubimmer]

Yea and doing all of that only costs maybe $3k. You can spend the rest of the mony making it a 3.3 or 3.4l and blow the crap out of the S54. You are still ahead as you could have a running car by the end of a weekend.

haha I know its blown by but thats just one of the reasons I think a s62 isn't worth it...but hey

[grapedrink]

I would get the head and intake system off the car and then PM me with how much you want to sell it for.

[James Crivellone]

The S54 is no more expensive to maintain than an S38, or a Euro S50. They all require the valves to eventually be adjusted, and the water pumps are pretty much universally expensive. The S54 uses fewer rubber cooling hoses, so you're saving some money there when you have to do a cooling system overhaul. All the other parts are pretty reasonable (like oil filters, spark plugs, etc.)

Also, you can go to a stealer for a part and they MIGHT just have it (probably not, but you never know...), but if not, they can turn around and order it and you won't have to wait days for the parts to come in. Also, they won't look at you like you have a dick growing out of your forehead. :D

I was mainly referring to the wiring side, although while I admit the S54 is a nice motor, I don't see the point in using it over a nice S38 in an E30.

[FredK]

Yeah, the wiring side is gonna be a bitch in comparison. But, to each their own. In any case, the potential swapper will have to consider, he is putting a $5-6000 motor into a $3000 car. :D

[tonytony]

I was in a hurry yesterday, but i'll go back and ask for the price and mileage for those that are curious, and tranny too. it's engine and tranny by the way if i didn't mention.

[Digitalwave]

Jon325i pretty much hit it on the head. For about the same price, and less effort, you could swap in an Euro S50 and you'd only be sacrificing 12hp.

[Axxe]

Jon325i pretty much hit it on the head. For about the same price, and less effort, you could swap in an Euro S50 and you'd only be sacrificing 12hp.

And a broader torque curve. Double Vanos is quite nice once you've ragged on it for a while, especially in a light, willing shell.

[Ray Smoodiver]

The S54 and the Euro S50B32 are both double vanos, so i'm guessing torque curves are about the same?

[DanGillan]

just to add...
noticed this over on s14.net