E30Rossi's Full Build - Overhaul - 5 Lug - Bay Shave - M54 Swap (Pic Heavy)

[E30Rossi]

Used the S54 FPR Housing, with M54 FPR and Vibrant Fitting (#11412) M12x1.5 to 5/16 Barb to join to stock fuel lines


Installed, with the OEM quick disconnect line from the M54. Need to find a nicer solution to prevent the line from rubbing on the paint but this will work for now


Can't wait to feel steering with no loose in it!


After test fitting the strut bar, I realized the proportioning valve had to be moved because it was interfering.
Had to reroute the lines. Limited on placement and fed up of making lines but this will work!


Gave the engine bay a quick clean-up since it was getting nasty with the dust in the shop

[E30Rossi]

Yeah plastic media is good to clean without damaging anything but sand & glass will leave a nice surface finish

Yeah that's the thing. At the shop I'm working at, I have access to the machines on the weekend but I can't change the media that's in it. So I deal with what I have since it's there and free to use 😂

[Gtfour]

I blasted everything with plastic media but it's not as abrasive as sand or glass. Most things come out nice but I didn't want to risk putting the block or head in there😂

Yeah plastic media is good to clean without damaging anything but sand & glass will leave a nice surface finish

[E30Rossi]

On aluminum parts, I like to do glass bead blasting. Had one of my E46 M3 diff cover blasted with glass beads and it looks like new or better. You can also do soda blast or even sand blast with higher grit.

I blasted everything with plastic media but it's not as abrasive as sand or glass. Most things come out nice but I didn't want to risk putting the block or head in there😂

[Gtfour]

On aluminum parts, I like to do glass bead blasting. Had one of my E46 M3 diff cover blasted with glass beads and it looks like new or better. You can also do soda blast or even sand blast with higher grit.

[E30Rossi]

Man that looks clean!
What paint did you use on the aluminum, and what was the prep like?

I didn't do anything beyond degreasing the raw aluminum on my build and it doesn't look anywhere near as nice as yours!

I degreased it all and it was pretty clean but as I put my new parts next to it I couldn't help myself hahha! Just a quick sand and hit it with the good old Dupli-Color Engine Enamel (Aluminum Color)

[getouth]

Sub'd

[Panici]

Man that looks clean!
What paint did you use on the aluminum, and what was the prep like?

I didn't do anything beyond degreasing the raw aluminum on my build and it doesn't look anywhere near as nice as yours!

[E30Rossi]

Looks so good! Makes me want to use a 24V as a base for my turbo build instead of my m20. Maybe one day!

Thanks man! It might sound stupid but at first I definitely chose m5x because I like how it looks in the engine bay way more than an m20. Of course it has it's other benefits too

[Cairn]

Looks so good! Makes me want to use a 24V as a base for my turbo build instead of my m20. Maybe one day!

[E30Rossi]

Mocked up manifold with TB and intake


it's coming!!


Looking so complete now! Not much left to go


Even put some wiring back on



Received some goodies today, piecing together my catch can setup with only the best Vibrant parts

[E30Rossi]

Dreaming of how this is gonna look!



M54 Throttle Body gets a coat of paint!


M50 Manifold painted with SEM trimblack
Mocking up fuel rail with brackets


New gasket


M50 Manifold to M54 Throttle Body adapter
Very nice piece from Bimmertune

[E30Rossi]

Been looking for a medium case LSD diff for months and this is the first one I actually found local so I picked it up.
Going to need a LOT of love before it even goes near my car.
If I don't find another one in the next weeks, I'll be giving this a refresh


Bolts caps and fan clutch delete nut installed
Can't believe this is an OEM BMW part!



can't stop staring at this thing!



Valve cover fully installed with refreshed hardware!


Oil pan torqued with new Elring gasket like everything else

[E30Rossi]

Belt tensioner, idler pulley, alternator installed
just missing the power steering pump bracket to be able to install the pump and belt!





Oil Pump Nut welded on

[E30Rossi]

Oil Filter Housing gets a coat obviously


Matches the engine, we can move on!




Starting to look pretty complete


Next up!