S54 vs S50???????

[Luis325]

What would you guys do?
Have both engines available but not shure which one is better for a track e30?

Help me decide!
Thanks

[e30s50dan]

You do the S50

Sell me the S54!!


Cheap :):)

[Lof8]

I can't imagine a scenario where the s50 would be the better choice. s54 all day.

[Fernflex]

Whats better:

S50 modified (11:1 pistons, header, cams, ecu, intake, injectors, FPR)

Or

S54 (Intake, ecu, headers)?

What about the weight difference from one engine to the other, isn't that going to affect the performance of the car?

[CrusherCurtis]

333 NA a man can only dream

[5KWattson]

not being too much of a dick but why is this even a question, the weight is less, the HP is greater, the TQ curve is better, the sound is intoxicating. the only real issue would be price i would think the S54 would require a bit more vs the S50 to make it run in an E30 chassis

[trackjunkie21]

Don't forget the maintenance.

[Wh33lhop]

not being too much of a dick but why is this even a question, the weight is less, the HP is greater, the TQ curve is better, the sound is intoxicating. the only real issue would be price i would think the S54 would require a bit more vs the S50 to make it run in an E30 chassis

Weight is NOT less. S54 is still an iron block and has some extra goodies (ITBs) to haul around. Regardless, the S54 is the (much) better, more advanced engine which would be much more of a hoot on a track. With boltons and a tune you can easily surpass 300whp with a powerband that starts at 3k or so and extends to above 8.

On the other hand, the S50 is definitely easier and cheaper to purchase, swap, and maintain. So you'll have to pick your poison: performance or practicality?

[CrusherCurtis]

The real question is are you willing/do you have funds/ability to complete the swap. If so we'll all be tuned in for a build thread. GL

[Luis325]

Guys the engine is for Fernflex.. He bought it today really cheap.
He has the funds... He has the time to do it...
Hes just a gay mother fucker that was thinking about trading it for an S50.... Lol

From the looks of his text messages hes keeping the s54 hahaha
This is going to be fun!

[Fernflex]

I have both engines Im just afraid of the extra weight the S54 is going to put on my e30 thats why Im considering using instead the S50 on my car.

[Delraco]

Without a doubt, you should put both engines in your friend's car. It won't quite double the HP but it'll be close!

[VinniE30]

First, are you talking about the euro s50 or US s50?
If you're talking about the US s50 then why wouldn't you be comparing the s54 to the US s52 at least rather than the s50?

What about the weight difference from one engine to the other, isn't that going to affect the performance of the car?

Weight is NOT less. S54 is still an iron block and has some extra goodies (ITBs) to haul around.

I have both engines Im just afraid of the extra weight the S54 is going to put on my e30 thats why Im considering using instead the S50 on my car.

The s54 is the second heaviest of bmw's 24v engines, second to the euro s50. So the s54 is heavier than the US s50.
See my engine weights guide here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=233682

[nando]

I have both engines Im just afraid of the extra weight the S54 is going to put on my e30 thats why Im considering using instead the S50 on my car.

dude, you'll have over 100hp more than the S50, and a flatter torque curve to boot. I wouldn't worry much about the little extra weight.

[Fernflex]

dude, you'll have over 100hp more than the S50, and a flatter torque curve to boot. I wouldn't worry much about the little extra weight.

Im not worried about the extra weight, Im worried about the weight distribution and how is going to be affected by the extra weight in the front of the car.