What engine (block/parts) are the same as the s38b36?

[adriver]

Im considering a turbo setup, and rebuild. I was curious what if any parts of the long block would be similar to anything else? Thanks. Yes, I tried searching with no luck.

[Craig S]

There are few if any that are interchangeable AFAIK.

You want to put a turbo on your S38? The hardest part is going to be finding an exhaust manifold I would think.

For the price of rebuilding your S38 and then adding a turbo you could probably sell your car and buy an E39 M5. :)

[skateparks]

For the price of rebuilding your S38 and then adding a turbo you could probably sell your car and buy an E39 M5. :)

Yea, like mine!!!

[MPD47]

Im considering a turbo setup, and rebuild. I was curious what if any parts of the long block would be similar to anything else? Thanks. Yes, I tried searching with no luck.
None. Well ok, you can use an M30 oil pan.

The closest thing is the M30, but it's not the same, and you cant use the DOHC head on it.

Ok you could, but you'd spend more in machine work to get it to work than you would buying an S38 block.

You're looking at custom everything in terms of manifolds and management. Search: bmwandreas

[adriver]

well, most likely im going to buy the same engine or a 3.8 and just rebuild that, Ive seen quite a few bolt up turbo kits for the m30, but you cant find anything for the s38. I dont really have any decent machinists or anyone to custom the manifolds. I tried PMing a couple of the sweden/scandanavian tuners Ive found to see if they would be able to make them, but no luck in returning any of my emails.

and sorry, but I could have bought an e39 m5, I just dont like how they look. The e34 is by far one of the best body styles of any car, any where!

Also, what about even the other s38 engines?

[Roderic E34T]

None. Well ok, you can use an M30 oil pan.

The closest thing is the M30, but it's not the same, and you cant use the DOHC head on it.

Ok you could, but you'd spend more in machine work to get it to work than you would buying an S38 block.

You're looking at custom everything in terms of manifolds and management. Search: bmwandreas

You can place the head of a S38 on a M30B35. And voila, you have a S38;)

[jrobbo]

You can place the head of a S38 on a M30B35. And voila, you have a S38;)

Yep, you just need to run an extra oil return pipe from the back of the S38 head back into the block somewhere, the S38 block has the return hole machined in under the number 5 exhaust port.

[MPD47]

You can place the head of a S38 on a M30B35. And voila, you have a S38;)
No, you cant. I have both in my garage right now and while based on the same design, they are different.

The block is different, the crank is different, the pistons are different, the rods are different, the head is different (and while it does bolt up to an M30, the oil and coolant passages are different and it will not function correctly and you WILL blow the motor). M30 =! S38.

[e24mpwr]

I've seen a Turbo S38 (and it is a beast) but it isn't something I'd recommend on a short budget. The only projects I've heard recently are ones in Europe, but...

[adriver]

I've seen a Turbo S38 (and it is a beast) but it isn't something I'd recommend on a short budget. The only projects I've heard recently are ones in Europe, but...

Maybe needs a seperate thread. But considering I just recently found out a buddy of mine does his own welding and has for some time. Hes never made an exhaust manifold, but is up for the challenge. Anyone Truly know what to expect. Ive seen <3k build ups, and Id like to think I have a decent budget for this. I understand theres not too many, and some dont want to share there experiances... discuss.

Its getting to the point, it would probably be worth it for me to hire someone to translate a few of those euro sites that I cant read.

[e24mpwr]

Hmm...there's a guy named Clay out of ATL that has an M6 with a Dinan turbo setup, and I think he keeps a pretty close eye on the world of turbo. He's over on the E24 board here occasionally (maybe the E30 M3 board too), so you might pop over there.

I'm no expert, but I'd think the parts alone would exceed $3K, and since I don't think anyone is still putting the right bits together you're going to be at risk for some trial and error. I think Dinan has a side-project putting an M635 back together they'd turbo'd some years back, but I doubt they're open to a new one. Wouldn't you need to lower the compression of the pretty high-strung S38?

[adriver]

Hmm...there's a guy named Clay out of ATL that has an M6 with a Dinan turbo setup, and I think he keeps a pretty close eye on the world of turbo. He's over on the E24 board here occasionally (maybe the E30 M3 board too), so you might pop over there.

I'm no expert, but I'd think the parts alone would exceed $3K, and since I don't think anyone is still putting the right bits together you're going to be at risk for some trial and error. I think Dinan has a side-project putting an M635 back together they'd turbo'd some years back, but I doubt they're open to a new one. Wouldn't you need to lower the compression of the pretty high-strung S38?


I was atleast planning on lowering it with a headgasket and ARP studs. Possibly using new cams, or even redoing the head completely. Im not looking for a 1K hp buildup, just something simple and reliable for daily. I would like to see 550hp or more if possible. I havent seen anyones actual budget for the buildups, but I will say I can budget more for a turbo buildup then I actually spent on the car, (although Id rather not if can be avoided).

[Craig S]

I would guess you'll spend roughly $25,000 on a rebuild, custom cams and custom turbo setup.

IMO, a huge waste of money unless you have a lot of disposable income. Just my opinion, if you really want it then it would be a fantastic car. I just don't see the payoff, personally.

[adriver]

I would guess you'll spend roughly $25,000 on a rebuild, custom cams and custom turbo setup.

IMO, a huge waste of money unless you have a lot of disposable income. Just my opinion, if you really want it then it would be a fantastic car. I just don't see the payoff, personally.

Well, I may as well stop this thread now. It turns out im not going to have all the extra money to throw into this, because Im not getting extended out in the desert after all. It was a nice idea, but Im thinkin a head rebuild (cams, gears, itbs, valves and lifters...) with tuning will be a nice setup, and will leave me with enough to not worry about being short finishing the rest of her.

[Craig S]

Cam gears make a big difference, a friend of mine just did them and should be hitting the dyno soon to verify/document the gains.