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Thread: E36 325is Turbo Build Route

  1. #1
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    E36 325is Turbo Build Route

    Hey guys, looking for a few routes on my E36 here.

    I have a 94 325is with 99k miles on it right now. Motor is 100% stock except intake and exhaust, it was setup for STX/DSP. Has F&R Subframe re-enforcements. TCK D/A Coil Overs. m3 axles, differential and trailing arms, m3 brakes...list goes on.

    It has the regular M50 in it right now but I also have a half built 2.9L stroker on my engine stand. M50 NV Block with a M54 Crank, rods & pistons. It is a short block as it sits, but I am not 100% confident in my engine building ability, I built it from the block up so far, laid crank, bearings rods rings etc.. in. Didn't gap the rings..couldn't find specs so left them as they were from the box? Is this correct?. Either way I have a fully machined NV head with double valve springs, new vanos unit and s50 cams should I decide to finish this engine.

    I want to turbo this car, but may just stick with the stock M50 that is in it for now. I am looking at the TCD turbo kit since Todd is a good friend of a friend, but open to investigating any options available. I have never welded before so would prefer an entire kit, but I am more than mechanically inclined enough to install it myself. I have done many head jobs and motor swaps. I don't think this would be any worse.

    Any words of wisdom and/or suggestions?
    M50 3.1L Stroker - TC Kline D/A

  2. #2
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    hmm. Rings need to be gapped. Always should be checking gap.
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  3. #3
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    I'm not sure on the m54 stuff. NV makes tuning a nightmare (unless tcd has something?)

    If you want to go with TCD contact todd and he can give you some good info on options.

    You can also consider:

    Mike radowski - maximum psi
    Mike and Matt - TRM
    Jon - CES motorsport
    Me - LukeG customs
    Luke
    03 330i

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by M3_MadBimmer View Post
    I'm not sure on the m54 stuff. NV makes tuning a nightmare (unless tcd has something?)

    If you want to go with TCD contact todd and he can give you some good info on options.

    You can also consider:

    Mike radowski - maximum psi
    Mike and Matt - TRM
    Jon - CES motorsport
    Me - LukeG customs
    There is also the stand-alone option for the nv...But you can always just put on a vanos head and use it in a vanos based platform (94 325is is vanos based)
    And definitely gap the rings to whatever spec u want to go with.if forced fo with forced specs from another manufacturer like wiseco...
    B.
    Last edited by djborya; 10-11-2010 at 08:19 PM.
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  5. #5
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    Just using NV head for that motor. It will have a vanos unit on there. NV head has +1mm larger valves and double valve springs.

    No big deal for me to pull pistons back out and re-gap just have to buy new rod bolts. Live and learn.

    I am more looking on what size turbo I should be looking for if i want to not switch. I want to start with the 2.5 then maybe swap the 2.9 in...
    Last edited by Xenocide; 10-11-2010 at 09:51 PM.
    M50 3.1L Stroker - TC Kline D/A

  6. #6
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    estimated power you want?
    Luke
    03 330i

  7. #7
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    Don't really have a goal. Would like to see 300rwhp on the stock 2.5L with out cracking the motor open.

    If I swapped the 2.9L with the s50 cams I would like to see 400, probably could get more with a MLS HG. Am I wrong in these estimations?
    M50 3.1L Stroker - TC Kline D/A

  8. #8
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    That may be fun for 3 days, but you will want way more once it enters the veins. Trust me!
    Luke
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by M3_MadBimmer View Post
    ...you will want way more once it enters the veins. Trust me!

  10. #10
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    Are the m50 and m54 block heights the same? If they are you are going to need to run a really thin headgasket because the m54 pistons do not protrude the block hence they run a much much thinner headgasket than the m50.
    Last edited by zak; 10-12-2010 at 01:51 AM.

  11. #11
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    And running a standard gasket would lower compression....good for boost I thought?
    Luke
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  12. #12
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    True, but I'm just trying to give a heads up that that is different and should be accounted for when building the motor.

  13. #13
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    same blocks essentially. Using, just one is NV, very small differences.
    M50 3.1L Stroker - TC Kline D/A

  14. #14
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    Best advice: if you're going to go turbo, figure out what you're going to do for tuning first and go from there. Does CES tune OBD1 kits?


  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by clevertd View Post
    Best advice: if you're going to go turbo, figure out what you're going to do for tuning first and go from there. Does CES tune OBD1 kits?
    yes
    | 1997 Estoril M3 - TURBO - |
    | GT35R | 8.5:1 forged internals | ARP stuffs | SS Oring Block w/ elring | Fully balanced & blueprinted 3.3L S52 | Nick G Tuning |
    | 46mm Precision gate| 62# injectors | Dual Walbro's |
    Goal: 600+ whp pump gas reliable 10 second car.
    -2007 335i Sport Package

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by clevertd View Post
    Best advice: if you're going to go turbo, figure out what you're going to do for tuning first and go from there. Does CES tune OBD1 kits?
    Tyler, I am sure John has someone to tune for OBDI but I would not use him. Only because I will probably not be living in NC once I go for this.
    M50 3.1L Stroker - TC Kline D/A

  17. #17
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    Damn, I'm sorry to hear that. What are your plans for your future living situation? TCD makes some great hardware, and I love all that they've done for the e28/e34 community, but a tuning solution should be at the top of the list. In all my time lurking here, it seems like the biggest issue is a reliable tuner.. 300whp out of a stock M50 can be done easily, throw those S50 cams in there and you're good to go.


  18. #18
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    I know some say the nv block has more material or is a but more stout than the vanos block- but does it have space for the vanos knock sensors? I would think you'd need that for the vanos setup. The mix of parts you're using sounds like more trouble than it's worth

  19. #19
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    yes it has holes for the vanos knock sensors. I hot-tanked the block and painted it. I just need to chase the threads on the block and they should screw right on.

    Tyler, I am in a training program right now bouncing around the US, I will find out my permanent location in about a month or so, but it can be anywhere in the US.
    M50 3.1L Stroker - TC Kline D/A

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