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Thread: FI or NA S54?

  1. #1
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    FI or NA S54?

    Hey guys,

    I have currently own an NA 325i e36 drift car that I have been drifting in for the last 2 years. Most of my friends have upgraded to 350zs, turbo 240s and what not so I am down on power. I really want 280-300ish whp to keep up with them but keep the tire and general maintenance cost down while staying in the same power range as everyone else.
    That being said, I have been planning to turbo the M50 but have considered the simplicity and immediate torque of a SC (if available for an M50B25) or the reliable NA S54. The S54 would be great but make part cost high. Turbo parts and M50 parts are a dime a dozen.
    Does anyone have advice? Anyone have a similar build?

  2. #2
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    are slow.
    A SC will heat soak quickly in a drift E36. An S54 swap seems like a deal, but really it’s going to end up being 7k+ even if you get a good deal on the motor. Plus you’re limited by power as well.

    Go turbo.

  3. #3
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    I would go turbo with a small responsive turbo and good boost control over the s54. Reason being the turbo motor will make power over a wider curve and you can dial in as much or as little power as you need. You can have 250 whp or 400 whp on the exact same setup, just change the boost controller settings.


    86 325es, 2.8L m50, S476sxe, ProEFI 128 ecu, e85, solid rear axle, TH400 trans, 28x10.5w slicks, zip ties, popsicle sticks, tape
    best time 9.06 @ 151.8 mph, best 60 foot 1.30

  4. #4
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    If you're considering swaps why bother with another BMW engine $$$$
    A stock LS will provide plenty of power and reliability.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzmF0r6g...=1gdpwd5f1ljfg
    -Phil

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Z-Thrizzle View Post
    If you're considering swaps why bother with another BMW engine $$$$
    A stock LS will provide plenty of power and reliability.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzmF0r6g...=1gdpwd5f1ljfg
    valid point


    86 325es, 2.8L m50, S476sxe, ProEFI 128 ecu, e85, solid rear axle, TH400 trans, 28x10.5w slicks, zip ties, popsicle sticks, tape
    best time 9.06 @ 151.8 mph, best 60 foot 1.30

  6. #6
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    are slow.
    Quote Originally Posted by Z-Thrizzle View Post
    If you're considering swaps why bother with another BMW engine $$$$
    A stock LS will provide plenty of power and reliability.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzmF0r6g...=1gdpwd5f1ljfg

    Cost and labor.

    Even if you grab a solid running LSx for 1k, what transmission are you going to use? T56 will set you back 1500+. Then you need to use one of the kits, or fabricate it yourself. Good kits are north of 3k plus driveshaft/shifter linkage, etc. It's going to nickel and dime you to death.

    I don't see how you can have a reliable, problem free LS swap for less than 7-8k.

    Easily can get anywhere from 250-500whp out of an M50 for way less. If you have access to E85 even better (cooler burn, more power. Just need to change some fueling items).

    Go look at MikeE36. This is a VERY well thought out build.

    https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...3-2L-EFR-build

    Obviously you don't need so many fancy parts. Stock unopened M50 will hold 300whp easily.
    "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
    -Dr. Seuss
    DIY BMW Tools. Charlie For President

  7. #7
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    I guess I have not really considered an LS swap because of how labor intensive it would be, but I really haven't researched it.

    MikeE36 is a legend in the drift scene here in Texas. He has given me help a few times on this build. Super nice guy. In fact he started a budget turbo how to video series on the Lone Star Drift YouTube channel. Hoping he gets to finish it as it is really interesting.

    My headgasket is weeping oil so I will need to replace it, which leads into a cut ring and copper spacer gasket. Do it once, do it right.

    Thanks guys!

  8. #8
    milKt's Avatar
    milKt is offline ßMW///MµrÐêr§þðr†
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    Turbo = cheap, reliable, honourable, pauerful
    SC = not instant torque (unless twinscrew), cheaper, less pauer, more regret
    LS = meh, not a purist, just meh...when you can squeeze more w/ inline
    Lithium-ion = PURE torque, clean, novel,

  9. #9
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    i bet if you post this in the s54 forum everyone would still say TURBO

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Robocop View Post
    i bet if you post this in the s54 forum everyone would still say TURBO
    Except maybe for the guys that have never been in a turbo bmw


    86 325es, 2.8L m50, S476sxe, ProEFI 128 ecu, e85, solid rear axle, TH400 trans, 28x10.5w slicks, zip ties, popsicle sticks, tape
    best time 9.06 @ 151.8 mph, best 60 foot 1.30

  11. #11
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    Where do I get the lithium ion booster? I am old enough to remember Knight and his lead acid driven electric supercharger.

  12. #12
    milKt's Avatar
    milKt is offline ßMW///MµrÐêr§þðr†
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  13. #13
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    Not Knightrider, though I remember that. Thomas Knight and his battery driven supercharger kit:

    http://www.superstreetonline.com/how...-supercharger/

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