1997 bmw z3 2.8 build questions

[Kryvern]

Hello, I've got myself a 97' z3 2.8L and I'm looking into building the engine itself, and I want to find out what all options there are for this engine if any, and what kind of reinforcements I'll have to do to the trans, suspension and stuff like that, my end goals with it I want to hit close to 500hp area without having to swap it

[s8ilver]

500hp out of a 2.8?! I'm intrigued.

[rf900rkw]

Easy. Turbo. The big power folk start with a 2.8 iron block as the S52 bore makes for a weak cylinder wall.

OP. Everything you ask and a lot more has been covered countless times over in the Forced Induction forum. Set aside several nights for reading and be prepared for eye strain

[me77]

Aren't all Z3 engines full aluminum? I thought only the regular E36's got the iron block and aluminum heads.

[Tim95M3]

Aren't all Z3 engines full aluminum? I thought only the regular E36's got the iron block and aluminum heads.

S52/S54 are iron blocks. All non-M Z3's got aluminum blocks, including the M52B28 which was only aluminum in the Z3 (In America). So, for the OP, best option would be to swap in an iron M52B28 and turbo it.

[rf900rkw]

I said the big power folk start with the 2.8 iron block. 500 HP ain't big power any more. The aluminum block may take such abuse. Or not. The only recommendation I made to OP is to go to the Forced Induction forum and read. And read. And read. Don't ask. Read. It's all there.