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Thread: E46 M3 S52 turbo build

  1. #1
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    E46 M3 S52 turbo build

    Yes you read correctly. Over the next few months I will be putting an s52 (stock) turbo into my 2002 Bmw M3. Before people start bashing me I choose the s52 over the s54 because of the simplicity of the s52. The s54 requires too much to boost properly. My plans are as follows to have a 600whp pump gas daily drivable M3 with more power in the future...

    1. Cutring gaskets with ARP headbolt. (not sure if i should drop the compression with spacer) Please chime in
    2. GT35r or PT6266 turbo (please chime in)
    3. Spa manifold
    3. Tial 44mm wastegate
    4. Rk e85 tune (not sure what size injectors)
    5. Stage 3 fx clutch (will be using the E46 m3 6 speed)
    6. Dual fuel pumps
    7. wiring (323 wire harness e46?)


    I've owned boosted e36's in the past (purchased ggjon silver bullet) and love the power and capabilities of the s52 motor. I've also owned quite a few ee46 m3 and is amazed at the balance and looks of the car. I'm not trying to go for crazy power out the gate unless i get a good deal on rods/pistons. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

    Pictures will be posted this weekend...

  2. #2
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    86 325es, 2.8L m50, S476sxe, ProEFI 128 ecu, e85, solid rear axle, TH400 trans, 28x10.5w slicks, zip ties, popsicle sticks, tape
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  3. #3
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    I know of a few MaxPSI cars making 600whp with the stock block.

  4. #4
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    Why on earth

  5. #5
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    Drop the compression. I believe most people go to 9:1. Selling your S54 should fund most of this build.

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  6. #6
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    In to see this build happen. Let me know what parts you need I can hook you up on new stuff.

  7. #7
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    But you can make 800 all day in the stock s54.

  8. #8
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    ballsy

  9. #9
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    Turbo 97 E36 M3, 99 M3
    If you're going to do it, do it right....pistons/rods to drop compression, strengthen bottom end. You could always just do a cutring gasket for now, but the stock rods start to get questionable after about 450 rwtq
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
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  10. #10
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    If you don't do rods go bigger turbo. Or if you don't have good fuel. No point in having it break as soon as the joy starts

  11. #11
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    Makes whoosh noises
    No bashing but my biased opinion is the S54 is actually the easier solution.

    1000+RWHP, Lab22 Built Turbo S54 - BMW Half Mile Record Holder

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
    No bashing but my biased opinion is the S54 is actually the easier solution.
    I certainly see it that way too... Drop in a set of rods/pistons and fresh bearings and you're off to the races...

  13. #13
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    if you keep 450tq to 7k via boost control, it'll make 600hp.
    i am using this method to keep my clutch alive works well.


    Quote Originally Posted by BMWManiac View Post
    If you're going to do it, do it right....pistons/rods to drop compression, strengthen bottom end. You could always just do a cutring gasket for now, but the stock rods start to get questionable after about 450 rwtq

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
    No bashing but my biased opinion is the S54 is actually the easier solution.
    Cost wise I don’t see it. I’ve looked into a few options to turbo the s54 and all cost north of 20k including built motor.


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  15. #15
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    To revive this thread, been busy wit work and life this past summer and just got around to show her some love. I was still heavily debating if I want to go that route or turbo the s54 and the s52 way feels like the best option. I see guys making good power from fairly simple builds in here- my goal of 7-800 whp isn’t too far fetched in my eyes.


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  16. #16
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    Since you plan to run E85, the stock S54 will make the power you want on the fuel you use without changing the head gasket to drop compression. It starts out with 1/3 more horsepower and stays ahead of the S52 at any boost level.

    On 93 pump, an S52 turbo with lower compression gasket will make a little more power than an S54 turbo on stock gasket, but that is about the only time the S52 has a power advantage. I don’t think the difference would be enough for me to pull an S54 and put an S52 in.

    Build the S52 and it’s very capable as most here know. But you can build the S54 and it will do even better—it’s a sturdier block. And it can reliably give more rpm. Would be a little simpler to build the S52 due to the single vanos but if you can build an S52, you could learn to build an S54.

    Bottom line is if I had an S54 in my car I would probably turbo it than swap in an S52 and turbo that instead.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by pbonsalb View Post
    Since you plan to run E85, the stock S54 will make the power you want on the fuel you use without changing the head gasket to drop compression. It starts out with 1/3 more horsepower and stays ahead of the S52 at any boost level.

    On 93 pump, an S52 turbo with lower compression gasket will make a little more power than an S54 turbo on stock gasket, but that is about the only time the S52 has a power advantage. I don’t think the difference would be enough for me to pull an S54 and put an S52 in.

    Build the S52 and it’s very capable as most here know. But you can build the S54 and it will do even better—it’s a sturdier block. And it can reliably give more rpm. Would be a little simpler to build the S52 due to the single vanos but if you can build an S52, you could learn to build an S54.

    Bottom line is if I had an S54 in my car I would probably turbo it than swap in an S52 and turbo that instead.
    The biggest issue I’m having is tuning. I don’t know anyone that’s capable of tuning the stock dme. Also, being in nyc I won’t be able to pass inspection running s full standalone. You are correct, I just turned off that idea because of the tuning.


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  18. #18
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    plenty of tuning options for stock dme mss54!

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by ba114 View Post
    plenty of tuning options for stock dme mss54!
    plenty? Nick G, me and who?

    p.s. not arguing, just haven’t heard of anyone else
    Last edited by hobbit382; 10-08-2018 at 07:49 PM.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by hobbit382 View Post
    plenty? Nick G, me and who?
    Is that so? I had no idea of this. Feel free to shoot me a Pm so we can talk more.


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  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by ba114 View Post
    plenty of tuning options for stock dme mss54!
    I only know of nick g but I don’t think he tunes custom setups? I may be wrong.


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  22. #22
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    some of us our there have our own tuning capabilities , not necessarily commercial tuners

  23. #23
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    Nick G Technica Motorsport Lab22 possibly RK? I am sure there are others.

  24. #24
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    Feb 2015
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    2003 BMW E46 330 coupe
    Any update on this build?
    I am currently in the process of fully building my S52 motor to throw into my 330 coupe.

    curious to see how you run your S52 engine harness with your E46 chassis harness.

    Are you going to have to run a tuned E36 DME to operate the motor and a E46 DME to communicate with everything else?
    Since you mentioned it being a daily (which mine will be too), I'm sure you're going to want most of the convenient components to continue working.

  25. #25
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    Hey guys, I’ve finally made some headway on this build due to some serious corona downtime.
    The motor should be done by the end of the week.

    Here are the specs on my motor:
    M52 block
    CP pistons (low compression)
    k1 rods
    S52 crank
    Vac turbo cams
    M50 NV head
    Cutring gasket
    ARP hardware.

    Power goals are north of 800whp on E85

    I’ve decided to go with Steed speed twin scroll manifold with the Garret GTW 3844r 67mm. I know this might not be the best choice turbo but I got it for a great price.

    What boost controller do you big boost guys use?
    Also, I purchased a 4inch core intercooler but I’m afraid I will have trouble fitting it up? What size are you guys running?


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