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Thread: Entertaining the idea of turboing my m54b30.. Any bottom mount options out there?

  1. #1
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    Entertaining the idea of turboing my m54b30.. Any bottom mount options out there?

    Hi guys, I'm mainly wondering what my options are for bottom mount turbos. I'm very interested in keeping my AC in my 330, because I want to keep it as a streetable drift car. Is it more plausible to suck it up, have custom lines made and relocate parts of the AC system, and do the CX racing top mount kit? I'd be buying my own turbo and wastegate, and be looking for 300-350ish wheel, with quick spooling. Id be looking to build it with 400ish hp in mind, in case I feel like I'm lacking on power when it comes time for the weight of a cage to go in the car.
    I just dont really see any m54 bottom mount turbo headers, and I've got no clue what I'd do about hot side piping to an intercooler. There are some pro/con threads, but I can only really find ones from 2007, at which time there weren't any mass produced top mount options.
    Keep it simple: half gutted '01 330i, welded diff, BC coils, SLR Super kit

  2. #2
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    Any tubular exhaust manifold that's less than about $1200 is probably going to crack in short order. And for those power numbers, probably not at all necessary. I'm pretty sure the ports are the same as any M/S50/52 so there's no shortage of cast bottom mount options.

  3. #3
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    Is turbo tuning available for that ECU? I have not seen many turbo M54. Technique Tuning sells a kit with tuning or used to sell one. It did not drop compression and power was on the low side compared to the power people routinely get with M50/52/S50/52 motors when they lower CR and raise boost. The old iron blocks may also be more durable.

  4. #4
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    Didn't realize the ports were the same- I'll have to confirm that, and then probably investigate the piping I'd need!

    I'm under the impression that the ECU is tunable, and would likely be going through RK tunes because they're somewhat local. I also know of another guy who is able to tune them, and has tuned a few o f them before. I'd need a standalone boost controller, but fueling can be done through the ECU. My car is an MS43 ECU I believe.
    Keep it simple: half gutted '01 330i, welded diff, BC coils, SLR Super kit

  5. #5
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    There's a huge community over on e46fanatics.com for tuning the MS42 and MS43 DME (https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1082287). I was planning that for the dual Vanos conversion I was going to do on my single Vanos motor. I stopped following the thread about a year ago when my plans changed. I actually have a couple spare MS43 DMEs if you want some to play with. Don't want a lot of cash for them.

  6. #6
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    Realistically, I'd be strongly considering with going with RK for tuning. I'm Mainly worried about all the piping- Where can I find bottom mount piping? I'm aware of technique Tuning's kit, but I'm looking to keep it a little more budget than that. Is top mount simply the way to go for premade piping? I really want to keep my AC....
    Keep it simple: half gutted '01 330i, welded diff, BC coils, SLR Super kit

  7. #7
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    There is a whole world of stuff out there that can't be ordered from a web store. Find a local performance or exhaust shop and ask them for a quote to make the piping and exhaust. Bring pictures of other turbo E46's so they can get an idea of whats needed and how hard it will be. Max PSI is in New Jersey.

    Or go take a welding class in the evening and make your own. Nothing wrong with mig welded mild steel piping.


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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by awp235 View Post
    Hi guys, I'm mainly wondering what my options are for bottom mount turbos. I'm very interested in keeping my AC in my 330, because I want to keep it as a streetable drift car. Is it more plausible to suck it up, have custom lines made and relocate parts of the AC system, and do the CX racing top mount kit? I'd be buying my own turbo and wastegate, and be looking for 300-350ish wheel, with quick spooling. Id be looking to build it with 400ish hp in mind, in case I feel like I'm lacking on power when it comes time for the weight of a cage to go in the car.
    I just dont really see any m54 bottom mount turbo headers, and I've got no clue what I'd do about hot side piping to an intercooler. There are some pro/con threads, but I can only really find ones from 2007, at which time there weren't any mass produced top mount options.
    Quote Originally Posted by pbonsalb View Post
    Is turbo tuning available for that ECU? I have not seen many turbo M54. Technique Tuning sells a kit with tuning or used to sell one. It did not drop compression and power was on the low side compared to the power people routinely get with M50/52/S50/52 motors when they lower CR and raise boost. The old iron blocks may also be more durable.
    Although its not on the website yet we are offering ms43 based turbo tuning.

    Quote Originally Posted by jakermac View Post
    There's a huge community over on e46fanatics.com for tuning the MS42 and MS43 DME (https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1082287). I was planning that for the dual Vanos conversion I was going to do on my single Vanos motor. I stopped following the thread about a year ago when my plans changed. I actually have a couple spare MS43 DMEs if you want some to play with. Don't want a lot of cash for them.
    Hey J, ill buy those off of you next time you come through.
    1989 535i - sold
    1999 M3 Tiag/Dove - sold
    1998 M3 Turbo Arctic/black - current
    2004 Built motor TiAg/Black - Sold
    2008 E61 19T Turbo-Wagon - current
    2011 E82 135i - S85 Swap - current
    1998 M3 Cosmos S54 swapped Sedan - current

    1998 Turbo: PTE6870 | 1.15 ar | Hp Cover, Custom Divided T4 bottom-mount, 3.5" SS exhaust, Dual Turbosmart Compgates, Turbosmart Raceport BOV, 3.5" Treadstone Intercooler, 3.5" Vibrant resonator and muffler, Arp 2k Headstuds | Arp 2k Main studs | 87mm Je pistons | Eagle rods | 9.2:1 static compression, Ces 87mm cutring, Custom solid rear subframe bushings, Akg 85d diff bushings, 4 clutch 3.15 diff, , Poly engine mounts, UUC trans mounts W/ enforcers, 22RPD OBD2 Stock ECU id1700 E85 tune, 22RPD Big power Transmission swap w/ GS6-53

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