E36 328i s54 swap vs turbo

[zornyan]

Hey all, after some advice from owners that have completed the above to get some ideas.

Currently my e36 328 is “finished” having done extensive work on the chassis/suspension/brakes etc, the last step, is power.

Having looked at all the options available, I’ve narrowed it down to either doing a s54 swap, or going for a turbo kit.

I’ve looked through the build threads and costs, it seems like by the end of it all it’ll end up costing similar amounts (being in the UK RHD turbo setups cost a fair bit more due to steering rack clearance)

Has anyone tried both? Or done both even? Does the s54 swap feel “worth it” when all is said and done?

[bostonaudi]

I’ve driven an S54 E36 M3 at a track event, and it is oh so good. Endless power, the tach hits 7000 and it feels like just getting into the meat of the power curve, and the sounds are awesome. And this was with a relatively stock S54, just a tune and free flow exhaust. IMO factory power is always going to be more reliable. That being said an M50 block is a good candidate for boost. I’d still rather have NA S54 though, more predictable and linear power curve.


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[pbonsalb]

Either would be lots of fun. I have a USA turbo E36M3 and love the torque and massive power. Also have a modded N/A E90M3 that revs to 8600 rpm. The E90M3 is fun if you wind it up and play around in the 5500-8500 rpm range but the turbo E36 will literally run away from it.

For track use the N/A motor is easier to drive because the power is so progressive and predictable. For street use, the turbo motor is a lot of fun. Either would be a huge step up from the M52 — you can’t go wrong. The turbo motor, properly done, will make more power and torque. The S54 will be entertaining enough for most people in a 3100 lb car.

[gdavid]

In the US, it is much less common to turbo a m52 aluminum block such as you have because almost all of the US m52's are cast iron. That isn't to say that it can't be done but it is a little different. You may need to consider the holding strength of the cylinder head bolts or studs in the aluminum block. From what I have seen, many serious m54 turbo projects end up oversizing the studs or installing time-certs to ensure adequate gasket clamping pressure. May be easier to grab a m50 block and build that up for a turbo build and then swap that into your car.