E36 M50 -> M52/S50/S54 Swap

[1-Bar]

Just searching through other bimmer forums is giving me a headache, just wondering what locals have done and what problems/issues they have run into.

Some info on me, I'm looking to swap a new motor in my 92 325i in the next month or two. OBD I >> OBD II, but I've been reading that M52s can be swapped in with very little work. This is my Daily Driver and I don't want to be stuck with anymore downtime then need be.....

M52s are cheaper and relatively easier to find and with a few light mods are comparable to S50s in terms of power output.

S50B30 would be ideal, but finding one and cost maybe outta reach in favor for the M52.

S54 would be pimp, but a lot of work/cash. Just sitting in one the other day made me :love: :love: :love: :drool: :drool:

Last option: find another non-vanos unit, swap that in and build the current one for turbo. Lower compression, beefier rods, stronger cylinder walls make it ideal....

Your thoughts............

[benyl]

LS2

[finboy]

Originally posted by benyl
LS2

i concur, or 2jz, a company in vancouver had 2jz and sr20 swaps for e30's and e36's, some guy in saskatchewan got the kit and was quite happy with it.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305051

[1-Bar]

haha, thanks guys....I'll keep that in the back of my mind

[Tuner1]

Originally posted by 1-Bar


S50B30 would be ideal, but finding one and cost maybe outta reach in favor for the M52.



S50B32 is the one to have :D

Rob

[1-Bar]

^indeed, you got one for me ??? :D

[TorqueDog]

There's an S62 out of an 01 M5 on e-Bay with only 7,400 miles or so. :D

[d.maczko]

hmmmmm, upgrading from an m50 eh, what cha gonna do with your m50 if you swap it out?

sell it to me........sure!

[1-Bar]

Originally posted by TorqueDog
There's an S62 out of an 01 M5 on e-Bay with only 7,400 miles or so. :D

haha, go big or go home, huh???


Originally posted by d.maczko
hmmmmm, upgrading from an m50 eh, what cha gonna do with your m50 if you swap it out?

sell it to me........sure!

Sure, it would need a little rebuild though.....

[qmf]

S38B38 or M50 with spray :D

Dont do a M70 unless u want a headache haha.

[rc2002]

1-Bar did you do the swap already? If so, what did you end up going with?

[1-Bar]

Hey Richard....nope haven't done it yet. I have to settle with the insurance. Some dood last week decided it was nice to accelerate from a side road without looking first. Damage not too bad, but needs a new bumper/hood/fender.

I'm going to do an M50 + boost :D

[DC328is]

What options of FI are you looking at?

[qmf]

M50 Spraying 70 > S52 AA S/c from tunerworks @ 6-8psi
:poosie:

[benyl]

S54 w/ HPF turbo kit > ALL

[Bimmer88]

I wish you luck, I hope your not doing this yourself??

Also I would do S54....

"Go big, or go home!" Right?

haha well that's my thoughts. I don't think I could ever fit that engine in my engine bay but you never know... There's I site I used to have that have transplant kits from Germany... but it's more expensive that's for sure.

[1-Bar]

Originally posted by qmf
M50 Spraying 70 > S52 AA S/c from tunerworks @ 6-8psi
:poosie:

agreed.



Originally posted by benyl
S54 w/ HPF turbo kit > ALL

I should just buy your car and then boost it :D


Originally posted by Bimmer88
I wish you luck, I hope your not doing this yourself??

Also I would do S54....

"Go big, or go home!" Right?

haha well that's my thoughts. I don't think I could ever fit that engine in my engine bay but you never know... There's I site I used to have that have transplant kits from Germany... but it's more expensive that's for sure.


If I were to go big or go home, I'd stick a N54 in there :D I'm planning to do this swap with a few friends (hopefully)....haha, shouldn't be too difficlut.


Originally posted by DC328is
What options of FI are you looking at?

I'm probably going to stick a slug in it for the spring time and hope for the best. My previous car was tubo'ed, love the feeling....so why not again?!? Plus my gf the turbo as well, if you can believe that.....

[Bimmer88]

Well let us know how it goes! I wanna see this once it's done... Damn it'll be a awesome summer project or whenever your wanting to do it.

[1-Bar]

for sure...I'll keep you updated :thumbsup:

[qmf]

Originally posted by benyl
S54 w/ HPF turbo kit > ALL

Uh...yea...thats why the fast ones have S38's turbo'ed........

DOing up a S54 is just a sink hole for your cash :thumbsdow

[1-Bar]

Well looks like its going to be an M50 build afterall......just sourced out a complete bottom end for $75 :eek:

Has anyone attemped a complete rebuild on their own? I'm pretty mechanically inclined, ripped out motors/put them back in, but nothing of the strip and rebuild nature. I've got plenty of time ahead, so I don't mind taking my time and putting a little more care making things right.....

So far I'm looking to upgrade to forged pistons/rods. Looking for about 350-400whp on this build :eek:

[qmf]

Originally posted by 1-Bar
Well looks like its going to be an M50 build afterall......just sourced out a complete bottom end for $75 :eek:

Has anyone attemped a complete rebuild on their own? I'm pretty mechanically inclined, ripped out motors/put them back in, but nothing of the strip and rebuild nature. I've got plenty of time ahead, so I don't mind taking my time and putting a little more care making things right.....

So far I'm looking to upgrade to forged pistons/rods. Looking for about 350-400whp on this build :eek:

Im doing the same build. Forged pistons & rods & crank. Stage 3 head build. 70 wet shot kit, and 12psi gt35r turbo. Haltech for tunning. im going 2.8 bottem end with no vanos up top.

Let me know how yours goes :thumbsup:

[1-Bar]

nice, I'm looking for almost the same thing. I'm considering that turbo and maybe the 3.0L S50 stroker kit, non-vanos head still....I'll look into that Haltech, mega-squirt looks like a fav for most boosted bimmer guys....

[qmf]

If u want a have a megasquirt system i bought but im changing to haltech. I bought it for $400 from ebay all built already, ready to go. I have the recepit from ebay. If you want make me an offer :thumbsup:
I was also going to stroke the 2.8 to a 3.2 but decided against it last minute.

[1-Bar]

I'll let you know, I'm going to save FMU for one of the last things on my purchase list.....

What tranny are you using? ZF or getrag?

[1-Bar]

anyone know where to rebuild my motor? Seems like a better option right now, good ol' Canadian/US Customs

[gpomp]

i hear alpine does great work on rebuilding bmw motors.

[1-Bar]

update: decided to do the 2.9L stroker upgrade. Consists of S50 crank/rods and custom forged pistons......

This should be fun :thumbsup:

edit: this should be easy to boost :devil: