I was just wondering if anyone out there has heard of anyone installing an s52 motor into any older body style, because I have been incessantly dreaming of turboing my b35, but have seen s52's sell for half of what a turbo kit costs... I read an article a few years ago about a guy installing an s38 into a beautiful CSL and I guess this would be a parallel idea.

Well i know a friend of mine is looking to do an s52 powered e30. He said that sourcing a good one of those isnt too bad, but i would think if the s52 e30 is something that is looked at as 'easy' to do, then the e24 shouldnt be much harder. The only problem i think, but since ive never done this stuff, is the ECU and wiring. But sounds like a good idea, im going to go down the turbo route myself, because im scared of the swap, and i already have another good motor to rebuild thats outside of the car.

-Jeff

I was just wondering if anyone out there has heard of anyone installing an s52 motor into any older body style, because I have been incessantly dreaming of turboing my b35, but have seen s52's sell for half of what a turbo kit costs... I read an article a few years ago about a guy installing an s38 into a beautiful CSL and I guess this would be a parallel idea.
The US spec S52, in the e36 M3 and M-coupe, only lays out about 220-240rwhp and about 200 rwtq. Considering the turbo kit lays out a good 100+hp and 140+rwtq, I'd say the turbo is more worth it. The only way to get the S52 up to those levels is with a twin screw supercharger kit, which puts the total cost at more than the turbo kit by several thousand dollars.

If you want to see what has been done, look up Frankenbav, a Bavaria with a s52.

everyone bashes the s52, including me, BUT.

that engine has GOT to be the most tuffest engine bmw has ever made. they just last and last. theres the plus side.

everyone bashes the s52, including me, BUT.

that engine has GOT to be the most tuffest engine bmw has ever made. they just last and last. theres the plus side.

I guess that the S54 would be the ultimate BMW engine of use, but those are definitely going to hold their pricee for the next few decades, plus they are pretty complicated and definitely a pain to wire. It woluld probably be easier to wire a stand alone management system.

It was just a funny thought I had...

Actually your idea is sound. As far as gain, I don't know. Being an old hot rodder who has put V-8's in Ford Cortinas and Chev Vegas, replacing a 6 with a 6 would be easy. Now the V 12 swap looks like a fun task. :eek:

Actually your idea is sound. As far as gain, I don't know. Being an old hot rodder who has put V-8's in Ford Cortinas and Chev Vegas, replacing a 6 with a 6 would be easy. Now the V 12 swap looks like a fun task. :eek:


With what knowledge I acquired doing the V8 swap, i would rather cut a hole in the floor and flintstones it than attempt that job!!!:eyecrazy

Although I don't doubt the potential!

There is a guy in Virgina who dropped an LS1 into an ///M635 - wow!

Yeah, one of the mechanics that worked on that swap has an E28 with an E34 540 motor!

Yeah, one of the mechanics that worked on that swap has an E28 with an E34 540 motor!


That car is so hot

I know!! I could do that to my car, but I can't afford the amount of down time it would mean for my only form of transportation :cry

the s54 still has less HP then the s38's that came in the m6

i thought s54 makes 333 vs 286 s38

i thought s54 makes 333 vs 286 s38

True.. s38b35,
Now s38b36 or even better the s38b38..

the s54 still has less HP then the s38's that came in the m6

More hp and a more usuable curve, by far.

i thought the 3.8's had like 350 or something?

I know!! I could do that to my car, but I can't afford the amount of down time it would mean for my only form of transportation :cry

If down time is your concern, then swapping anything would be bad, since swapping in a S52 or S54 would ential at least custom motor mount brackets, and possibly pounding out part of the firewall, as I think the S52/54 are rather long for a straight 6.

Coincidentally, if you could get that guy who made the e28 540 to make you some of these brackets, or whatever else he fabbed up forthe job, it would significantly reduce the pains and associated downtime with dropping a M60/M62 in. Now that has a useable powerband!

If down time is your concern, then swapping anything would be bad, since swapping in a S52 or S54 would ential at least custom motor mount brackets, and possibly pounding out part of the firewall, as I think the S52/54 are rather long for a straight 6.

Coincidentally, if you could get that guy who made the e28 540 to make you some of these brackets, or whatever else he fabbed up forthe job, it would significantly reduce the pains and associated downtime with dropping a M60/M62 in. Now that has a useable powerband!

I am worried about down time and since I barely finished the swap last time I am a little worried that if I try again, the same thing will happen. Just a little superstitious I guess. There aren't many brackets necessary besides for extending the motor mount area forward on the subframe, and I already have that done, besides for that the main thing is getting the brake linkage to the front mounted booster and then the driveshaft, not to mention the exhaust work needed. The main driving force behind this idea was to achieve that V8 growl out of a 6... Maybe some day I'll give it another shot if I get bored with the turbo idea...

Yeah, one of the mechanics that worked on that swap has an E28 with an E34 540 motor!

Yep,

That's Aaron, I saw that car at 5erfest.. including a run down the dragstrip.. it's amazing.