I'd like to start a little open discussion on a longer term project of mine.

Here is the scoop. I've always loved the 2002s. I had the good fortune of meeting a member on this (and other boards) by the name of vtbimmer in person with his beautiful *former* widebody.

http://img108.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/08/27/vintagefest2006051-47mmb2xyo.jpg

My current ongoing project is a 1967 Chevelle that should be wrapped up come springtime next year. Next on the block is to pick up a round tail 2002 to strip for a new drivetrain, install a schnitzer style widebody, and do in more or less throwback track rat with some interesting twists.

My first intention was to plan out an S14 swap into it, or build up the stock mill.

Then I got this crazy idea. In the vintage muscle car arena, it is common for enthusiats to swap in modern LS1, LS2, LS6 drivetrains. Sometimes, the engines are back-engineered to remove all computer controls, stripped down to a basic long block, and built up using a carburetor and electronic ignition system.

Why could this not be applied to an engine like the S54? It is a more complex engine for sure, but at its core, it still functions under the same mechanical design as its predecessors. Remove vanos, remove the ignition, sensors, intake, etc.... and retrofit individual carburetors with mechanical throttle linkage, piggyback ignition, custom ground cams, etc. Build the core engine to function on mechanicals instead of software.

Has anything like this been back-engineered? What are some possible speed bumps? I am familiar with the engine, but not in the extreme depth that this would require. It would be the ultimate modern meets vintage melding that I could think of.

Sounds like a fun project. Why not keep all of the electronics?

Sounds like a fun project. Why not keep all of the electronics?

The reason would be to mix in the older technology with the modern engine... It's a vintage "cool" factor. I also have a strong personal preference and ability with tuning and retrofitting carbureted mills.

I have an obsession with things being "stripped down". This is an expression of that. Why cram all of the electrionics, computer, sensors and plumbing into a car, when you could build the same engine in the car in a style that is more at-home... that fits the era of car better from a mechanical standpoint.

It's your project so you should do it the way you want to. Either way it will be cool once it is done.

What would you use for a distributor? You would prob have to keep the stock ignition system

What would you use for a distributor? You would prob have to keep the stock ignition system

That would have to be a piggyback ignition control module type of setup. Similar to the MSD setups used on the V8s. This is the main area that I am uncertain in without actually diving into the engine.

I'd just do a turbo M10 with sickeningly trick welded aluminum intake manifold and SS turbo manifold. That would be period correct(ish) and not upset the weight balance of the car.

How much tracking do you plan on doing? Quite frankly I'd want a more disposable car if I wanted to regularly track it.

It wouldn't be tracked very frequently. It would be more for fun on the weekends, a fun toy. I think i'd want to keep it NA.

I like the concept of this project. I love the idea of back-engineering the S54 for a carb setup. As long as you can get the ignition, fuel delivery, and timing of the cams synced(?) then it should work out just fine. As you know it's just back to basics with engines :)

Let's go really old school. Steam powa!!! jk :stickoutt

I think if I wanted to do a carb'd engine in a '02 I'd do an aluminum block engine, like an M54B30, lighten the crap out of the crank, and save some cash and some weight up front in comparison to an $$$54. Maybe a 2.1L M42 with a Ti valvetrain.

This would be pretty cool. I've always thought of this, just not going as old. I thought of going at it with a standalone.

Remove the vanos and machine it (and a cam) for a distributor!

Any engine will run on a carburator.

you just have to fab a manifold.

keep the stock ignition system on the s54 and get rid of the computer and the injection setup.

You could run triple dual weber sidedrafts. Probably need at least 48DCOE's.

Here is a pic of a e21 320i with a S14 and 45 dcoe's I took ate Ireland engineering open house event.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/components/com_forum/files/thumbs/t_imga0217_872.jpg

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/components/com_forum/files/thumbs/t_imga0218_110.jpg
http://www.bmw2002faq.com/components/com_forum/files/thumbs/t_imga0221_169.jpg

sorry for the dark cell phone pics, but you can make out the DCOE's and airfilter setup in this pic

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/components/com_forum/files/thumbs/t_imga0220_179.jpg

Have fun with the webers.....definitely by the HP book about webers and find someone that knows what there doing to help you out. Getting 3 sidedrafts balanced and tuned right is a great adventure and a big learning process.

once they are dialed in then it easy to make any simple changes .