Built a s54 powered e46 ZHP and planning on FI, just have to figure which path to travel

[JohnBlaze]

I bought this 2005 ZHP with a blown motor.

taking her home

then I bought this a 2005 s54 a month later

then I got this

and then I dropped the car off at http://www.rrtracing.com/ in Dulles Virginia and waited patiently.
While waiting I took part in a group buy and got a sweet deal on these

RRT got me the Michelin Pilot Super Sports at TireRack pricing with free shipping woo hoo. I bought M3 fitament and even with some rear fender rolling and pulling there was rubbing so got 3mm milled off the rear rims and that eliminated the problem.

I continued my wait while Epic Tuning programmed my DME with their canned tune and some hax0r to stay emissions compliant aligning key aspects, RPM Motorsports took care of the gauge cluster. I also bought a used M3 rear end which came in with damanged components(Shady Seller) so had to spend moremoney buying replacement rear end parts that cost more than the rear end itself, also dropped some more coin on the installation of those pieces but it was worth it and the boys also welded in the TMS plates before fitting it all up. Decided on Borla V2 Midpipes, and they fabricated a axle back with a magnaflow muffler

Then I got the call SHE was almost done


check the windshield wiper fluid reservoir RRT fabricated the fitament. The mount looks oem with brackets holding it in place. Very robust solution.

switched back to ambers all around for more sleeper look



dyno'd 8/2/2012, not bad for 90+ degree temps and 5th gear pulls doing 170+mph on there


5-60 run with AC on


Still how she stands today, this year I hope to force induce. ESS and Max PSI are front runners, but if I go turbo I'd like to see how some of their builds shake out. Now with Saad stepping up I'll probably hold off a bit longer. Anyways, I'm fairly new on here and wanted to share this with you all.

When boost comes I'll be sure to update those details here.

[Irishace]

Pretty cool build man, congrats. I too will be dipping into the S54 FI scene in the spring. Right now I am sourcing a 2003-2005 E46 M3. I have been doing some major resarch on FI as well.

I look forward to your decision!

[Sorena]

Cool build BMW made a mistake a didn't build a 4 door M3, that's a shame.

[Payam@BMS]

Pretty cool build man, congrats. I too will be dipping into the S54 FI scene in the spring. Right now I am sourcing a 2003-2005 E46 M3. I have been doing some major resarch on FI as well.

I look forward to your decision!

It's not even an m3!! That's what's even cooler. It's just a regular e46 zhp package with an s54 swap. Badass

[flipm3]

I love the build man!!

I like how everything just looks OE!!

Keep us posted on what you end up deciding in regards to boost!!

[JohnBlaze]

Pretty cool build man, congrats. I too will be dipping into the S54 FI scene in the spring. Right now I am sourcing a 2003-2005 E46 M3. I have been doing some major resarch on FI as well.

I look forward to your decision!

Thanks man, I've been following you EPIC pissing match thread and there's a lot of good info in there with a lot of comedy too. Good job putting that together.

Cool build BMW made a mistake a didn't build a 4 door M3, that's a shame.

Thanks, I feel the same and always loved the 4 door e46 look but the m54 left me wanting more even with the FI options back then. I wanted to take the path less traveled while not getting to carried away. I almost tried for s62 but there was too many prospects for trouble so I went s54 because there was much more room for increased performance.

It's not even an m3!! That's what's even cooler. It's just a regular e46 zhp package with an s54 swap. Badass

Thanks, the car runs great and the chassis had only 32K miles on it when I picked it up, I'm up near 37k now and I've definitely left people wondering wtf just happened when I pull away from them. It pulls pretty good

I love the build man!!

I like how everything just looks OE!!

Keep us posted on what you end up deciding in regards to boost!!

Thanks, I've been following your build on M3 forums and your car is exceptional, I love it. I've gone back on forth on staying NA or going FI. Due to the costs of building NA and my knowing I'm gonna want more HP I'm gonna get boosted. I was inline to get the Status Gruppe Headers but Mike Migs refunded me no questions asked when I decided otherwise. I just have to get up the gusto and pull the trigger. I was dead set on ESS but then MaxPSI entered the arena and now with Saad I think I'm gonna let it marinate a little longer.

I can't wait add about 150-200 whp but I want to see the feedback from these new kits coming out before I go one way or the other. ESS is still in the running because of longterm durability but I really want to get up over 450 at the wheels and maintain emissions compliance. 500 whp is a long term goal.

[flipm3]

Thanks, I've been following your build on M3 forums and your car is exceptional, I love it. I've gone back on forth on staying NA or going FI. Due to the costs of building NA and my knowing I'm gonna want more HP I'm gonna get boosted. I was inline to get the Status Gruppe Headers but Mike Migs refunded me no questions asked when I decided otherwise. I just have to get up the gusto and pull the trigger. I was dead set on ESS but then MaxPSI entered the arena and now with Saad I think I'm gonna let it marinate a little longer.

I can't wait add about 150-200 whp but I want to see the feedback from these new kits coming out before I go one way or the other. ESS is still in the running because of longterm durability but I really want to get up over 450 at the wheels and maintain emissions compliance. 500 whp is a long term goal.

Thanks!! I really do appreciate it!! It has been a long journey with my E46. In the 11 years I've owned, it has been so loyal to me.

Mike is a great guy at SGT and his customer service is top notch. Sadly a few people are having some poor fitment issues with those headers.

Honestly man, it is a great time to own a S54B32. With NA Tuning, there are powerhouses like Epic Motorsports and Evolve Automotive making insane power. When it comes to forced induction, so many MSS54-DME Turbo Kits and a lot of used supercharger kits popping up. There are so many solid options that regardless of who you go with, you can't go wrong!

450whp in a BIG punch that's for sure. My new goal is to make stock crank S54B32 power at the wheels with a very quiet muffler.

[seth]

dude you're my new best friend. i just got a hold of a guy selling an S54 today.

might have to go ahead with this.



if you don't mind, shoot me a PM about some costs you incurred so I know what I'm looking at to get it all done.

[stosh1]

Honestly man, it is a great time to own a S54B32. With NA Tuning, there are powerhouses like Epic Motorsports and Evolve Automotive making insane power. When it comes to forced induction, so many MSS54-DME Turbo Kits and a lot of used supercharger kits popping up. There are so many solid options that regardless of who you go with, you can't go wrong!

Hey, what's up Anton, I was wondering why I never heard back from you...now I know! Kool that you're thinking about going over to the darkside, that will make for even more of a sleeper than ever!

Hey, I know that my buddy Alex is an Evolve guy, but don't forget about Frank, and he's a local guy...he's tuned many a S/C and turbo car as well. Think we might have a project involving a certain M3, a built motor, and a custom turbo set up that you might be interested in as well...shooting for 800-1000HP!


GL with whatever you decide, love the uniqueness of your car man!

[benzy89]

Perfectly executed S54 swap into a E46 4-door. Not to poke holes in anything, but do you have enough clearance for a blower (for a supercharger setup) or the FMIC piping (if you went turbocharged)?

[Legionofboom]

Perfectly executed S54 swap into a E46 4-door. Not to poke holes in anything, but do you have enough clearance for a blower (for a supercharger setup) or the FMIC piping (if you went turbocharged)?

Psh all the race car's don't have front bumpers.. oh wait, yes they do

[Blaizon]

I bought this 2005 ZHP with a blown motor.
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid21282-1.jpg
taking her home
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid21281-1.jpg
then I bought this a 2005 s54 a month later
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid23784-1.jpg
then I got this
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid22825-1.jpg
and then I dropped the car off at http://www.rrtracing.com/ in Dulles Virginia and waited patiently.
While waiting I took part in a group buy and got a sweet deal on these
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid23820-1.jpg
RRT got me the Michelin Pilot Super Sports at TireRack pricing with free shipping woo hoo. I bought M3 fitament and even with some rear fender rolling and pulling there was rubbing so got 3mm milled off the rear rims and that eliminated the problem.
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid23821-1.jpg
I continued my wait while Epic Tuning programmed my DME with their canned tune and some hax0r to stay emissions compliant aligning key aspects, RPM Motorsports took care of the gauge cluster. I also bought a used M3 rear end which came in with damanged components(Shady Seller) so had to spend moremoney buying replacement rear end parts that cost more than the rear end itself, also dropped some more coin on the installation of those pieces but it was worth it and the boys also welded in the TMS plates before fitting it all up. Decided on Borla V2 Midpipes, and they fabricated a axle back with a magnaflow muffler
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid23783-1.jpg
Then I got the call SHE was almost done
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid23782-1.jpg

check the windshield wiper fluid reservoir RRT fabricated the fitament. The mount looks oem with brackets holding it in place. Very robust solution.
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid24576-1.jpg
switched back to ambers all around for more sleeper look



dyno'd 8/2/2012, not bad for 90+ degree temps and 5th gear pulls doing 170+mph on there
http://www.60-130.com/images/im...eid25839-1.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziB8LzjLi7w
5-60 run with AC on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SasoguNUp2g

Still how she stands today, this year I hope to force induce. ESS and Max PSI are front runners, but if I go turbo I'd like to see how some of their builds shake out. Now with Saad stepping up I'll probably hold off a bit longer. Anyways, I'm fairly new on here and wanted to share this with you all.

When boost comes I'll be sure to update those details here.

Awesome build! I have a 2002 330i sedan, and I want to do the same exact project. If you don't mind me asking how much did this run you? Also do you have a parts list of what you needed for the conversion?

[flipm3]

Hey, I know that my buddy Alex is an Evolve guy, but don't forget about Frank, and he's a local guy...he's tuned many a S/C and turbo car as well. Think we might have a project involving a certain M3, a built motor, and a custom turbo set up that you might be interested in as well...shooting for 800-1000HP!

Ahhhh yes!! I almost forgot Frank Smith!! Still amazes me what he is pulling out of these tiny inline-6s, haha. Yet another great option to the list!!

You all are very fortunate to have him in your area. Seems like such a great guy!

[Black Sheep]

dude you're my new best friend. i just got a hold of a guy selling an S54 today.

might have to go ahead with this.



if you don't mind, shoot me a PM about some costs you incurred so I know what I'm looking at to get it all done.

Do IT!!!!

[JohnBlaze]

Hey, what's up Anton, I was wondering why I never heard back from you...now I know! Kool that you're thinking about going over to the darkside, that will make for even more of a sleeper than ever!

Hey, I know that my buddy Alex is an Evolve guy, but don't forget about Frank, and he's a local guy...he's tuned many a S/C and turbo car as well. Think we might have a project involving a certain M3, a built motor, and a custom turbo set up that you might be interested in as well...shooting for 800-1000HP!


GL with whatever you decide, love the uniqueness of your car man!

Hey Stan, Yeah man, I started running numbers in my head and figured if I'm going to drop thousands more into my car I'm gonna want a big bump in power so next up will be FI. I'm definitely intersted in that project, and would like to talk to Frank as well. Hopefully I can get out to an event you'll be at so we can throw some idea's around.

Perfectly executed S54 swap into a E46 4-door. Not to poke holes in anything, but do you have enough clearance for a blower (for a supercharger setup) or the FMIC piping (if you went turbocharged)?

I could always get a new bumper if need be, but yeah I'm confident it can be made to fit

Awesome build! I have a 2002 330i sedan, and I want to do the same exact project. If you don't mind me asking how much did this run you? Also do you have a parts list of what you needed for the conversion?

honestly if you have to ask then you probably aren't ready. It was significantly more expensive than I originally thought, and I changed things during the build so there's not one flat number I can quote.

One thing I'd recommend is to buy a total loss M3, the complete car with that you'll have all the parts you'd need hopefully. I only bought the motor and had to buy all kinds of parts along the way.

[THATDONFC]

That is a very clean swap!

Looks like you need one of these though.

[Sticky]

This is really, really nicely done!

Your dyno numbers are spot on. Secondly, that looks like a clean swap!

You have a TON of boost choices. Take your time.

[Blaizon]

Hey Stan, Yeah man, I started running numbers in my head and figured if I'm going to drop thousands more into my car I'm gonna want a big bump in power so next up will be FI. I'm definitely intersted in that project, and would like to talk to Frank as well. Hopefully I can get out to an event you'll be at so we can throw some idea's around.



I could always get a new bumper if need be, but yeah I'm confident it can be made to fit




honestly if you have to ask then you probably aren't ready. It was significantly more expensive than I originally thought, and I changed things during the build so there's not one flat number I can quote.

One thing I'd recommend is to buy a total loss M3, the complete car with that you'll have all the parts you'd need hopefully. I only bought the motor and had to buy all kinds of parts along the way.

I was thinking ~9k for purchasing parts. Install would be done by myself with the help of a shop I have access to.

[Sledgehammer]

Great lil ride bro... Boost would round her out nicely!

[stosh1]

Hey Stan, Yeah man, I started running numbers in my head and figured if I'm going to drop thousands more into my car I'm gonna want a big bump in power so next up will be FI. I'm definitely intersted in that project, and would like to talk to Frank as well. Hopefully I can get out to an event you'll be at so we can throw some idea's around.

Yeah, when you add up the cost per/HP, FI makes perfect sense...no argument here buddy! FI would only compliment the sleeper status. I'm just a silly hardcore NA guy at heart. I'll probably host another dyno day in the Spring (possibly April-ish) for the Mid-Atlantic guys, keep an eye out over in the Regional Section of that 'other forum'. Frank is always willing to shoot the breeze, and I'm sure that he would definitely be willing to help you out w/your project!

[cyberkaa]

Oh nice, you're on here, too.
Can't wait to see what the FI results are!

[Sticky]

Oh nice, you're on here, too.
Can't wait to see what the FI results are!

All the cool people are here.

[JR M3]

In my honest opinion Active Autowerke is the best. They were the first in the world to come out with a S/C kit for the S54 and have been the leader since.

Plus they have the best looking kit

[JohnBlaze]

That is a very clean swap!

Looks like you need one of these though.

thanks, you know my shop actually recommended your hardware over all other in the realm of SC, but still doing my due diligence before I make the leap.

This is really, really nicely done!

Your dyno numbers are spot on. Secondly, that looks like a clean swap!

You have a TON of boost choices. Take your time.

Thank you sir

I was thinking ~9k for purchasing parts. Install would be done by myself with the help of a shop I have access to.

if all you're doing is the engine swap and you're doing the all the work you should be able to get by on that budget, but you'd probably want to plan a little more on top just in case

Great lil ride bro... Boost would round her out nicely!

thanks

Yeah, when you add up the cost per/HP, FI makes perfect sense...no argument here buddy! FI would only compliment the sleeper status. I'm just a silly hardcore NA guy at heart. I'll probably host another dyno day in the Spring (possibly April-ish) for the Mid-Atlantic guys, keep an eye out over in the Regional Section of that 'other forum'. Frank is always willing to shoot the breeze, and I'm sure that he would definitely be willing to help you out w/your project!

Cool cool, I'll keep my eye out and I'll get at you to get Franks info when I'm ready to take a deeper dive in that realm.

Oh nice, you're on here, too.
Can't wait to see what the FI results are!

please tell me plan on boosting too, I'd love to have someone to compare and contrast with. There's so few of us

In my honest opinion Active Autowerke is the best. They were the first in the world to come out with a S/C kit for the S54 and have been the leader since.

Plus they have the best looking kit

Yeah, I've been looking at their stuff too, but have read about some tuning issues. I'll figure it out, eventually

[cyberkaa]

please tell me plan on boosting too, I'd love to have someone to compare and contrast with. There's so few of us

Yeah, we're a very rare species, which makes it even harder to make the leap. I had strongly considered the possibility of boosting long before I started my swap, but the motor has a lot of NA charm to it. Maybe driving around a few boosted cars would be enough to convince me that driveability is still going to be good. Have looked into the Active kit in depth so far. A bit iffy on that one.