Swap in M3 Engine or just Buy an M3

[MarkD]

Originally Posted by doogee

S54's are drive by wire


If you're talking about converting it to use a throttle cable, yes you can do that too which is a must. I HATE drive by wire. There are some kits online for around $300.


http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...kit-p1341.aspx

Why spend $300 shipping and tax for that? Drive by wire works fine and the pedal vs throttle maps can always be re-mapped for performance purposes.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by MarkD

Why spend $300 shipping and tax for that? Drive by wire works fine and the pedal vs throttle maps can always be re-mapped for performance purposes.

Yeah it's mostly geared towards track cars that aren't running a stock ECU.

[Dr. Flyview]

Originally Posted by doogee

S54's are drive by wire


If you're talking about converting it to use a throttle cable, yes you can do that too which is a must. I HATE drive by wire. There are some kits online for around $300.


http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...kit-p1341.aspx

Haha Yea I was writing that and thinking hmm, is it the other way around? Wire/cable seem synonymous in my head so I always forget which is which.

In any case, good good.

[Dr. Flyview]

Originally Posted by MarkD

Why spend $300 shipping and tax for that? Drive by wire works fine and the pedal vs throttle maps can always be re-mapped for performance purposes.

I can't see why you'd want anything but a linear response from pedal position vs. throttle, which is what I assume drive by cable is like.

[uber e36]

Thanks for the replies so far gents. This happens every year in January then when I go see my car in the Spring, I decide to keep it!

Jay suggested the S54 to me as well but I'm pretty picky about keeping things period correct, so dropping an E46 engine into an E36 throws me off a bit. I was figuring the S50B32 would be ~$5k. But that's still cheaper than an S50 with a used SC kit.

Jay's comment about the euro motor is cost of wear and tear items. But I'll drive this car 5k/yr MAX and I get 25% off parts at the dealer, so I wonder if maintenance would really be that much....

[ZiMMie]

Originally Posted by doogee

S54's are drive by wire

I HATE drive by wire.

Is not that bad at all when you get used it. My car is a bad example since the ecu is programmed to have sport mode on.

I'm getting my throttle remapped. Plus ill be installing an appropriate throttle module, that uses the an e36 throttle accessories. Still Drive by wire, but it should fix my twitchy pedal issue.

You can drive it again this coming spring, and you wont be disappointed.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by ZiMMie

Is not that bad at all when you get used it. My car is a bad example since the ecu is programmed to have sport mode on.

I'm getting my throttle remapped. Plus ill be installing an appropriate throttle module, that uses the an e36 throttle accessories. Still Drive by wire, but it should fix my twitchy pedal issue.

Oh sounds good. Ya it would def take some practice to get used to. You always seemed to be able to drive smoothly

[ZiMMie]

Originally Posted by doogee

Oh sounds good. Ya it would def take some practice to get used to. You always seemed to be able to drive smoothly

The clutch also plays a big role in it


And to answer ubers question, fix the issues with the car and upgrade the engine.
As for which engine to go with, the S50B32/S54 are both a good choices, they both have their ups and down. But I will recommend doing your own research (on reliability, parts availability, mods, price of mods etc.) to see which one of these motor you are really interested in.

Both will put a smile on you face anytime you drive the car.

Good Luck.

[uber e36]

Originally Posted by ZiMMie

As for which engine to go with, the S50B32/S54 are both a good choices, they both have their ups and down.

Obviously you chose the S54, but I'd love to hear what you feel the pros/cons are for each of the two?

[ZiMMie]

Originally Posted by uber e36

Obviously you chose the S54, but I'd love to hear what you feel the pros/cons are for each of the two?

For me it was simple, I couldn't stand the low end toque from the B32, plus the fact that i had to pay almost twice the money and wait twice as long just for maintenance items didn't do it for me.

Lastly, since the s54 is widely available, it makes its much cheaper to mod.

[uber e36]

I guess stats don't tell the entire story!

Wiki says the torque is:
S50B32 - 258ft/lb @ 3,250rpm
S54B32 - 261ft/lb @ 4,900rpm

Seems like torque is fairly equal and it's delivered earlier in the Euro motor.

[richie_s999]

Originally Posted by uber e36

I guess stats don't tell the entire story!

Wiki says the torque is:
S50B32 - 258ft/lb @ 3,250rpm
S54B32 - 261ft/lb @ 4,900rpm

Seems like torque is fairly equal and it's delivered earlier in the Euro motor.

Those are just peak numbers, look at dyno charts to see the real picture

[ZiMMie]

Originally Posted by uber e36

I guess stats don't tell the entire story!

Wiki says the torque is:
S50B32 - 258ft/lb @ 3,250rpm
S54B32 - 261ft/lb @ 4,900rpm

Seems like torque is fairly equal and it's delivered earlier in the Euro motor.

Very Interesting, My butt dyno on several low millage S50B32 in e36's seems like its missing about 50-60ft/lb down below when you hit from 2K and drive both motor up.

Numbers on paper is irrelevant, there is a huge difference between the two motor when you drive them. The s54 lighter internals makes it a day and night difference on how fast it get up to it power band.

Once again when spring time rolls around, i will be more than happy to take you for a spin in my car.

[Furious]

Well as you already know ive done everything you can do to an E36. given the opporitunity to do it all over again I would do it in a second however now that i'm older i would probably go with the newer car with the power already stock.

Jeff your car is sick. its a tough call but IMO sell it and upgrade to the M

[uber e36]

Originally Posted by Furious

Well as you already know ive done everything you can do to an E36. given the opporitunity to do it all over again I would do it in a second however now that i'm older i would probably go with the newer car with the power already stock.

Jeff your car is sick. its a tough call but IMO sell it and upgrade to the M

Mark,

Great to get your feedback! We need to hang this Summer.

I agree about the newer car thing. I'll probably pick up a pre-owned S5 in 2 years, so I'll always have a "newer" car. The e36 thing is more nostalgia and fun for me. Maybe that's why keeping my car and upgrading power is so appealing.

I'll check your car out in the Sumemr ZiMMie - thanks for the offer.