» Site Navigation | | » Recent Threads | | | | | | | | 03-19-2008, 05:10 PM | #1 | Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: So Cal Posts: 35 | Hi - Questions on Swap Hi all, I am new to this board.... I am looking into getting a ti - swapping the engine and tracking it.... So here are a couple of questions: How many of you track your 318ti with a 6 cyl engine and if you have had a chance to do a comparative with a 4 cyl engine and if yes how does the balance change? Also I have seen a lot of stuff with M50/52 S50/52 swaps but want some info on M54 swap (trying to minimize the weight change (about 50lb savings in weight between M50/52 S50/52 and the M54) Any input appreciated Thanks -Kartik | | | 03-19-2008, 05:14 PM | #2 | Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Eugene Oregon Posts: 6,182 | people have done it. there is a ti with a s54 i beleive on youtube. but for 50 pounds it may not be worth the extra work and money. also if you go to bimmerforums they may have a larger sectuion with m/s54 swaps into e36 chassis and any info there will work with the ti since we share the same mounting points and what not. __________________ -Josh Sold-1995 318ti, Club Sport, Hellrot Sold-1996 318ti, Active Model, Boston Green Current- 1995 318ti, sport model, schwartz | | | 03-19-2008, 05:42 PM | #3 | Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: So Cal Posts: 35 | Josh, Thanks for the tip... -Kartik | | | 03-19-2008, 05:43 PM | #4 | Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Eugene Oregon Posts: 6,182 | anytime kartik. __________________ -Josh Sold-1995 318ti, Club Sport, Hellrot Sold-1996 318ti, Active Model, Boston Green Current- 1995 318ti, sport model, schwartz | | | 03-19-2008, 06:56 PM | #5 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 2,525 | That I am aware of we have two or three members that track an I6 swapped Ti. I think a few of them bought their cars with the swap already done, so they may not be able to give you a before/after comparison. One member, Andy, races in UTSCC with a swapped car. There is also atleast or or two swapped Ti's that race in BMW-CR. If weight is your concern get an aluminum 2.8 liter for a Z3. It is lighter than the 2.8 in a 328. M54 is easiest to go with a standalone ECU, otherwise you have issues with all of the electronics. S54 requires a conversion to a standard throttle cable, as it is drive-by-wire throttle normally. I would guess that you could easily get a used m52 and make it put out as much power as an m54 for the same, if not less money. Probably better to spend the money refreshing the M52. If you are stripping, and fully prepping the car along with swapping the engine it will still be lighter than a full interior street car with the 4-banger. | | | 03-20-2008, 02:24 AM | #6 | Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: So Cal Posts: 35 | Mohaughn, Thanks for your input - all valid points - I was worried about messing too much with the Front/Rear balance than overall weight - I think the US M52 blocks are iron and about 100-125lb heavier than M44 it will be a dual purpose street/track car but was wanting to know what people have done. On getting a stand-alone EMS - what options are available (other than Motec/Pectel etc) Any input appreciated. -Kartik | | | 03-20-2008, 02:29 AM | #7 | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,356 | I tracked my 4 cylinder before wrecking it. I track my 328ti now. I don't care what people say, the balance is still there. I think it's 52/48 with the iron M52. It's still a tosable fun car to drive with either motor. __________________ ...steven BMW CCA #146825 1996 BMW 328ti • 2003 MINI Cooper S • 2016 M235i www.bmwcca.org | | | 03-20-2008, 06:16 AM | #8 | Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: So Cal Posts: 35 | steven that was what I was looking to know... thanks for your feedback... I will continue looking for a m52 -Kartik | | | | Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Thread Tools | | Display Modes | Linear Mode | Posting Rules | You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | |