My E36 S54 Swap Thread

[Steve30]

Can't use the e46 one. You need the airbox from the Z3M or the M Coupe with the S54.

Originally Posted by dcramer

this didn't come with the engine ?

[Axxe]

Make sure you clamp the ground strap to the sprocket when you weld it, the brass bushing inside the oil pump wouldn't be too happy with all the current travelling through it. I used a vise-grip straight to the bolt, and gave it a tack between the shaft and nut, and then between the nut and sprocket just to be sure it all stays together. To take it apart you can just zip the tack weld with a cut-off wheel on a die grinder.

[dcramer]

I"m a complete noob wrt welding: why does the brass bushing care about the current ?

[thinair]

Awesome, subscribed

[SamE30e]

Originally Posted by dcramer

I"m a complete noob wrt welding: why does the brass bushing care about the current ?

Because if you connect it anywhere else, it will be the only thing between the sprocket and the engine.

[Steve30]

small update but an update nonetheless...

this is what happens when you are bored.

Polished vanos



headers coated with VHT flameproof header paint

[dcramer]

Originally Posted by SamE30e

Because if you connect it anywhere else, it will be the only thing between the sprocket and the engine.

OK, but I still don't understand. There isn't enough current to do any damage to it.

[dcramer]

Steve, how did you get it polished so well, that's amazing!

[Steve30]

I used blue magic aluminum polish and a dremel with a polishing wheel.

Originally Posted by dcramer

Steve, how did you get it polished so well, that's amazing!

[Steve30]

so after about a year of trying to find a euro cluster I FINALLY purchased one. There were a few listed on ebay.de but none of the sellers were willing to ship outside of Germany. It also didn't make it any easier that I was specifically looking for an evo cluster in km/h only. It wasn't cheap but that headache is over with now.. Also waiting on my oil cooler to arrive in the mail. This pretty much completes everything I'll need for the swap. Now I just have to wait until April...

[dcramer]

Is the euro cluster necessary, or just a wanted to have ?

[Steve30]

Its not required but you pretty much need it for the oil temp gauge and raised redline. I've seen a swapped car with the regular cluster though. The euro cluster is actually a nice piece for any car because its more accurate and the built in oil temp gauge.

[Steve30]

I forgot to add, if anyone is looking for a euro cluster in km/h the guy I bought mine from also has a mint non-evo cluster (7000 redline)

here's a pic.



I think he wants around 220-240 euros.

[sparf328]

whats the difference between the evo and non evo cluster?, i was looking into swapping out my cluster ( us car ) for a euro one, and I'm putting in gauges soon so making use of the built in oil temp gauge would be nice so i can free up another pod, ps although I've only seen pictures of your car but god dam,it is nasty! the paint, the cloth interior, and now the s54 omg i know this is premature but if and when you want to sell this car let me know... lol

[Steve30]

haha I don't think I'll let it go for a long time if ever. As for the cluster, the main differences between the evo and normal one is just the redline 7000 vs. 7400 (someone can correct me if there are more differences). The evo one is rare compared to the normal one so finding one is a bit tough and the price is jacked up. I had an oil temp vdo gauge that I was going to use for the S52 but the built in one is so much cleaner.

Originally Posted by sparf328

whats the difference between the evo and non evo cluster?, i was looking into swapping out my cluster ( us car ) for a euro one, and I'm putting in gauges soon so making use of the built in oil temp gauge would be nice so i can free up another pod, ps although I've only seen pictures of your car but god dam,it is nasty! the paint, the cloth interior, and now the s54 omg i know this is premature but if and when you want to sell this car let me know... lol