Twin Vanos 2.8i - Has anyone done the M54 manifold?

[Thomas Darwin]

Any success stories with this? Is it difficult?

I've read it can be changed from a 330i and seems a cheap way to derestrict the engine. I understand it changes the shape of the intake to allow more air through.

Seems like I would be out of my depth a little bit but would be good practice over a few evenings..

 

[BMBabe]

@Lee @GazHyde

 

[Lee]

Yeah this can be done, and will be done very soon. @Rha care to explain

 

[NZ00Z3]

Some light reading for you
Doing the job:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=746468
http://www.e46zone.com/forum/topic/35576-m52tu-to-m54-manifold-swap/
http://www.bmwforums.info/3-series-guides/15674-m52tu-to-m54-manifold-swap.html

Dyno results, Lots of dyno graphs to help you under stand the various increases and shifts in HP and torque at various rev ranges for different modifications. Read and analyse the lot, even if its not your mod. That way you'll learn how to read the graphs, what part of the system (manifold, DISA, exhaust, DME tune, etc) impacts on where in the graph and what results to expect from your mod.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=768715
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?478545-E36-Dyno-Sheet-Library

Or you could simply buy a manifold and throttle body adapter, fit them and just drive the car.

 

[Thomas Darwin]

Looks simple enough? I assume it would need a map to get the best out of the increased airflow.

 

[Alan W]

My understanding is a lot of work for very little gain...

 

[Lee]

My understanding is a lot of work for very little gain...

Watch this space we are about to fit it to Roy's M52TU in the coming weeks.

 

[Thomas Darwin]

I'd love to see the result of this, will be paying close attention. Having driven the car around I am enjoying the low down torque and not finding that it "runs out of go at 5000 RPM" like so many have said.

Not sure if I would sacrifice the flexibility of that torque spread for it all to be in the top of the rev range. Compared to the Caterham I owned previously the Zed is so much more enjoyable to bumble along in.

 

[Alan W]

Yes 2.8 is very torquey and feels like it would drive up the side of a house in top gear..

 

[Dino D]

Yes 2.8 is very torquey and feels like it would drive up the side of a house in top gear..

So it was you who tried it: