1990's Mechanic

This is a nice kit https://hopwoodmotorsport.com/shop/m54turbokit

1 hour ago, overly__under__engineered said:

Original write up said you had been a mechanic. Then, you posted you wanted to turbo a std engine with a std n/a automatic? So, how were you going to increase the oil pump flow and install piston oil squirters in the block? Drill out the block webbing abd install Mitsubishi EVO oil squirters? Or were you not really a mechanic?

Hi, changing my mind is all part of the learning process on an unfamilia car brand. Mechanics are still learning things on different cars everyday. Even top mechanics cant know everything about every make and model or performance upgrades without looking them up as they go. Thanks for your input and avice tho

1 hour ago, NZ00Z3 said:

The Z3 has a weak ass end.  The amount of power you are talking about will eventually break the rear sub frame out and drop the diff on the ground.  Read up about the Randy Forbes sub frame fix.  It's a kit of metal parts that gets welded into the subframe and stops the problem.

There are both cast iron and aluminium block M52's.  The cast iron will be better for boost and it can withstand more PSI.  Not sure how common the cast iron block is in N.Z.  Have seen people import them from the USA. 

The M52 family can get a little confusing:

- M52B28 = 2.8L single VANOS engine

- M52TUB28 = technical upgrades 2.8L dual VANOS engine.  Basically a M54

Yes i will absolutely be carrying out those type of bracing upgrades no matter what anyway. Cheers for the heads up!

3 hours ago, Vass said:

Most cost effective way to source a full engine setup I've found is to keep tracking Turners and Manheim damaged car auctions for a suitable one to pop up locally. That way you can be sure you get absolutely everything you need to get it running and neglected is fine since you're rebuilding everything anyway. Take what you need, part out the rest and you might end up with a free engine and a slight profit on top. Some extra hassle for sure but if you're not in an awful hurry then might be worth it. That's how I went about it anyway.

Here's a local M54B30 for you. Might not be an ideal candidate with being AWD (I think?) but keep looking and something will pop up. 

https://manheim.co.nz/damaged-vehicles/000000000006743627/2005-bmw-x3-touring?referringPage=SearchResults

Good idea! Thanks for the lead. Will keep an eye out closer to the time im wanting it.

Sorry but ill post pics as soon as i view it in a few days.

Im buying a very cheap project 1997 Z3 M44 as a base car to start a 2yr build, and after a lot of basic bmw study recently online i have come to the decision to M54B30 swap it as this looks to be tricky and that what i like, a challange. Plus single turbo kit, external waste gated big kit with Link G4 full hardwire(ive used the G4 Storm and Fury on my last 2 build and were amazing) 400-500hp range, nothing too big as 300-350kw is perfect for street RWD. Anything more and just too hard to keep traction to the ground under full throttle unless AWD. Aprox 50-60k build cost.

My background is that im a Trade Certified 1990s mechanic who turned his hand to Building and construction in the early 2000s(to get outdoors!), so this is just one of many hobby builds in my life time including 3 other more recent high HP single turbo builds(EJ20t & 13bt/20bt) and plenty of N/A's before them . Im in no way an electrical type of mechanic so all that will be given to pro's after im done with mechanicals.

So a 2yr full strip build incl, panel paint, front and rear end mods incl strengthening and upgrades galore! Semi showcar, nothing so flash that i dont want to get it dirty or go to track days in!

I Just enjoy the spirit of the build.........getting lost in the garage after work and on weeknds, totally enjoy wasting my hard earned money on cars, always have always will...dont care for the "but its much easier and cheaper this way" argument!

Love getting advice from others that are in the know. Not really into the Trolls and they will just be ignored! Im a simple mechanic, nothing flash! I Know nothing about BMWs but keen to learn as i go so i hope you guys can help me with links to other pre 98 Z3 M44 build swaps to the M54b30.

So firstly where would the best places be to ask for blown or worn M52/54 engines keeping in mind ill be fully reconning it so cheap is good if its broke.  SD European maybe? Or should i find a wrecked half cut or sumthin?..or an imported half cut as ill need looms etc anyway...later model z3 loom aswell?...or will the Link G4 cover everything in the engine bay rendering a different loom useless? ??

Also does the wider rear track of the M model facelift mean that i cant use it in the rear of the 97? How much wider are the 2 rear wheel bases in comparison? I imagine u can still swap all parts like brakes,diff etc but are axles or diff output flanges diff length? or am i all wrong?

It will Auto as well. Been there done that with too many stick shifts! Time for a change......i def like to be different in my builds, customizing is soo much fun!

Thanks alot for all the info. Its def fun going over all the options untill i find a combo im happy with. Its a 2yr build so def no major hurry, and plenty of youtube vids and forums to read through. Im picking up a very cheap 97 z3 that im using for a basic base so i can enjoy 110 weeknds of upgrades. i usually put about 50k(aprox $500pw) into my cruizy 2yr builds.

Great! Thanks heaps for that. Id much rather go for a 6 then do up the 4 if its the cheaper option in the long run, its more about spending my time on the build in a way that i do all the labour rather then others. Its a lobour of love thing for me. Having that satisfaction. Ill oretty much strip it fully and do as many upgrades as i can by myself apart from any ecu or tune stuff

Thanks! Are all the 6's reasonably easy to source here in nz? If so do you know who im best contacting for prices? Also do you know if its jus a simple case of bolt off bolt on? Also could you point me to a thread that tells me what other models is the z3 chassis is compatble with for the option of simple swap bolt on upgrades. Im not really wanting to do anything that requires major engineering/welding/structual mods to make things work. cheers

TY, yes auto. Im keen to keep it auto and would like to do upgrades to this engine but not sure if any turbo or SC kits are avail incl a possible shift kit for this trany. Yes ill def start a build thread when i have the car and untill then ill be doing alot of study on opttions. Not sure about all the wiring loom work that has to be carried out when swapping to th 6's, but if its not too bad it may be an option however i do like to see what i can get out of a 1.9l with doing internals and bolt on upgrades

.....good day to all you German lovers out thr in NZ land!

I have many questions about my soon to be new German ride. Ill be picking up my 97 z3 in a month for a long term do-up hobby project (boy racer german mode!) and str8 off the bat would like a hardtop for it. Are you all laughing at me right now, or is this a possible feat of magic?

A little about myself and my propppposed build......Im close to death at 48 yrs of age with possibly only 30yrs to live with the pills that ive aquired recently from a man in Ukrain.

From ages 15 to 30yrs in the automotive industry(light) Trade cert car mechanic. 30 to now working in construction.

Ive built many hobby cars over the years and is now time for another one of my 2yr builds and being my first Euro build im gonna need lots of advice from all you VW lovers wink wink.