suspension question

[shopkeep]

I am swapping an S52 into my E30 318is, what modifications do I need to make to my suspension in order for it to work right...if any...

Also, i have searched high and low, and I still cannot get a straight answer on how much power the S52 puts out. I have been told 240 and 321hp. I know the euro spec engines have an engine with 321, whether it be an S50/52 I can't remember, and that I have read that the North American S52 has 240hp. (I am in NA) Then I have heard also that the S52 after...95 or something in NA do have 321hp. Someone gimme a straight answer please. Either way, I will be happy. Also, does the 97 M3 S52 have Vanos? I would assume so...or maybe double vanos? or whatever it is called...I have hear that Vanos I is better though....some answers would be very much appreciated.

I suppose my first question is appropriate for this section, my second set of questions i should have probably put in the E36 section...oh well.

[e30dream]

i believe the S50 and the S52 both have the same hp numbers (240 i believe)
but the S52, the 3.2L version put out alittle more ft-lbs.. 7 more i believe? someone correct me if im wrong. '97 would definitely have vanos. not sure about the double vanos. but have no fear, in a a few min im sure there will be tons of more helpful answers!

[drz]

The S52US is rated at 240 bhp. In 1994, 45 Canadian-spec M3's (3.0 S50, 286 bhp) made it into NA, but that is evidently not the engine you are using.

In terms of the suspension setup, I am really not sure...

[PhatCat]

Originally Posted by drz

In terms of the suspension setup, I am really not sure...

Cue gotKRAUT...

[94BMW325i]

I believe the euro motors have double vanos, and individual throttle bodies.

As far as suspension hmm.. I know people with older vw'
s that swap in larger motors have to use the front suspension that was designed for the car they pulled the motor from..

[saltshaker185]

euro m3 is 286hp for s50 and 321 for s52

us m3 is 240hp for both...

i believe the us m3's do have double vanos if that was a question? and as far as suspension wise, i think you may need to change a little, not too sure AKG Motorsport - Specialist in BMW road racing sedans, parts and accessories there is a good link on an m50 swap which would be the same as any other swap you wanted to do...

[gotKRAUT]

Ground Control Suspension Systems

hah i would recommend a ground control coil over setup with konis, if you call ground control they are extremely helpfull and could help you pick out a good spring rate. A member here on this forum(AJs320i) has an M50 powered E30(same weight) is running ground controls with 440lb/in front and 475lb/in rear

Seems to be a pretty hard core setup as i have ridden in his car many times...my advice is that route....


Treehouse Racing - Eyeball Arms - Control Arm Bushings

Also to clear the E36 Cat you will need the Treehouse Racing Eyeball arm bushings^^, saves you a TON of frustration and cutting and welding of the exhaust The other advantage to these is it puts your suspension to E30 M3 alignment specs(added caster) which = better high speed cornering. Treehouse racing also makes the harness adapters too for even more ease of motor swappage

[shopkeep]

Thanks for all the info! From what I have recently read, double vanos is better. Is this true? Also, would an exhaust with no catalytic converter cause any sort of problems with Vanos?

I will probably keep the questions coming, can't think of any more atm. Thanks again.

[shopkeep]

Oh I just thought of another. What should I do about the LSD? Would an E36 M3 LSD bolt in? or would I have to do some hefty modifications? If so, what LSD, if any, would do well with minimal amount of grief?

[gotKRAUT]

double vanos is not necessarily better...its more to break and all vanos does is add torque, it actually reduces top end power due to more weight in the valvetrain...but for a street car i suppose it would be superior as more low end power is always good for driving around...

in most race cars with S52's and S54's, they eliminate the vanos all together as they dont really need low end torque.

as far as an LSD, the E36 unit will NOT work, just use a factory E30 LSD....more than sufficient...worse comes to worse just rebuild it..ideal diff for a S52 would probably be a 3.25:1 LSD unit...just browse the classifieds over at r3vlimited, and e30tech, bound to come across a few, or visit the local dissmantler...all LSD units have an S next to the gear ratio on the tag on the back of them like this "S3.25"

[Starmavin]

If you can afford it, get your unit rebuilt with a quaife LSD unit. These are far superior to clutch/spring type LSDs.

[gotKRAUT]

this is true ^ as they will offer close to a 40% lockup versus the stock viscus units 15%

[shopkeep]

I have been away in europe and have not been able to get online recently, i have another question, how would a 4.10 differential work? it sounds super fun imo....I read somewhere also that a 3.38:1 ratio is what is used with the S52US, is that what the best one is for this engine?

[94BMW325i]

change gears every 5 seconds I bet haha. I know people who did auto to manual swaps, and kept the auto diff and they were always having to change gear and redlined 5th at like 90 mph. That was with an M50, I cant imagine an S52.

[bimmerguy82]

hey pm triggrhaapi- he just did virtually the same swap in his e30. ask him what transmission ratio and rear end he's runnin.