Is it worth it? If so, how much more money should I expect to put out to make sure I have a nice reliable swap for my DD.
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It has a blown head gasket. You could very well spend $2-4k in parts alone rebuilding that motor (head leveling, lifters, valve springs, valves, HG seals kit, who knows what else you'll discover). That is on top of the $1.6k motor purchase price.
And I just realized, this guy isn't even including the throttle bodies, intake manifold, and who knows what "etc" means. You're basically getting the short block. You're going to spend easily more on what the owner isn't including than the cost of what he is including.
Factor another $1k for a decent s54 swap wiring harness.
Are you planning on a 6MT or keeping the e36 5MT?
If 6MT, add another $3k for a decent transmission, shift linkage, and Euro-spec driveshaft.
If 5MT, plan to re-gear the existing differential.
You'll need eBay headers, s54 cats, coding, etc. And then you'll have the inevitable smogging and reliability concerns of a highly modified car.
A true, proper s54 swap is going to cost you $10k assuming you do it all yourself and get quality parts from the get-go. It's not a budget swap like an M50 into an e30.
If you're asking how much money is needed for a reliable swap, you probably aren't ready nor have done enough research. It's more than just throwing in a different long block.
A wise man once told me:
"It's cheaper to buy a faster car than to try to make a slow car faster." -
Not even vanos solenoids...
I'd look elsewhere.Comment
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Way overpriced for what you're getting. Keep looking.Comment
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Originally posted by Radmobile
I have historic plates on my car, so there's no need for smog testing. I also plan to keep the 5 speed. What price do y'all think would be worth my time? If I got it for some ridiculous price like $500, would it be worth it then or would it just be a huge headache? My s52 just rolled over to 160k and I wanted something as a back up.
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Is your S54 knowledge equal to that of your S52 knowledge?Originally posted by Longboardsteez
160k miles is nothing for this motor. You have no idea what you are getting into with the S54.Comment
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This. An s52 that's well maintained can easily make it to 300k miles. Now the s54 on the other hand....Originally posted by Braymond141Comment
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Originally posted by Braymond141
Look bro, I was merely asking a question. I know how long a well maintained s52 can run. I just thought I saw a good opportunity to put new life into a 20 year old car. You don't have to be condescending about it.
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Not sure what you're getting upset about. Everyone gave you great good advice. These guys are super knowledgeable and telling you not to do it, but you are still trying to convince yourself that this is a good idea?Originally posted by LongboardsteezComment
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Looking at time and money into something tht might work sure you can keep the s52 as a backup but if something is wrong or goes wrong quickly it would be a waste, OP where are you located? There's a guy in CT that has a bunch of s54s from. Cars he parted out and might let the drive train go for a fair price not just the motorComment
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Don't take it personally that's just how Braymond responds to people lol.Originally posted by LongboardsteezComment
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What kind of response do you need to hear then? You ask how much it is to get a reliable S54 in for your daily driven car and act like the S52 needs a backup. The S52 is a solid motor if properly cared for and will last 500k+. The S54 is a fantastic motor but incredibly expensive to maintain. It is not your go to daily driver motor unless you know what it is you are getting into, which appears to me you do not.Originally posted by Longboardsteez
You're talking about a swap this is going to cost you a minimum of $5k. Realistically it is a $7k swap and the motor you chose is probably even more all said and done. You didn't come in here with a well thought out game plan. You came in here with a space case stripped down motor that you want as a backup to your nearly bullet proof S52. Your whole mentality from start to finish is wrong.Comment
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Originally posted by Braymond141
I appreciate the advice, just chill out on the negativity. You are making me want to trade in my M for an AMG
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I am sure you will be fine. Thanks for being a good sport about it!Originally posted by LongboardsteezI appreciate the advice, just chill out on the negativity. You are making me want to trade in my M for an AMG
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if you want an S54 swap you need to be 100% committed to the swap. If you want it as a "backup" then your better off having a refreshed s52 with headwork, cams etc sitting ready to swap in when a head gasket goes on the original. The average s54 swap costs over 10K but those are ones started with complete motors. keeping the 5spd will save money but with that motor you'll spend a ton of money getting all the parts he's not including.
All in all if you really want an S54 be prepared to pay for a good, low mileage and complete motor up front. Be prepared for all of the maintenance that comes with an s54 including Vanos, exhaust cam sprocket inspections, valve adjustments etc. Also be prepared for increased down time, possible swap problems and decreased reliability.Comment
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