S52 Intake

[m3f_Dustoff44]

I am interested in alternatives to Plastic S52 intake manifold/plenum.



Obvious choice is M50 but I like my low end torque...

Schrick Port & polished

Alpina

Would e30 fit

Would n54 fit

Custom eBay with rear throttle body ?

[m3f_TheJDub-E36]

With the M50 you don’t lose enough torque to notice, I can’t remember exactly but it was 2 or 3, and if you’re doing brother and take mods with it like 3.5 maf and intake you’ll gain that back if you’re tuned for it.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

With the right selection of parts and tuning, you can make the loss small enough that it does not matter. You can also go to a 3.38 diff to offset loss through torque multiplication.

[m3f_Dustoff44]

Purchased M50 manifold with Turner install kit. Already have euro headers on with an Eisenman catback. Will add Dinan BBTB 3.5 MAF CAI with tune.

Brakes next....

[m3f_westopher]

I'll be going the same route, but without the headers. Looking forward to the top end increase.

[m3f_JitteryJoe]

I'll be going the same route, but without the headers. Looking forward to the top end increase.

I think you are aware of some of the headaches you'll encounter.

Give yourself plenty of time for fiddling around & making things fit. Good luck!

[m3f_Kimosabe2]

Purchased M50 manifold with Turner install kit. Already have euro headers on with an Eisenman catback. Will add Dinan BBTB 3.5 MAF CAI with tune.

Brakes next....

I have this similar set up and do not feel any low end torque loss. I also have e34 M5 clutch and lighten flywheel too.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

You don't want to loose low down torque, yet you want an alternative intake, which is always one that make the engine breath better on top.


Otherwise might as well keep the stock one.

[m3f_westopher]

You won't lose low end torque with the proper supporting mods.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

You won't lose low end torque with the proper supporting mods.

Tell the OP.



Maybe you do on paper, but I've been driving with the M50 intake (+ BBTB's) since 2012 and never noticed any loss.



Then again, I've never really noticed the gain up top neither. (Butt dyno).

[m3f_Earthwormjlm]

You could always keep your eye on second hand Schrick Intake manifolds. They do not need to be ported and polished or extrude honed, they're still a significant improvement over the S52 intake.


The one I purchased wasn't too much more than the price of an M50 manifold + a clean install kit. The Schrick manifold is a drop in replacement, so no need to mess with hoses, or hack the plastic engine covers. Plus it looks pretty neat, especially with a black wrinkle coat.

[m3f_nholmes]

You could always keep your eye on second hand Schrick Intake manifolds. They do not need to be ported and polished or extrude honed, they're still a significant improvement over the S52 intake.



The one I purchased wasn't too much more than the price of an M50 manifold + a clean install kit. The Schrick manifold is a drop in replacement, so no need to mess with hoses, or hack the plastic engine covers. Plus it looks pretty neat, especially with a black wrinkle coat.

When was the last time you saw one come up for sale though?

[m3f_Earthwormjlm]

When was the last time you saw one come up for sale though?

I bought mine a year or year and a half ago.

[m3f_Technician_Dude]

You won't lose low end torque with the proper supporting mods.

I dunno... maybe... a good friend of mine has an M50 mani and tune, ehaust, etc... dynod quite well yet my car with the S52 mani will pull on his no problem and has noticeably more low/midrange TQ. Don't care if you believe me or not but give it a try for yourself, if you want to. I am not convinced the M50 mani is worthwhile.

[m3f_westopher]

There are plenty of reasons that could be the case. His motor could be tired, you could be a better driver, etc.