Is the M50 Manifold worth it? (those who actually have one in a '96+ E36 M3 please)

[m3f_bigneil_f35a8c7058]

I understand the trade off with the M50 is as follows:



Pro's:



1) Increased high RPM horsepower

2) Less Fuel Consumption





Con's:



1) Reduced low RPM torque

2) Doesn't quite fit right (unless you get a special kit)



I'm wondering what owners think (and if so, whether theirs is a perfect fit).

[m3f_Cheeze_318da556f5]

This is going to go overwhelmingly in the 'Yes' side...

[m3f_thedood_4515c3f8d6]

I'm doing it right now. Seeing as the most difficult install I've done already is ZKWs w/ HIDs & angel eyes, this is really taking a while... not to mention I'm doing it without a ratchet. I couldn't remove the fuel rail fully which made bolt #7 on the intake ports a b!tch!. I've gotten the manifold off the bolts coming from the sides of the intake ports, but I can't figure out what is keeping it from coming all the way out. I know there are some small vac lines (2??) & a few electrical lines coming out from under there, but how do I get them off? Anyone know what I'm talking about??

[m3f_JonM3]

The fit IMO is fine, I can’t really tell anything isn’t stock at first glance, unless you know these engines by the years. And as for the power, I like it (I do more highway driving so I guess that’s why…) but the torque I can’t really feel too much of a loss down low. My friend has a 97’ M3 stock and I drive it once in a while, mine feels almost like his down low but up in the higher rpm ranges I just pull so much harder (not just butt dyno but highway proven lol). And if your going to go fast its not going to be in traffic I would guess, so the high rpms isn’t so bad for power delivery. Just look at my dyno chart (link below) but as you can see the horsepower never falls all the way to the 7000 rpm redline.



But in the end I guess it’s really up to your driving style.

[m3f_epj3_d2e882815a]

It's the best non-maintainence money I have ever put into a car.


Does that mean anything?


http://bmwchannel.com/pics/92506/_MG_1361.jpg

Nothing looks out of place IMO... just the fuel rail cover is a little off, but I don't see the need to spend money on a new cover.


I also don't mean to sound like a smart ass, but I have no other way of putting it. The torque loss will mean DIDDLY $HIT to you after you feel the increased power up top. The car is absolutely faster with this mod, so why do people even TALK about the lost torque? We aren't towing f*cking campers or uhaul trailers. :smiley_ab I wish people would sell their M3's and buy a grand am if they want low end torque and NO REV's in a sub-compact. If you ever ride in a non-m50 swapped 96+ M3 after you do this to your car, you'll ask if something is wrong with their car!!!!

[m3f_fritzdegner]

I love this upgrade so much it's going to be tough to take it off when I put on the ESTS S/C.



With a CAI and the M50 the engine sounds so lovely above 5000RPMs. There really is no question here...

[m3f_BealeAss_aeaee00f0d]

This is going to go overwhelmingly in the 'Yes' side...





Can't agree more, just did one in my car a few weeks ago.

[m3f_freshbusiness]

I love mine. Although i dont have a cold air yet i do have a ported TB and MAF to go with the M50 manifold and you can here the difference as well as feel it.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

I like mine. Made up the low end loss with pullies.

[m3f_Stück]

I love mine. Low end TQ loss is virtually not noticable, high end is so much improved. I used Eurosports adapter (the only way to properly do this conversion IMO) and everything fits perfectly and looks OEM. Took me a couple minutes over 3 hours to install the whole deal.

[m3f_JC_M3]

Yes, yes, and yes. It is a great mod for the $.



go look at this thread.



M50 install (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=136381&highlight=m50+manifold+swa p)

[m3f_m3buzz_2d9e7dcb77]

I like mine. Made up the low end loss with pullies.



ditto - this is a no-brainer, and probably the best dollars to extra power ratio any of your mods will get you! And - if you have it - you can spend an extra $20 for a '95 M3 rubber intake boot and delete the ASC, further improving airflow! :agree: p.s. the extra few bucks for the correct fuel rail cover is worth it if you like a tidy engine compartment...like this:

http://home.comcast.net/~palermos1/M50_Manifold_complete.jpg

[m3f_fitchesbas_a4754265ce]

Where do most you guys source your M50 manifold?

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Where do most you guys source your M50 manifold?



Mine was given to me as a gift. I am ever thankfull.

[m3f_Braymond14_63960d99c1]

I'm not really impressed with it.



I'm going to tear it all apart and modify some things, but for now the only advantage is that the revised oil separator routes dropped oil consumption by more than half.