VAC 900 Kit on S54 – Overkill for ~600whp? Also need Vegas S54 shop

[M3Mino]

Hey guys,

Looking for some input from those with experience building S54s, especially with VAC Motorsports components.

Current setup is a VF570 supercharged E46 M3 putting down ~540whp. Short-term goal is to push just over 600whp with a smaller pulley and likely meth injection, but nothing too crazy beyond that (at least for now).

I recently got a Blackstone oil analysis back showing elevated lead, so I’m planning on doing rod bearings soon. That’s where I’m stuck—trying to decide if I should:

• Just do rod bearings + maintenance and keep it moving
  or
• Take the opportunity to fully build the motor

I’ve been looking at the VAC 900 Series engine build kit (rated ~1000hp), but I’m wondering if that’s just complete overkill for my goals. I’d rather not overspend if a more modest build (or even just refreshed bottom end) makes more sense for ~600whp reliability.

A few specific questions:

• Anyone here running the VAC 900 kit on a supercharged setup vs turbo?
• How’s long-term reliability / drivability?
• Is it worth building the bottom end at my power level, or are properly maintained stock internals + bearings still sufficient around 600whp?

Also, I just moved to Las Vegas and don’t have a go-to shop yet. If anyone local can recommend a reputable shop that really knows the S54 (rod bearings, builds, tuning, etc.), I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance—trying to make the smartest move here instead of doing things twice.

Kit for reference:

https://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-motorsports-900-series-turbo-build-kit-bmw-s54-p5583.aspx

[bigjae46]

I would trust nothing that VAC customizes. Ok if it comes sealed in the original manufacturer packaging. VAC has a long history of selling shit that flat out doesn't work. Exhibit A - ATI S54 dampers. ATI makes an industry leading damper, VAC massages it and then it comes a reliability nightmare.

[M3Mino]

I would trust nothing that VAC customizes. Ok if it comes sealed in the original manufacturer packaging. VAC has a long history of selling shit that flat out doesn't work. Exhibit A - ATI S54 dampers. ATI makes an industry leading damper, VAC massages it and then it comes a reliability nightmare.

Who would you recommend that I can use? to buy a kit from and have it installed?

[EthanolTurbo]

Who would you recommend that I can use? to buy a kit from and have it installed?

You don't need to build the engine, the S54 will handle 600 whp on a supercharger no problem.

[Slideways]

How many miles are on the engine and how much PPM lead are we talking about?

[M3Mino]

How many miles are on the engine and how much PPM lead are we talking about?

95k it was 27ppm but they recommended not to do anything and just keep an eye on the car until my next oil change to make sure. I really want to push the car past 600 in the future and don't want to waste money on bearings if I end up building the engine within the next year or so.

"Lead is high compared to universal averages for an S54B32. Those averages are based on ~4,000-mile oil

changes. Other metals look okay, but at 27 ppm it's possible lead shows excess bearing wear. Monitor for signs of poor

bearing wear on your end like low oil pressure and knocking sounds. The other wear metals compare well to averages, so

lead is the only concern here. We didn't find any contamination to speak of, and the 6.7 TBN shows lots of active additive.

Try an oil change to reset lead and check back next oil change . Hopefully it improves."

[enjoy_m3]

Mike Essa (pro drifter champion) has the recipe. 1000 hp s54 with just pistons, rods, head studs and gasket. There's an article on the web somewhere. His pro car, did a full season without blowing up. Proper assembly and tune is what will make the reliability.

[Altaran]

Hey guys,

Also, I just moved to Las Vegas and don't have a go-to shop yet. If anyone local can recommend a reputable shop that really knows the S54 (rod bearings, builds, tuning, etc.), I'd really appreciate it.

Premier Sportscar Service was the go to place when I lived in Vegas some time ago. Most of his business is Porsche GT or racecars, but he also did other high end brands. He's used to work for Lemans Raceteams, so he knows what he's doing and doing S54 rod bearings ain't rocket science.

Gesendet von meinem Pixel 7 mit Tapatalk