S54 Engine Build Diary

[F1Dryvr]

Hi! I see you have a great experience with s54 build- could you please help me with "piston to valve" clearence. I've machined head and block surfaces- in total- 0.1mm, on schriks 288/280 12.5 lift- piston is touching valve. Do you have yolerance measures which could be helpful for choosing gasket thickness?

its been several years now, so i would definitely get a better answer than from me. This depends on the material taken from the block and the head. I was advised by lang to do nothing with the head gasket thickness unless turbocharging.

from my memory with the pistons i went with on a stock block and head there were .015in of clearance for a 288/280. I could seriously be wrong on that this is from memory. My plan is to the next step down and be done with it especially since i had .005 and .003 taken from the block and head respectively. For a wiggle room of .007 Look at a .007 feeler guage and decide if youre comfortable maxing out your cams!

if youre already touching, idk what to advise as i have stock cams still and doing fine. My thought is a thicker gasket is not going to get u to safety.

[BMWfanz]

F1Dryvr

Lang was great with me. Responded to all questions(himself) with unexpected promptness. I did spend quite a bit of money with him, pretty much all the major spending points on the build. He was great and had great advice and guided some of my purchases were there were alot of options. Def would go with him again.

• Thanks for the feedback, I will definitely contact them. As well as Anri, mentioned by "Slideways" in the post above.

87.25, yes. I believe the issue with the bigger bore is that there is very small space btw the cylinders as well, you can go bigger but if u have any issue and need to re prep the block u still have room to upsize to 87.5. Starting at 87.5 thats about all shes good for so ud need a new block after that. Difference in displacement is tiny like 29 cc or something by my calculations so not much gained with the. Bore. Much more power available with the stroker kit… but thats more complex than i was wanting to make it.

• I am definitely not looking for power gains here. So removing as little as possible (if needed) is what I am after. Hence 87.25 sounds like the max I would go for (if block condition allows)

i have no comparison to say stage three is worth it. Def pricey and probably not worth it for any appreciable power gains. I wanted higher performance parts for supposedly higher reliability. But theres no guarantee there.

• I will consult with Anri as well. Would like to hear opinions on head rebuilds for reliable track use without going all out (if it can be avoided)

happy with the selections of rods and pistons. Very nice parts, (pricey too). Lighter than stock, i forget by how much but it was significant, and likely the source of the extra power it made along w the slight increase in compression that they give… again, no information for comparison.

• I am still doing research here. Mahle, JE, CP/Carillo - many piston options. Looks like Molnar is a good rod option that I read about....

engine has run beautifully. It really sings on track. Smooth and sounds amazing when running hard and high rpm… so very happy with how it turned out. It did have one cylinder with a leak that never seemed to close up, and it may be burning a bit of oil there so i didnt get it perfect, but its still doing its job very well considering my zero experience!

• Great to hear you are enjoying the engine on track. I hope I get to do the same in the near future

to do again id probably buy more of the precision tools from more reputable brands instead of amazon/harbor freight. Bore guage and ring compressor, as well as ring files and micrometers.

• Good points. As far as the ring compressor, Ive been reading people steer towards the option to piston size versus the universal ones. But I am also a rookie at this so no real life experience from my side

if u keep the stock clutch look up how to reset it for reinstall, bc mine failed a couple events later and i think not doing that was the cause.

• Interesting, Ive never heard of this. I am keeping my 5 speed ZF transmission from E36 and current clutch combo..... Will have to search this reset issue.

Hi! I see you have a great experience with s54 build- could you please help me with "piston to valve" clearence. I've machined head and block surfaces- in total- 0.1mm, on schriks 288/280 12.5 lift- piston is touching valve. Do you have yolerance measures which could be helpful for choosing gasket thickness?

[1bluemcm]

As has been said already, thanks for sharing all this. Great resource for folks to have. Great work, inspiring.

[Arlen4369]

👏 great build

[bmwvsevo]

Not yet. Shes been sitting for way too long. Planning on getting on track again late summer or fall and if all goes well ill get some cams in and a new tune. Since reading more on here on the options, ill probably go with the the next step down just to be safer since i have had the head and the block decked, not to mention all the discussion on plus minus dlco rocker arms.

Ok, understood. Makes sense for a piece of mind to go a bit milder. Thanks for the reply

[F1Dryvr]

F1Dryvr, you had mentioned a while back that you were going to install 288/280 cams - have you done that yet? If yes, what is your feedback? Thanks

Not yet. Shes been sitting for way too long. Planning on getting on track again late summer or fall and if all goes well ill get some cams in and a new tune. Since reading more on here on the options, ill probably go with the the next step down just to be safer since i have had the head and the block decked, not to mention all the discussion on plus minus dlco rocker arms.

[bmwvsevo]

F1Dryvr, you had mentioned a while back that you were going to install 288/280 cams - have you done that yet? If yes, what is your feedback? Thanks

[bmwvsevo]

Thanks for the response.
I am keeping my E36 5 speed transmission and do have e39 M5 clutch with aluminum flywheel I believe in there already that I have done maybe 15 track days on. So I will check what the condition of it is.

As far as the engine work goes - I have contacted Anri and had a great conversation with him discussing a few options. I will also reach out to Lang today to have a similar conversation. I will be doing some more research before I make my decision on who to go with. It does seem like Anri has built a great reputation within the community.

[F1Dryvr]

Apparently im wrong on the SAC. Another thread in E46 section the guys are saying its not necessary, so disregard..

no advice to give on clutch… mine was good but failed on about the 4 th track day after the rebuild. Had 150k miles on it, so consider a replacement while youre in there or risk another big repair. I replaced w the tilton twin disc and ltw flywheel combo and have been happy. New stock is fine too if you are wanting to avoid another big job. I mention in the build all the transmission “while youre in there” items. I believe i have a trans seal leak now coming from the belhousing. I dont think its the rms. I replaced the shift shaft seal but not the trans input shaft seal so i think its that one.

Definitely get the sized ring compressor 87.25. I think theyre like 10$ more and the universal one is a pia. The rings slip out at the last second and u have to start over.

if youre on a budget with this(and no matter how u do it its very expensive) just get the stage one rebuild from lang, just so thats done and its a fresh start. The upgraded parts etc youll want the head perfectly flat and as well have the block decked so you have two perfectly flat surfaces.

those rods and pistons look like what i got on first glance. Obv the pistons need to be 87.25. They are very nice and again the main reason i went with those is the significant rotating mass weight savings. You can get a rod bolt stretch guage tool from carillo that is way cheaper than the arp. Also Lang was very helpful in picking out parts so drop him an email about your plans and he may be responsive as he was with me.

good luck! Take your time and have fun!!

[bmwvsevo]

F1Dryvr, as far as rods and pistons - did you go with the following part numbers?:
Pistons - https://store.langracing.com/product...on-set-bmw-s54
Rods - https://www.bimmerworld.com/CP-Caril...t-SCR5162.html

Thanks

[bmwvsevo]

F1Dryvr

Lang was great with me. Responded to all questions(himself) with unexpected promptness. I did spend quite a bit of money with him, pretty much all the major spending points on the build. He was great and had great advice and guided some of my purchases were there were alot of options. Def would go with him again.

• Thanks for the feedback, I will definitely contact them. As well as Anri, mentioned by "Slideways" in the post above.

87.25, yes. I believe the issue with the bigger bore is that there is very small space btw the cylinders as well, you can go bigger but if u have any issue and need to re prep the block u still have room to upsize to 87.5. Starting at 87.5 thats about all shes good for so ud need a new block after that. Difference in displacement is tiny like 29 cc or something by my calculations so not much gained with the. Bore. Much more power available with the stroker kit… but thats more complex than i was wanting to make it.

• I am definitely not looking for power gains here. So removing as little as possible (if needed) is what I am after. Hence 87.25 sounds like the max I would go for (if block condition allows)

i have no comparison to say stage three is worth it. Def pricey and probably not worth it for any appreciable power gains. I wanted higher performance parts for supposedly higher reliability. But theres no guarantee there.

• I will consult with Anri as well. Would like to hear opinions on head rebuilds for reliable track use without going all out (if it can be avoided)

happy with the selections of rods and pistons. Very nice parts, (pricey too). Lighter than stock, i forget by how much but it was significant, and likely the source of the extra power it made along w the slight increase in compression that they give… again, no information for comparison.

• I am still doing research here. Mahle, JE, CP/Carillo - many piston options. Looks like Molnar is a good rod option that I read about....

engine has run beautifully. It really sings on track. Smooth and sounds amazing when running hard and high rpm… so very happy with how it turned out. It did have one cylinder with a leak that never seemed to close up, and it may be burning a bit of oil there so i didnt get it perfect, but its still doing its job very well considering my zero experience!

• Great to hear you are enjoying the engine on track. I hope I get to do the same in the near future

to do again id probably buy more of the precision tools from more reputable brands instead of amazon/harbor freight. Bore guage and ring compressor, as well as ring files and micrometers.

• Good points. As far as the ring compressor, Ive been reading people steer towards the option to piston size versus the universal ones. But I am also a rookie at this so no real life experience from my side

if u keep the stock clutch look up how to reset it for reinstall, bc mine failed a couple events later and i think not doing that was the cause.

• Interesting, Ive never heard of this. I am keeping my 5 speed ZF transmission from E36 and current clutch combo..... Will have to search this reset issue.

[bmwvsevo]

Anri is in SoCal and did this full rebuild - https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...o-build-thread

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...nd-another-one

Thank you, reading through these right now. I am new to S54 world hence a lot to learn still (S52 in my current track car, and E92 M3 weekend car - those took up my attention for years)
Also, send an email to Anri, since I can not send PMs yet.

[F1Dryvr]

Hi F1Dryvr, I am sure you get many messages about your S54 build but I thought id ask a few more anyway
I have just purchased a 160K mile S54 that will go into my E36 track car. I am planning to rebuild it. Goal is - hpde/tt track car only. I am doing all the research currently and your build thread in helping tremendously. Thank you for documenting your journey.
I do have a few questions. If you could share your knowledge and feedback that would be great. (Forum does not allow me to send a PM hence a post here)

1. What is your overall feedback for Lang Racing? I am in CA and am 2hr drive from them. Would you recommend? Overall support/service and quality of work?
2. Bore to 87.25 - would you still do the same?
3. Head work - was stage 3 worth it? It is pricey.....
4. Rods and pistons - I see a few different brands - are you happy with your selections?
5. How is the motor holding up to date?
6. And lastly - what would you change is you would do it again?

Thank you in advance. Feel free to PM me as a response back if youd like

Lang was great with me. Responded to all questions(himself) with unexpected promptness. I did spend quite a bit of money with him, pretty much all the major spending points on the build. He was great and had great advice and guided some of my purchases were there were alot of options. Def would go with him again.

87.25, yes. I believe the issue with the bigger bore is that there is very small space btw the cylinders as well, you can go bigger but if u have any issue and need to re prep the block u still have room to upsize to 87.5. Starting at 87.5 thats about all shes good for so ud need a new block after that. Difference in displacement is tiny like 29 cc or something by my calculations so not much gained with the. Bore. Much more power available with the stroker kit… but thats more complex than i was wanting to make it.

i have no comparison to say stage three is worth it. Def pricey and probably not worth it for any appreciable power gains. I wanted higher performance parts for supposedly higher reliability. But theres no guarantee there.

happy with the selections of rods and pistons. Very nice parts, (pricey too). Lighter than stock, i forget by how much but it was significant, and likely the source of the extra power it made along w the slight increase in compression that they give… again, no information for comparison.

engine has run beautifully. It really sings on track. Smooth and sounds amazing when running hard and high rpm… so very happy with how it turned out. It did have one cylinder with a leak that never seemed to close up, and it may be burning a bit of oil there so i didnt get it perfect, but its still doing its job very well considering my zero experience!

to do again id probably buy more of the precision tools from more reputable brands instead of amazon/harbor freight. Bore guage and ring compressor, as well as ring files and micrometers.

if u keep the stock clutch look up how to reset it for reinstall, bc mine failed a couple events later and i think not doing that was the cause.

let me know if you have other questions and good luck!!

[Slideways]

Hi F1Dryvr, I am sure you get many messages about your S54 build but I thought id ask a few more anyway
I have just purchased a 160K mile S54 that will go into my E36 track car. I am planning to rebuild it. Goal is - hpde/tt track car only. I am doing all the research currently and your build thread in helping tremendously. Thank you for documenting your journey.
I do have a few questions. If you could share your knowledge and feedback that would be great. (Forum does not allow me to send a PM hence a post here)

1. What is your overall feedback for Lang Racing? I am in CA and am 2hr drive from them. Would you recommend? Overall support/service and quality of work?
2. Bore to 87.25 - would you still do the same?
3. Head work - was stage 3 worth it? It is pricey.....
4. Rods and pistons - I see a few different brands - are you happy with your selections?
5. How is the motor holding up to date?
6. And lastly - what would you change is you would do it again?

Thank you in advance. Feel free to PM me as a response back if youd like

Anri is in SoCal and did this full rebuild - https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...o-build-thread

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/234038-another-one-and-another-one

[bmwvsevo]

Hi F1Dryvr, I am sure you get many messages about your S54 build but I thought id ask a few more anyway
I have just purchased a 160K mile S54 that will go into my E36 track car. I am planning to rebuild it. Goal is - hpde/tt track car only. I am doing all the research currently and your build thread in helping tremendously. Thank you for documenting your journey.
I do have a few questions. If you could share your knowledge and feedback that would be great. (Forum does not allow me to send a PM hence a post here)

1. What is your overall feedback for Lang Racing? I am in CA and am 2hr drive from them. Would you recommend? Overall support/service and quality of work?
2. Bore to 87.25 - would you still do the same?
3. Head work - was stage 3 worth it? It is pricey.....
4. Rods and pistons - I see a few different brands - are you happy with your selections?
5. How is the motor holding up to date?
6. And lastly - what would you change is you would do it again?

Thank you in advance. Feel free to PM me as a response back if youd like