M52b28 mods

[bm0p700f]

How much hassle is a camshaft swap on a m52b28. Also what single mass fly wheel kits are a good buy.

Quite like this z3 and now thinking of m50 manifold camshaft change maybe something on the exhaust and maybe a single mass flywheel (but it changes gear nicely and don't really what to upset that) plus a remap as that would be needed. Can't help it I like to tinker.

And possibly a change of diff ratio but it already 3000 rpm at 70 mph.

 

[RB2]

When i did the m50 manifold swap on a 28 I used to have, I was a bit disappointed, whilst it made higher bhp it was at the sacrifice of lower torque, it made the off the line bit feel less peppy... ended up fitting an s50

 

[bm0p700f]

An s50 or s52 would be another option but the cost of a engine plus a refresh (gaskets thermostat water pump new rad e.t.c) would start to cost big money.

Big enough that a super charger on the m52b28 is probably a viable alternative.

 

[Scooblitz]

As @RB2 has mentioned, the M50 manifold is a tried and tested mod but the exact reason I havn’t done it myself is the loss of lower end torque. Gains are made above 5000rpm and I don’t find myself up in that rev range that often. What I do like about the m52b28 is the ability to step on the gas pedal in any gear and it accelerates nicely. Grunt.

A single mass flywheel will be great on track but for a street car, the gearbox chatter might be difficult to get used to or intolerable.
Something tells me that it might make it easier to lock up the rear unless you heel toe the car.

 

[bm0p700f]

Im not minded for a lighter flywheel. What i think it needs is a shorter diff but in turn means a 6 speed box or an over drive 5 speed box.what it lacking is 3rd gear shove. With a 0.81 over drive i could use a 3.91 diff and preserve the current 3k rpm at 70mph. Or a 3.73. I guessing I'd need my current diff rebuilt with the new gearing or would an e30 diff fit some of them are slippers.

What are the best options. For 6 speed would a manual box from a z3 3.0i fit. I assume so and I assume the z3 shifter bits from that car would just fit mine and work without modification.

Is there a 5 speed box that would just bolt up not just to the engine but can use stock z3 shifter parts.

Maybe after that I would do something with the exhaust.

 

[SV8Predator]

For 6 speed would a manual box from a z3 3.0i fit. I assume so and I assume the z3 shifter bits from that car would just fit mine and work without modification.

Does the Z3 3.0 have a 6-speed box?

 

[bm0p700f]

So on summary would i need the e46 m3 6 speed or would a e46 6 speed from a 330i work. If the z3 3.0i box works maybe

Does the Z3 3.0 have a 6-speed box?

No it doesn't

 

[Lee]

Does the Z3 3.0 have a 6-speed box?

No mate, all Z3 are 5 speed. Z4 had a 6 speed mated to the M54B30 which does fit in the Z3 i've fitted a few.

 

[bm0p700f]

Ah now if you have done this what bits do I need.

Z4 3.0 manual.gearbox z4 flywheel amd clutch, which gear box support. Who's shifter parts?.

Any other parts?

 

[Lee]

Ah now if you have done this what bits do I need.

Z4 3.0 manual.gearbox z4 flywheel amd clutch, which gear box support. Who's shifter parts?.

Any other parts?

The Z4 3.0 box and front section of the propshaft. Also get the linkages, you'll need to shorten these so take a measurement and get them adjusted, you'll need a good ally welder. Company in USA make a good custom bracket to hold the gearbox google will find it for you. Also a solid flywheel kit from the that gen Z4 or E46 work perfect with that gearbox, make sure its a 22 spline clutch.

 

[Lee]

This was the first one I documented

#ZedShed - Dino’s Track toy 2.8 (6-Speed Gearbox Conversion) | BMW Z1 Z4 Z8 Z3 Forum and Technical Database - ZRoadster.org

 

[bm0p700f]

Actually found the gearbox support here

Getriebehalter BMW E36 Z3 Umbau 6 Gang Getriebe BMW E46 M3 Umbau Tuning Adapter

Transmission mount, suitable for the BMW E36 / Z3 series built between 1992 and 1999 and:all BMW E36 M3E36 325i 325is 328i 328is 328icE36/8 MZ3 Roadster and MZ3 CoupéE36/8 Z3 Roadster and Z3 CoupeWith our gearbox holder you can easily install the 6-speed…

epytec.de

 

[Lee]

Actually found the gearbox support here

Getriebehalter BMW E36 Z3 Umbau 6 Gang Getriebe BMW E46 M3 Umbau Tuning Adapter

Transmission mount, suitable for the BMW E36 / Z3 series built between 1992 and 1999 and:all BMW E36 M3E36 325i 325is 328i 328is 328icE36/8 MZ3 Roadster and MZ3 CoupéE36/8 Z3 Roadster and Z3 CoupeWith our gearbox holder you can easily install the 6-speed…

epytec.de

You got it, make it so

 

[bm0p700f]

I will ill start buying bits when I get paid next and over winter something may happen.

 

[bm0p700f]

Is this e85 gearbox fitting gearbox the n52 engine? Or was there an m54 powered z4?

 

[Lee]

Is this e85 gearbox fitting gearbox the n52 engine? Or was there an m54 powered z4?

Only the M54 one, the gearbox is the same but has a different bolt housing and internal shaft longer.

 

[bm0p700f]

Thereafter 03 to 05 m54 e85 3.0 so that's the car i need to donate a box

 

[bm0p700f]

Another question do e85 diffs fit the z3?

 

[bm0p700f]

No that's a no go​

 

[Lee]

Thereafter 03 to 05 m54 e85 3.0 so that's the car i need to donate a box

So the pre facelift Z4 3.0 only, all facelift cars are N52. Roughly 2003-05.

Diffs are different Z3 only. If you want more accel best practice is to fit the 2.2 diff. You have a 3.15 ratio diff and the 2.2 is 3.38.

The 6 speed box drops 1500k rpm in 6th so worth sticking with the 3.15 ratio LSD.