M54b30 manifold swap tune

Dorito

Dorito

Newbie
American Zeds
Joined
Apr 4, 2025
Points
3
Location
Seattle
Model of Z
2.8 roadster
I am currently ordering parts to refresh my 99 2.8 and was starting to get together intake manifold parts when I noticed some posts saying that I could gain some HP by swapping a manifold from an m54b30.

I have more e46s than I know what to do with and this have many extra parts. I have a spare b30 manifold and all the fixins to seal the whole thing back up tight (new disa, ccv parts, gaskets, blah, blah). I would much rather use the stuff I have and spend the extra $$ on suspension.

I am wondering if I can run it without a tune and just not get maximum benefit or if I will need a tune to get the m54 disa and sensors to work properly?
 
It's reportedly the best bang for buck for HP gain, however, you apparently give up some of the torque for that gain.
 
Hello, I grew up in the Seattle area and still have family there.

The B30 manifold is an easy swap and you just need the addaptor for the throttle body if I remember. I did it years ago without a tune and there was a little noticable difference. Not sure how much a tune would change that.

After spending time on NA mods I ended up diving head first into forced induciton instead so gave my 3.0 manifold to Steveo.
 
Its good to know that you didnt NEED a tune to make it run. Im still on the fence. I can only find adapter plates for b25 manifolds and not the b30 so I may abandon this idea and just fork out for a new disa on the b28 manifold.
 
Do. It's worth it and while you are in there add the 3.0 intake cam. You should have an m52tu based on your model year. Shares a head with the m54. The cam and manifold put you near to m54 3.0 power. Work out the hp p/litre of displacement of m54 vs m52tu and you will see what I mean.

I did this mod then wasted money going further on cams with cat cam sport cams. Pulls a bit harder at the top but not really worth the extra money.

I have an almost brand new m54 3.0mintake cam in my garage as a result.
 
  • Agree
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