How can I add a little more horsepower?

wigwig · 12-19-2023, 06:21 AM

For context, I’m replacing my head gasket and a coworker suggested I could spend a little extra money to upgrade some internal parts of the engine, though I’m not sure exactly what I can play around with in there. I’m relatively new to working on cars, but I have enough mechanical knowledge to find my way around. Just looking for suggestions, if anyone has any. Thanks!

Steeler · 12-19-2023, 10:02 AM

The M54 is a pretty stout motor as is.

If you see yourself possibly FI in the future, I would add head studs to the build.
Internally I would leave alone.

Only other thing you might consider would be some more radical cams, but this also ties into further upgrades.

Externally, headers and a free flow exhaust can free up some HP, but this is RPM related and not kick in the pants upgrade to HP.

Honestly, best bang for buck is a lower ratio diff.
Moving to a 3.46 or 3.64 would be your best bang for the buck.

Daemonblitz · 12-22-2023, 10:01 AM

You're replacing your head gasket??
You mean valve cover gasket? I have been around BMWs for some time, I've yet to see a head gasket failure on a stock car.

12-19-2023, 06:21 AM	#1
wigwig Enlisted Member 5 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: NC, United States iTrader: (0)	How can I add a little more horsepower? For context, I’m replacing my head gasket and a coworker suggested I could spend a little extra money to upgrade some internal parts of the engine, though I’m not sure exactly what I can play around with in there. I’m relatively new to working on cars, but I have enough mechanical knowledge to find my way around. Just looking for suggestions, if anyone has any. Thanks!
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12-19-2023, 10:02 AM	#2
Steeler Colonel 2428 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	The M54 is a pretty stout motor as is. If you see yourself possibly FI in the future, I would add head studs to the build. Internally I would leave alone. Only other thing you might consider would be some more radical cams, but this also ties into further upgrades. Externally, headers and a free flow exhaust can free up some HP, but this is RPM related and not kick in the pants upgrade to HP. Honestly, best bang for buck is a lower ratio diff. Moving to a 3.46 or 3.64 would be your best bang for the buck. __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX
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12-22-2023, 10:01 AM	#3
Daemonblitz Commander 219 Rep 850 Posts Drives: Z4MC/M5/640iX/M1000RR Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Aurora, ON, Canada iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [9.50] 2006 Z4M Coupe [8.77] 2010 BMW S1000RR [10.00]	You're replacing your head gasket?? You mean valve cover gasket? I have been around BMWs for some time, I've yet to see a head gasket failure on a stock car. __________________ E86 ///M Coupe - Imola Red/Imola Red E60 ///M5 - (6 Speed) Silverstone Metallic/Black F06 640iX - Tanzanite Blue/Amaro Brown K66 ///M1000RR - Competition
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