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      01-24-2020, 07:01 AM   #1
JimBob0047
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If anyone has 14k to spare
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      01-24-2020, 09:59 AM   #2
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Didn't bmw make the block cast iron for its strength? I wonder if this will hold up.
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      01-24-2020, 10:03 AM   #3
JimBob0047
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Quote:
Originally Posted by filtercoffee View Post
Didn't bmw make the block cast iron for its strength? I wonder if this will hold up.
Billet blocks are stronger and lighter. UGR TT Lambos and ALPHA GTRs are pushing 3k whp on billets blocks.
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      01-24-2020, 11:16 AM   #4
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Wowie -
Advertised as "extreme weight savings"....any idea how much?

It is possible to adapt a flat plane crankshaft to this app? Or do flat plane crankshafts only work on 4 cylinder applications? The firing order would conceivably change w/a flat plane, correct? If yes, the camshafts would need to be re-engineered to open valves at different intervals, correct?
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      01-24-2020, 03:56 PM   #5
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Aluminum has come a long way but an S54 platform needs some serious overhauls to take advantage of the insane horsepower you can make out of that billet block vs our cast iron. It would mostly be useful for the weight savings.
I'd love to know how much weight it sheds.
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      01-24-2020, 05:57 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by racerbruce View Post
Wowie -
Advertised as "extreme weight savings"....any idea how much?

It is possible to adapt a flat plane crankshaft to this app? Or do flat plane crankshafts only work on 4 cylinder applications? The firing order would conceivably change w/a flat plane, correct? If yes, the camshafts would need to be re-engineered to open valves at different intervals, correct?
The weight differential from the n52 to the S54 is 255lbs. And the "feel" is quite noticeable driving one then the other. Bit spendy tho, 14k? Mind you R&D, investment in molds and equipment probably easy to justify, for what may be a very limited market.
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      01-25-2020, 12:04 PM   #7
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I'd love to know the weight savings too, although the N52 S54 comparison is probably a good ballpark.

It's a cool idea. But even more pricey when you add in all the costs on top of the 14k initial layout. I'd guess you're looking at another 10k for the engine build, additional parts req'd and install.
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      01-25-2020, 11:13 PM   #8
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LS Swap Time!

I can think of endless better ways to spend that much $$$ rather than on a billet block. But, I guess if someone will buy it, they will make it. I wonder how many they actually sell.
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      01-27-2020, 11:40 AM   #9
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Interesting question is will this block still qualify as a BMW motor for sanctioning bodies like BMW Club Racing? If not, LS would be far better bang for the buck...
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      01-27-2020, 05:53 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by racerbruce View Post
Wowie -
Advertised as "extreme weight savings"....any idea how much?

It is possible to adapt a flat plane crankshaft to this app? Or do flat plane crankshafts only work on 4 cylinder applications? The firing order would conceivably change w/a flat plane, correct? If yes, the camshafts would need to be re-engineered to open valves at different intervals, correct?
Flat plane doesn't make sense in the context on an I6 engine. Flat-plane would imply the crank journals are 180º apart. I don't see any way to do that without having some cylinders firing simultaneously and then having large gaps until the next firing pulse. The engine would have so many balancing issues that I'd be surprised if it ran very long at all.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Finnegan View Post
I'd love to know the weight savings too, although the N52 S54 comparison is probably a good ballpark.

It's a cool idea. But even more pricey when you add in all the costs on top of the 14k initial layout. I'd guess you're looking at another 10k for the engine build, additional parts req'd and install.
N52 is a magnesium block engine. M54 would probably be a better comparison (but even that would overestimate the weight difference since the S54 head is heavier and the S54 block is taller).
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      07-11-2020, 10:12 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Willy Sea View Post
The weight differential from the n52 to the S54 is 255lbs. And the "feel" is quite noticeable driving one then the other. Bit spendy tho, 14k? Mind you R&D, investment in molds and equipment probably easy to justify, for what may be a very limited market.
That 255lbs weigth differential is I think for the whole car?
So for that you're also counting (this is not a complete list):
- larger front and rear brakes
-dual back exhaust box (complete exhaust in itself is larger thus heavier)
-bigger differential, bigger CV joints
-oil cooling system

Looking at the quoted individual weights of blocks by BMW, I estimate that the difference in weight between engine blocks is about 50lbs, 60lbs tops.
BMW quotes that the s54 block weighs 122lbs, and an n52 or m54 block weighs about 77/75lbs (n52 block is virtually equally heavy, it's only part magnesium and is of split design in contrast to the m54). A billet block can be made a little bit lighter.

On the other hand, if you want to reduce an already stripped racecar another 60lbs without a billet block, it'll probably cost the same or more
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Last edited by GuidoK; 07-11-2020 at 10:52 AM..
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      07-20-2020, 04:56 PM   #12
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If you really want to bring the weight down, broccoli and eggs diet!!

Rear sway is what...... 10 lbs. *delete*

Unbolt all the exterior panels off the car as they are all over-rated cosmetic items.

Take out the glass...... overrated when you are wearing your skunk-works helmet.


So many opportunities all for free...... except the eggs and broccoli diet. .




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      07-21-2020, 01:21 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tominizer View Post
If you really want to bring the weight down, broccoli and eggs diet!!

Rear sway is what...... 10 lbs. *delete*

Unbolt all the exterior panels off the car as they are all over-rated cosmetic items.

Take out the glass...... overrated when you are wearing your skunk-works helmet.


So many opportunities all for free...... except the eggs and broccoli diet. .


You forgot some:
  • fill the tyres with helium or hydrogen
  • shave 4mm off the new tyres
  • shave 5mm off new pads
  • shave 1mm off new disks
  • drill holes in the wheel spokes
  • drill holes in the floor
  • empty half the oil/coolant out
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      07-22-2020, 03:36 PM   #14
racerbruce
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And....

Quote:
Originally Posted by mmm-five View Post
You forgot some:
  • fill the tyres with helium or hydrogen
  • shave 4mm off the new tyres
  • shave 5mm off new pads
  • shave 1mm off new disks
  • drill holes in the wheel spokes
  • drill holes in the floor
  • empty half the oil/coolant out
And....
-Remove the gas tank and install a one gallon gas tank
-Remove one head light and tail light
-Remove the passenger seat
-Remove the battery and push start it
-Remove one of the mufflers
-Remove one of the side view mirrors
-Remove one of the kidney grills

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      07-22-2020, 04:26 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GuidoK View Post
That 255lbs weigth differential is I think for the whole car?
So for that you're also counting (this is not a complete list):
- larger front and rear brakes
-dual back exhaust box (complete exhaust in itself is larger thus heavier)
-bigger differential, bigger CV joints
-oil cooling system

Looking at the quoted individual weights of blocks by BMW, I estimate that the difference in weight between engine blocks is about 50lbs, 60lbs tops.
You could be right, but the difference in turn-in responsiveness between the 3.0si and M coupes I owned at the same time would suggest that the weight savings on the front end is substantial. 60lbs. wouldn't account for it.
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