99 328i engine build

[Aktiv3]

k guys im bout to start a engine build on my 99 328i i just started researching it a couple of days ago do any of you guys know how much its going to cost me ....the only thing im going to have to pay is labor on machining the rest im doin ive got my own shop...but do any of yaw out there know how much its will cost to do a complete rebuild internals and all ....also keep in mind im building for pre-aac38 sc so just help me out guys if you can also would it be possible to buy the engine already done and me just put it in my car if so where and how much ...thanks guys after i start it ill post pictures

[boosted323]

That is also my goal as well. I have a 2000 323i with an AA c-30 kit im gonna do a custom C-38 81trim. Contact AA and they can answer any questions. But i guess all you really need is stock compression forged pistons about $900 or so. Rods are about $1200. FI cams are about $1200. Technik power has a stage 3 port and polish head for $1700. How far are you looking to go? Are you going to stroke the motor?

[Aktiv3]

im going all out on this project....afetr i get done with the engine...im doing aa c38 sc kit with stage 2(intercooler) aa gen 3 exhaust,aa headers ,aa track pipe,aa short throw aaclutch and flywheels and water/methanol injection....after i get done you think that will be a sweet setup ...lol im wanting to get as much hp out of the engine rebuild as possible....you got any more ideas let me know

[boosted323]

Thats basically the same setup im doing. Just instead of the c38-71 which the 328 kit has, I'm gonna go for the 81 trim and max it out. Everyone keeps saying just buy an M. They are just saying that cuz there gonna be pissed when a little 2.5 liter is beating them:)

[Activ3]

Nicee... the 81 trim should hit close to 20lbs maxed out on the 2.5L.

[Aktiv3]

david you got c38-71 or 81

[Activ3]

71

[boosted323]

I can run that much boost? I called AA a couple times. Spoke to Karl and Craig and I coudn't get A straight answer. They forwarding me back and forth haha.

[pei330ci]

k guys im bout to start a engine build on my 99 328i i just started researching it a couple of days ago do any of you guys know how much its going to cost me ....the only thing im going to have to pay is labor on machining the rest im doin ive got my own shop...but do any of yaw out there know how much its will cost to do a complete rebuild internals and all ....also keep in mind im building for pre-aac38 sc so just help me out guys if you can also would it be possible to buy the engine already done and me just put it in my car if so where and how much ...thanks guys after i start it ill post pictures

The cost deppends on how far you really want to go. "All out" to me means something different than "all out" to the average enthusiast.

I would say as a starting point, $8k for a basic build.

GMG ran a 2.5L M54 engine in their World Challenge race cars this year, and the cost was quoted at anything from $25 to $35K deppending on what was included. (And who you talked to)

With no rules, an open mind, and an open wallet, I can see a "Statement" M54 engine costing $40+ K for everything BEFORE the Supercharger.

You may want to look at an S54 more seriously...

[BimmerDude18]

You can gets rods for $500-600 (eagle) and be fine.

If you get headwork and send it out, don't send it to technik, get Memphis Motorworks to do it. Very good guys, do great work, and expensive (but still reasonable) prices.

You should be able to get a good 5 angle valve job, P&P locally for much less. The P&P is where the real power is made though, and thats why you pay more for big name shops to do the work.

[Aktiv3]

well the good thing is is that all im having to do ispay for machine work and then all the internals because i have my own shop and all the tools so ill do everything else my self....im wanting to try to get by with like $5500-6 if i can but if i do the build and the c38 do you guys know about where i would be sitting at hp......now do you guys think that woould be sick ride with the following aa headers back and aa short throw flywheel and clutch and water/meth injection i think when i get it all done its gone to be pretty damn sick...yaw guys help me out on good prices and other good i deas i would greatley appreciate it thanks

[Activ3]

You mean $6k not including the SC price right?

[boosted323]

The guys at AA said 360-370whp range. But he wasn't sure.

[Aktiv3]

yes that 6 not including sc damn if that really 360-370 whp before sc then go with all the other **** this car will be a beast... i just want to find the best parts for a real good price im going to do alot of researching i want save as much money as possible....i was looking at the stage 3 head(port and polish) from technik...its 1770 does anybody know how good that is yaw give me websites with good prices thanks guys for helping out ....im going to let this post go for a while so i can get some good answers i want this project to be awesome ...thanks guys

[boosted323]

Not 370 before the sc. After.

[pei330ci]

yes that 6 not including sc damn if that really 360-370 whp before sc then go with all the other **** this car will be a beast... i just want to find the best parts for a real good price im going to do alot of researching i want save as much money as possible....i was looking at the stage 3 head(port and polish) from technik...its 1770 does anybody know how good that is yaw give me websites with good prices thanks guys for helping out ....im going to let this post go for a while so i can get some good answers i want this project to be awesome ...thanks guys

Icosaca has TONS of info posted on this.

[bernstem]

I would point out that the only significant internal difference between the 330 and 328 is the engine stroke. If you are rebuilding the engine internals, there is (to my mind at least), no reason not to move up to a 3.0L. There are more supercharger options, higher power to be made and more aftermarket support for the 330. If you are going to be supercharging, you will be replacing most of the non-internal parts anyways (intake, air box, retuned ECU etc.) so that becomes less of an issue. You would need to replace the mechnical throttle with the electronic throttle from the 330.

I have a 328 and personally, if I were going for big power, that is what I would do. Get a 330 spec crank (stock or aftermarket), forged rods and pistons with whatever compression ratio you want and look at building a turbo kit or buying something like the ESS or AA twin screw kits with tuning for lowered compression (e.g TS3 or custom tune from AA).

There are other problems you are going to run into. You need to consider how well the rest of your car is going to handle the power. I don't think the stock suspension is enough for 300+hp. You also need to think seriously about reinforcing the subframe mounting points and you will definitely need a new clutch. You should consider the lack of a limited slip differential and whether you would want to upgrade to a 6-speed to take advantage of a higher ratio rear end.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[Aktiv3]

thanks..yea right now im just reasearching to see the best options ill start the build at the end of the month...ive got h &r rss coilovers and uuc motorwerkes adjustable control arms ....i havent really thought about a 6 speed but i guess that would also be a good mod with built engine this is what im bout to buy below.....on top of the engine build

aa c38 71 or 81
aa headers
aa gen3 exhaust
aa water/meth injection
aa clutch and flywheel
aa short throw

also how much could i get a 6 speed tranny for

[MSpired]

Nicee... the 81 trim should hit close to 20lbs maxed out on the 2.5L.

Don't we wish. The c38-81 can only make about 10psi max

[Activ3]

Don't we wish. The c38-81 can only make about 10psi max
10psi with the 3.2L S54. It will boost noticeably more on the smaller 2.8L :)

[BimmerDude18]

10psi with the 3.2L S54. It will boost noticeably more on the smaller 2.8L :)

Yeah, not only does the S54 have more displacement, but its redline is a lot higher, and IIRC the head flows a lot better on it.

[bernstem]

...also how much could i get a 6 speed tranny for


Used a six speed will cost ~1500 - 2000 if you can find one. New OEM they are ~2800. New BMW is ~3600. Figure about 500-1000 in miscellaneous parts to do the ocnversion. Labor should be pretty much zero if you are doing a clutch since they pull the transmission to get to the clutch.

[Richbot]

There's no reason to change the whole engine control package if you go to the 3.0l crank. It'll just need a little bit more fuel, and if you're doing it right you're going to have plenty of extra injector anyway. The extra displacement would fall within the realm of adjustments that the ECU could handle on its own to my mind.

[boosted323]

Used a six speed will cost ~1500 - 2000 if you can find one. New OEM they are ~2800. New BMW is ~3600. Figure about 500-1000 in miscellaneous parts to do the ocnversion. Labor should be pretty much zero if you are doing a clutch since they pull the transmission to get to the clutch.

Call VAC and ask for Armand. They can get you anything you need for a reasonable price. He got me a 330 tranny with a new clutch/flywheel and 3.38 diff for a good price.