Should You Turbo Your E46? Cost, Reliability and Power Breakdown!

[@7privet_]

Some guys from georgia have made a couple e46s, just arp head bolts, rod bolts and they push 400-650hp. These videos are so nice and inspiring, makes me want an e46 to turbo 😂

[@lokimantas7983]

Gelashvili performance, right?

[@7privet_]

@@lokimantas7983 yep

[@7privet_]

@@Sir-Kay arp is a company that makes bolts, head studs are installed in the block, they are stronger than the stock ones, to prevent the possibillity of lifting the head, rod bolts are, as in the name, for tightening rod caps to the rod around the crankshaft… they just reinforce the engine. The “proper” way to boost an na car would be to install stronger pistons and rods, but rod bolts and head studs can be installed to do a “cheap” build, it wont make it as strong as forged rods/pistons but stronger than stock

[@loganburdett4287]

And these people arnt having issues with he head lifting or warping at 450ish hp?

[@7privet_]

@@loganburdett4287 by the looks of it, no. Arp bolts, thicker head gasket, e85, safe ish boost levels

[@ziggydelcastillo3291]

Shouts out bro, super duper helpful. Gonna send it and boost my 330 now!

[@straightsixracing]

Hell yeah!

[@SupremeDroneTV]

Let me know if you did that boost what you think about it because I’m considering turboing a 330 e46 :)

[@codyfoster7574]

I’m wanting to turbo my 03 325i i’m wanting to shoot safely in between 350 to 400 wheel It’s gonna be a daily driver with a five speed

[@lucascallen4000]

me too but i have a 04

[@TurboBG]

did you ever get to it? since i see your comment is 2 years old. I am looking into turbo-ing my e60 m54 with an upgraded SMG gearbox

[@raomar0]

Only thing that contributes to head lift and overheating is the stock thermostat and thermal switch that bmw used, the car runs a little too hot... changing them for lower temp ones while a radiator upgrade with electric fan is the finishing touch. Then voila no head lift/overheating. (Forgot to mention turbo blanket and exhaust wrap Help more with this, keeping an engine cool while making power is key, why e85 is used as well, cools as it is injected, so yeah, keep spinning the Chinese choochoo boi :) )

[@straightsixracing]

true enough! Thanks for contributing useful info. I’m running of course a turbo blanket, I was hesitant on exhaust wrap for the manifold because I’ve seen some warp under the extreme heat (cast manifolds though) although I have sleeves for both the drain and feed, heat taped the engine cover (right under the exhaust) and plan on wrapping the hood dump. I’ll be running no hood for a while so heat soak is greatly reduced. I run my fan once it hits about a quarter on my temps

[@straightsixracing]

I think it was after this video I changed to a performance CSF rad, with SPAL fan. Thing is great!

[@raomar0]

@@straightsixracing Definitely the right way to go, Even e36 m3 guys upgrade this stuff to make the car last. Also Like you have said before people with unopened engines have made alot of power, reason being the head bolts and studs stretch after torquing, so keeping temps down with a good tune = happy car (Applies to any car). Also I believe those cast manifolds crack because there are no stress relief cuts in the metal, you can do that yourself and they will be perfectly fine. Plus your abs module probs wont die!

[@ritter_cracker]

Actually this is an awesome type of thermostat. You can control it really well in the ECU.

[@nickcosta4326]

Turbo building my E30. I’m 12k £ in right now. Had to buy a M54B30 330i manual. Stand-alone ecu. Turbo kit. And a few other bits. And a lot of labour. Should be done soon then onto tuning. I’m hoping for 450bhp 😁

[@beemo5138]

Im a little late, but dude, solid video! Really gave some good ass information.

[@407_ryan8]

aluminum valve cover is a good upgrade and relatively cheap

[@avalaugh1980]

😂 you cheeky boy, that’s my engine bay picture you’ve used for the thumbnail picture…. No joke either, it really is.

[@avalaugh1980]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5yUmIZohamMercsi=xKxkL9gbzcbTVzda

[@DeclanCrane]

Love the video and the insight on turbo-ed E46. I own a 325i, love the chasis, but looking for a little more power. This is definitely the route I'll be taking. Thanks :)

[@straightsixracing]

No problem!

[@swoopdawg4859]

hey man i have a 325i, considering it too, have u done it?

[@DeclanCrane]

@@swoopdawg4859 I ended up go for a N54 335. I still daily my E46 though. The N54 makes a lot more power for a lot less investment

[@straightsixracing]

Same here. 335, but I do want to m52 swap an e46, the n54 is... expensive to push further than 600-700hp.

[@jeff_desir]

Thanks, great info! Exactly what I was looking for! Nice build!

[@soulreadanalytics9781]

Dude you are on it.. much appreciated

[@cmkm54]

REALLY appreciate it dude!!!!

[@TheMrbumpersticker]

By “b30 internals” which parts have been swapped out from the 325 to 330?

[@straightsixracing]

Crank, rods, pistons, cams

[@MrDanielsahne]

Very nice vid. I want to boost my M54B30 too, but in germany we have very strikt laws. :( I read you can buy a cooler from like mishimoto so the engine doesnt get to hot.

[@straightsixracing]

I have a oil cooler. And yeah I’ve heard, but you can still supercharge out there if you keep the cats right?

[@straightsixracing]

It’s just very expensive I’m sure

[@mohamedabdelhalim9892]

Dude that’s bad, i wanted to move to Germany and get a masters degree and to pick a car and work on it at spare time, reading you comment blowed it all off

[@straightsixracing]

from what i've read / seen, theyre so strict, but there are companies that make legally modifications, but they are very expensive because they had to go through a long process to make them legal.

[@mohamedabdelhalim9892]

ChiTown Bimmer seems impossible tbh, why is it not allowed tho? Emissions or street racing reasons

[@berndengelbrecht1895]

i installed a turbo on my e36 and it looks like stock and costs about 2200 dollar

[@straightsixracing]

Nice!!

[@mikewilliams1781]

Ok so what need some links or a video reference for the m50 intake manifold swap on m54 engine, I’d prefer to go with an aftermarket one instead of the one one. Thanks in advance!

[@mikewilliams1781]

Oem** not “one one”

[@lollygaggin6332]

I’m about to do this to my 05 330xi. Do you think I should beef up the axles first? It’s very reliable, but I also know that more power=more problems…. What are your thought?

[@sniperking305]

Did you ever find out ? Because I have a 02 330xi and wanna do the same

[@chukwuemekaonyema2716]

Does your setup require you to get rid of the A/C? I hear A/C lines get in the way when turbo is in that location.

[@straightsixracing]

Most of the time. People have done it keeping AC. But requires some custom lines and possible relocation of the AC

[@MeanYellowMachine]

You said the kit is off a e36 where does it sit the waste gate compared to the e46 kit

[@straightsixracing]

In the drug bin. So I cut mine out

[@will1569]

The thumbnail of this video is my car 😂

[@straightsixracing]

😁😁😁

[@Burrmao196]

Damn how that work 💀💀💀

[@wrld-dv9li]

Can it be done in my 2002 325i? Having trouble fitting the CX racing manifold..

[@emilianhodoroaba2879]

yo hi man, i know this video been uploaded a long way ago, and i saw u saying something about m5425 block with m54b30 internals, is that for real? i mean in the country i m from, taxes for big engines are hella expensive and i was thinking to put the crankshaft, roads, pistons everything from the b30 in the b25 block. about the head i m thinking the b30 is the way to go. what u say? it s possible something like this?

[@jcfinch4389]

So it believe the m54 already has an MLS gasket (unlike m50 and m52) but the studs/headbolts are torque to yield meaning the fastener is stretched a measurable amount. One thing with boosted engines is they can knock or predetinate witch causes peak cyclinder pressure to go way up and can over come the stressful of the fastener or the aluminum threads in the block. Studs are a must, the stock one are inadequate for anything over 8psi they are easy to bur in to you only have to remove the valve cover. Sure you can get 600hp on a stock motor if, it will lift the head soon enough

[@chrisrobinson7395]

What studs would you recommend?

[@jcfinch4389]

@@chrisrobinson7395 ARP is the only company that really makes aftermarket head bolts it's actually a stud conversion instead of bolts and they're reusable they're also 12-point instead of 6 which means they'll be less likely to strip and be able to handle higher torque loads I believe the stock torque to yield is 90 ft lb with 180° and these handles something like 130 or 140 ft lb to be charged properly so that right there says something about the clamping force of the head to the block

[@352lambo]

Cleatus tested a plug and play electric turbo that adds something under 50hp.. very cheap.. you should use it in next project after this one

[@straightsixracing]

That would be fun too bad it’s $2,000! Haha

[@mimirconsulting]

I am curious, after setting up a turbo on your car (it does not come with a turbo from factory), is it possible to make it street legal? Here it is impossible to pass the annual car check up even if you have a CAI

[@straightsixracing]

Illinois is very lax we only have emissions and I exempt myself from that, other than tickets by police(which I’ve never had even though I’ve been pulled over) there’s no enforcement on modification in Illinois as whole.

[@takenotes4803]

so you would say the e46 motor despite running high compression is turbo friendly? considering low boost. I would love to turbo my 330 im not looking for crazy hp

[@kai-matthiasbast8612]

Im assuming hes using a decomression plate or something you will need to lower compression if u want a safe turbo build

[@sultanofswingdrift3021]

not true, there are many ways go achieve good performance with stock compression. higher octane fuel, meth/water injection, good tune, ethanol...

[@jakelauben9143]

how much faster does it make your car?

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

Please one e46 in america the dollars juste one ?????

[@drewE46]

brother. I fucking wish I could find a deal like that.

[@tudordan5871]

Or maybe supercharge it? What's your oppinion on this?:D

[@straightsixracing]

Supercharger is good, nice powerband, easier on the engine, can make decent power depending on the supercharger / setup.

[@blakerussell4639]

Top tier kit is 7k plus though

[@evanknox719]

how did you learn how to do everything your self

[@straightsixracing]

Talking to people who knew more than me, looking things up endlessly and finally doing it and learning from my mistakes. Always be willing to learn

[@saulmartinez5415]

Hey I got a cuestión I have a bmw e46 325i how do I install turbo with out blow the car with it or do I have to swap engine?

[@straightsixracing]

You can turbo the stock 325 engine

[@michaeltinajero8014]

Running 350hp on my e39 m54b30 63mm wheel on the supercharged from ESS tuning with TS2 on 91 lmao 🤣 "not gonna hit 300 hp smh

[@troll3r4life95]

We’re you buy the oil filter cap at

[@alexsalazar5161]

what was your mpg like before and after?

[@straightsixracing]

Good to bad 😂

[@jakelauben9143]

how much more horsepower do u get?

[@UnoriginalUserNameV2]

Would this work for my 04 325i? Would i need to do some chassis modifications?

[@straightsixracing]

this can work, reinforcing the rear end is recommended.

[@Randydandye46]

I know this vid is 5 yrs old but if anyone’s seeing this that has a turboed e46 what oil are yall running ? Haven’t really heard or seen many people talk about this

[@ahja7755]

Castrol 10w60, i run it at 12 psi

[@phatboi6782]

Just curious man where in the heck did you catch such a good deal for the cx turbo kit ??!

[@straightsixracing]

3Timese46 I’m a lucky guy ahha! I’ve been looking around for a while, always on Facebook searching, a local page there was an e36 for sale and it included the kit, so I asked how much he would want for just the kit, he said 450. I said I’d help him find a buyer if he’d take 350 and he said alright! I sent the ad around and tried to get people to buy the car, he was cool he also gave me an m50 intake manifold, m3 e36 axles and some other stuff with the turbo kit for $350.

[@phatboi6782]

Alex Nadolski gah lee man what a great deal! You got super duper lucky😂!

[@jessienatividad8606]

Can I do turbo in my 2004 bmw 330ci automatic

[@straightsixracing]

Yeah

[@noshit3407]

Where did you get that cap for the pcv valve

[@雷宇-j4v]

M54B25 and M54B30Is the structure the same?

[@straightsixracing]

Yes

[@Mantas123ish]

So how much total?

[@cbrody1133]

What's the part number for that oil cap

[@straightsixracing]

the oil filter adapter cap? Its a hackengineering product

[@cbrody1133]

Do you have a link where to buy cant seem to find anything

[@straightsixracing]

yeah ill throw it up right now, it took me forever to find it too

[@straightsixracing]

www.hackengineering.co.uk/product/billet-oil-filter-lid-oil-cooler-screw-type/

[@man-of-everthingpaul4252]

4 thousand i can do this for about £1500 n thats buying a standalone ecu aswell n few other parts as this is what im going to be building just have to search for all the parts needed

[@straightsixracing]

honestly i agree, but things add up fast, i say if you can set a larger budget and have extra money when youre done go for it, thats what my whole build is about :) also i cant weld, so some extra expenses go there

[@man-of-everthingpaul4252]

For all the main parts needed plus a surge tank and fuel lines and few other little things all my prices came up to £1401 but urs is a cool build man love watching your videos

[@theyneverlikedpey]

bro what turbo is that??????

[@kobebryant9035]

How did u hook the boost control to the stock ecu Help plz

[@bilteman_hukkaportti]

I did mechanic boost control in my build, no messing around with electric shit 😃

[@OLearysBMW]

Did you buy that oil cooler cap used from Mike?

[@straightsixracing]

Tyler O'Leary yes sir

[@OLearysBMW]

@@straightsixracing damn! You beat me to it. I couldn't get the funds in time. Hahaha

[@cannon9359]

Tyler O'Leary go with the s54 oil filter housing bruh. It works well for me

[@OLearysBMW]

@@cannon9359 I was contemplating that 🤔

[@cannon9359]

Tyler O'Leary #cleaner look

[@INVISIONDREAMS]

Did you upgrade fuel pump?

[@straightsixracing]

Yes I went to a 340lph but I’d recommend a 450 or 535 hellcat pump, though for the hellcat pump you’d have to do some additional wiring it’s not bad

[@sirbader1]

Q: does the burble / pop tune have any negative effects?

[@straightsixracing]

Catastrophic effects? More than likely not. Reduced MPG, reduced longevity of cats(if still on the car) and possibly more chance of carbon build up. Overall If done correctly, a simple “pop” tune (fuel overrun enabled // injectors spraying extra fuel AFTER throttle is closed) isn’t harmful but does have some minor negative effects. If you mess with ignition timing, there can be loss of power and more. I had a burble / pop tune on my e46 naturally aspirated for a while, gas mileage wasn’t significantly reduced, more than likely me engine braking / revving more caused it. If you want it, go for it, I know many new cars (Ford Focus RS, Mercedes C43 etc) have a sort of burble tuned from the factory.

[@jamesclark5306]

The extra fuel dumped in will hurt MPG (i'm not sure how much) and it WILL kill the cats if the car still has them.

[@straightsixracing]

I ran cats with an aggressive burble / retarded ignition and I pulled them, weren’t blown, drove/ drifted with that tune for months, it will eventually kill your cats, I was more worried about them overheating and starting on fire lol.

[@straightsixracing]

But yeah you’re right, I wouldn’t run it with cats, I was just lazy 🤣

[@adamlaschen511]

What kind of fuel should I use?

[@straightsixracing]

If possible e85.

[@adamlaschen511]

Can I do any other fuel?

[@straightsixracing]

Premium but you’ll need a decomp head gasket to make any decent power (350+)

[@louierafaellimpin5855]

Do you have any idea how to boost an m54b22?

[@straightsixracing]

should be super similar to any other m54

[@louierafaellimpin5855]

ChiTown Bimmer how about NA do you have idea about this setup?

[@mannabatth4092]

Can i boost auto 330i or not worth it ?

[@straightsixracing]

Manual swap would make it faster as is tbh. Keep stock diff manual swap and m50 intake manifold it’ll rip then turbo

[@crumbdelacrumb5942]

Can this be done with 325xi ?

[@straightsixracing]

Yes

[@crumbdelacrumb5942]

@@straightsixracing awwww shit you just made my day now I gotta project on my hands 😊

[@thirty6glocks]

@@crumbdelacrumb5942 how’s the project goin?

[@orientblue4664]

@@thirty6glocks I wanna do this to my 325xi this summer how much should it be total im thinking of a cx racing turbo kit

[@straightsixracing]

Really depends on what you do and what parts you buy

[@eltonlocklear7659]

Would you guys mod a engine with 200,000 miles in good shape?

[@straightsixracing]

If it’s in good shape go for it!

[@eltonlocklear7659]

ChiTown Bimmer appreciate your time

[@mohammadbayat7293]

Can i turbo my m54b22 ? I have a E39 520i and i wana know if it works ?

[@straightsixracing]

Yessir

[@ooozieee2313]

I have 3,000 to put in my 330ci 😎😎😎

[@seankaine2411]

I've learned from owning a 04 zhp. To get a 93 Honda civic hatchback, get a k24 motor throw a turbo on it and you will make more power then what you would of made with the bmw

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

Le 6 cylindres bmw adore le compresseur bien plus simple qu un turbo a installer le régler et tout un compresseur tu le monte et tu monte la courroie point mort aux

[@fabianchin]

ls is way cheaper to get power.

[@sofianeboumahdi7388]

@ks you can use m50 block with m54 forged internals

[@michaelmotorsOFICIAL]

🤤🤤🤤

[@makariosgamil1368]

4-5k 😐 my car is worth less than that

[@straightsixracing]

I paid $300 for mine and did it for like $3000. $3300 isn’t bad for a turbo manual bmw!!

[@iplaycs3]

600whp unopened is horse shit. 450whp mark even m50/m52 ringland fails, e85, meth, whatever. b30 ringland and piston design is especially prone to this due to bad oil ring design. bullllllllshit

[@cristianalejandroayontzint6018]

Clickbait :(

[@straightsixracing]

How?

[@cristianalejandroayontzint6018]

@@straightsixracing I clicked on the video because of the thumbnail... Hahaha

[@straightsixracing]

Sooo it worked? Hahaha

[@cristianalejandroayontzint6018]

@@straightsixracing It did

[@gunner9035]

This dude talks way too much 🤦‍♂️

[@straightsixracing]

would you like me to make a video about turbocharging an e46 where i sit there and say nothing? LOL