pokeybritches
Member
aquazi said:Now if only there were FI options on the N52
thorpyuk said:
I doubt you'll ever see anything for the N52 engines. There's a company called Arma in Taiwan that did an N52 supercharger kit, but they've had issues with the units blowing up. They've gone on to blame FOD (foreign object debris) or the owners themselves. I'd steer clear.
The N52 isn't built as strong as the M54. To my knowledge, the crank is cast and the block is fragile. It's a great engine for what 99% of the owners will use it for, and the few owners I know of that track it say that it performs well. It was also the lightest 6 cylinder engine produced at one point in time, which is a huge feat of engineering considering the physical disadvantages a long block I-6 must overcome. However, modifying the N52 in an attempt to make quite a bit more power could have catastrophic results. I say be happy with it out of the box. You might make some power with a catless exhaust.
If you've got deep pockets and are set on pursuing a FI option, you may want to look at upgrading to a 335i crankshaft (not even sure if this is feasible) and a steel-sleeved block. THEN you could add some real power. I'd be amazed if you could get out for under $15k (ballpark), labor included. At that point you're well within the price range of an M.
You MIGHT be able to get away with a very low boost system (3 psi). I wouldn't want to be the guinea pig.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N52
http://www.bmwz4roadster.net/bmw_z4_specifications.htm
The formula for an engine that would be very receptive to mild-boost is:
1. Forged steel crankshaft (M54 3.0i has, N52 does not)
2. Lower compression ratio, the better (M54 3.0i has 10.2:1, N52 3.0si has 10.7:1)
3. Iron block, or aluminum block with steel sleeves (M54 has, N52 does not)
