Dan's Complete S52 Experience Thread: Swap, Rebuild, Drag, Autocross, etc

[dahamler]

Sorry this took so long but I think that its worth the wait.

Here is a complete account of my experience with my 332ti from the initial purchase to the current setup. This thread will include tons of data and should clear up some speculation in regards to how these cars perform, what parts work well what breaks etc.

Give the links time to download (over 60 pics and some) and enjoy!

[dahamler]

Swap info:

http://318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20699

[dahamler]

After the swap was completed I took the car out for a some shakedown runs with some M5s, E46 M3, and a Supercharged ZHP (330i)

Needless to say that the Ti held its own with a stock suspension and very crappy tires.









Everyone was very impressed but........

[dahamler]

The secondary timing chain snapped on the drive home and destroyed the head.

[dahamler]

So I bought a used S52 with spun bearings for $1000 and swaped the head.

I also installed new valve seals while it was at the machine shop ($300 for all the machine shop work).


I also removed the oil pan to ensure no metal bits fell into the sump. After all was cleaned and ready to go I reassembled the engine with all new chains seals, gaskets, sprockets, etc.

[dahamler]

Engine was now running again and I needed to test the car again with a shakedown run. So Ken and I went on the New England Rally Spring Run.

Misc Pics of the event: http://picasaweb.google.com/redpsych...NERSpringRally


The car did very well and was faster than the most of the cars at the event.

RSX Type S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYH8j...eature=related

[dahamler]

Next stop was the New England Dragway.

Keep in mind that the car has the stock 3.45 LSD with 225,000 miles. Curb Weight: 2551 I have only added Redline Shockproof oil. Many have said that this diff won't last long in a swapped car but I can say with many 5000 rpm launches and one 6000 rpm launch the diff held up very well even with 255 width M/T street raidals. The only parts that have failed have been the axles which are easy and inexpensive to replace.


13.174 @ 102.8



http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...t=MVI_4496.flv

http://www.twiztedstylz.com/portal/m...cid=46&lid=454

http://www.twiztedstylz.com/portal/m...cid=46&lid=455

http://www.twiztedstylz.com/portal/m...cid=46&lid=450

http://318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22105

http://318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22010

[dahamler]

Next I decided to attend my first autocross with the Ti. I purchased a set of Kosei wheels and Advan A048 from a member on bimmer forums for $450 shipped from Cali. These wheels and tires transformed the car completely.




These wheels also fit the M3 front brakes with NO spacers (16X7) wheels

Acceleration was was much faster (due to the reduction in unsprug weight)and the grip on the street was also pretty good. The car would still easily loss grip with any application of the throttle in straights or in corners which made the car difficult to control but a lot of fun


The suspension is Koni 1-way adjustable (Full stiff Front and 1 turn back from full stiff in the rear),H&R sports stock swaybars etc.

[dahamler]

After a bit of searching I sourced at 17X9 set of D-Force wheels with 255/40/17Advan A048 all round. I purchased these wheels for $1000 from a local guy.

I needed to roll all the fenders to make these fit (the rear had be already rolled for the drag slicks). Also add 15mm front spaces to clear the front shocks but a 12mm should work and a 10mm will not.

I also spent about $250 for the Tuner racing wheel studs and nuts, expensive but well worth it.

[dahamler]

I also bought a set of apexcone HID headlights and Fogs from DDM crappy quality but again very inexpensive ($237 shipped)

[ATF]

Hey.. I think I've seen this car before

Love your car Dan, what temp are the HID's?

[dahamler]

Originally Posted by ATF

Hey.. I think I've seen this car before

Love your car Dan, what temp are the HID's?

Thanks, I think they are 3k I just told them that I wanted the OEM look nothing more.

[thesk8nmidget]

VERY nice thread!! good write up!!!

thanks!

[StealthBimmer]

Hi Dan, great write up and pics! Lots of good time in that 332ti. We need to make more history in it this year. NE Rally fall run? Thanks so much for letting me enjoy your ti work progress and fun in it!!

Hey ATF we need to go back up to NED again. Hopefully this time you get to enjoy the track and the 332ti a little more. Those HID is probably 4-6K range with a hint of blue in them.

[dahamler]

This thread will be a work in progress, I hope to add some more info about the swap and any other interesting facts I find as I push this car to its limits.

Let me know if you guys have any questions,suggestions or find any errors.


Ken that fall rally is a bit expensive and I want to upgrade the brakes next