Performance Racing Industry 2014: Part 1

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The hood wasn’t open on the E46 M3 racecar but here’s what the engine would probably look like underneath.  The S54 engine is sweet from the factory, but when it’s massaged with VAC-supplied parts like you see here, it's a work of art. 

These engines can make up to 375whp on just 3.2-liters.  I’ve seen it.  Those VAC headers you see there, we tested them on Project E46 M3 Part 3 and gained good horsepower.

Here’s a close-up of the dry-sump oiling system on the S54.  Notice the underdrive pulleys, which we also tested on Project E46 M3 in Part 2.

In Part 8 of Project M3, we talked about removing the large alternator pulley for fear it was causing some charging problems, and we were having throttle-position sensor issues that we thought were related.  But after discussing with one of the VAC guys there, we're going to probably put the large alternator race pulley back on and bump the idle up a bit, and see if we can get the battery to charge at idle. 

And why not?  I've lost a few ponies since going back to the stock unit.  I even had each of those stallions named.  And shoot, after looking at this picture again, I may want to test that crank pulley as well.  See?  This is what happens when you come to these shows.  I promised my wife I was done.

Here’s a shot of VAC’s 5.5-in flywheel for the S65!

VAC individual throttle bodies for E36? Um, yes please!  I’ve had four E36 M3s in my life, and seeing parts like these is very nostalgic.  If I had the coin, I’d consider buying another E36 M3 just to try this mod!

Alright sweetie, I promise I'm leaving now.  Oh wait, what's that?…

Here’s a nice crank pulley offered for the E36 with harmonic balancing, which will work with the 3.5-liter crankshaft below!  Oh man.  I'm scratchin'…

Alright.  You still with us?  Need a potty break (assuming you're not already on the “pot”)?  We'll wait.

Okay, now that you're back, wanna see some big turbos? Click to the next page!