[Tkent818]

Long time lurker, 1st time poster to this forum. I've been on Bimmerpost for a while, under n55 and b58 engines. I always steered clear of the N54 because of its reputation but deep down always wanted one cause of the tuning potential that it would offered. So I took the plunge on a 2012 335is with 84,000 miles. I should mention my 2 previous bmw's were fully built so I know what I'm in for. I've searched and can't really get a definitive answer. My goal is ~600 whp give or take but definitely above 600. What is the most reliable, powerful, and cost effective route. I have roughly 5k to throw at it

[Tyc0]

5k is probably gonna be cutting it a little close. Your probably looking at one of the cheaper single turbo kits. The kits are less than 5k but there are other supporting mods that will probably require more. If you can save up a little more I would suggest the new Doc Race bottom mount kit for sub 4k.

[Tkent818]

I appreciate the response, I hadn't really given too much thought to going ST until lately and I'm still kinda leaning toward twins. I was eyeing that Vargas 600 power pack, minus a few things I might get used, with the fr-b turbo. I'm just still unsure of VTT, a lot of mixed reviews. You think ST is the way to go though?

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Tkent818

You think ST is the way to go though?

Absolutely!

[Bimmer_Bro]

Originally Posted by Tkent818

I appreciate the response, I hadn't really given too much thought to going ST until lately and I'm still kinda leaning toward twins. I was eyeing that Vargas 600 power pack, minus a few things I might get used, with the fr-b turbo. I'm just still unsure of VTT, a lot of mixed reviews. You think ST is the way to go though?

Stay away from Vargas. Too many reliability issues.
Depends what's your goals are. ST will be a lot of mid / top end power but a little more turbo lag.
I personally like the TT set up. I daily drive my Car so it's perfect around down, no lag and plenty of power (18 psi). When my stockers die I plan on doing the RB twin turbos with upgraded waste gates.
I personally can't justify a 5-6k ST setup on a car that's 10 years old but that's just me.

[Tkent818]

I would love a ST setup but I probably will end up going TT. It is my daily and I think with FBO and a custom tune I can in the neighborhood of 600whp? I don't know whether or not to do PI? Would I still have to upgrade the hpfp with PI?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Tkent818

Long time lurker, 1st time poster to this forum. I've been on Bimmerpost for a while, under n55 and b58 engines. I always steered clear of the N54 because of its reputation but deep down always wanted one cause of the tuning potential that it would offered. So I took the plunge on a 2012 335is with 84,000 miles. I should mention my 2 previous bmw's were fully built so I know what I'm in for. I've searched and can't really get a definitive answer. My goal is ~600 whp give or take but definitely above 600. What is the most reliable, powerful, and cost effective route. I have roughly 5k to throw at it

You can easily get 600hp w/ out a single turbo.

Look into RB turbos. They are the best & most cost effective twins on the market. Pure is probably just as good but cost more

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Tkent818

Long time lurker, 1st time poster to this forum. I've been on Bimmerpost for a while, under n55 and b58 engines. I always steered clear of the N54 because of its reputation but deep down always wanted one cause of the tuning potential that it would offered. So I took the plunge on a 2012 335is with 84,000 miles. I should mention my 2 previous bmw's were fully built so I know what I'm in for. I've searched and can't really get a definitive answer. My goal is ~600 whp give or take but definitely above 600. What is the most reliable, powerful, and cost effective route. I have roughly 5k to throw at it

You will probably want

upgraded coils ($500)

3" SS downpipes ($300)

7" FMIC ($400)

Upgraded t-map sensor & harness ($150)

2 steps colder plugs ($75)

stage 3 LPFP ($750)

upgraded HPFP ($850)

upgraded radiator ($500)

Re-located, upgraded Inlets ($250)

Upgraded outlets ($200)

RB Game Finishers/Standard Turbos ($3200)

Custom Tune - ($500)

$7,675 😌

[Dave92N54]

Originally Posted by Tkent818

I would love a ST setup but I probably will end up going TT. It is my daily and I think with FBO and a custom tune I can in the neighborhood of 600whp? I don't know whether or not to do PI? Would I still have to upgrade the hpfp with PI?

Stockers will be screaming for dear life if not seriously damaging something trying to hit 600whp. Even 500whp on stocks is PUSHING it, you'll need at least upgraded turbos for 600 and you'd be smart to get an LSD or you'll have a lot of trouble using that 600. If you have $5k, imo either save up ~8k and follow the most recent message or just go FBO and enjoy the ~450whp and a little extra cash left for whatever you may please, ssk if an mt, LSD, coils, m3 arms, whatever you could think of.

[Bimmer_Bro]

Turbo set-up aside. Is 600hp even possible on the N54 with just pump gas?! Op stated he does not have access to ethanol.

[Dave92N54]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Bro

Turbo set-up aside. Is 600hp even possible on the N54 with just pump gas?! Op stated he does not have access to ethanol.

I believe a safe tune for a 6266 on 93 typically yields like 550whp? So... possibly?

[Vivek.]

You can get 600hp on pump but it sure as hell won't be on stock twins. You can realistically expect 400whp and 450wtq (ftlb) on stock twins with upgrades and a custom tune. $5k won't get you 600hp no matter how you cut it, really. You can get maybe 500whp on a $4k ST setup on stock fueling and pump gas.

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Bro

Turbo set-up aside. Is 600hp even possible on the N54 with just pump gas?! Op stated he does not have access to ethanol.

At the crank possibly, lol.

E85 is pretty much a must for big power.

[Smgs1992]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Bro

Turbo set-up aside. Is 600hp even possible on the N54 with just pump gas?! Op stated he does not have access to ethanol.

Not too long ago a 6466 made 670whp on 93 pump no meth no E85

[Tkent818]

Sorry haven't checked this in a minute. I never said I didn't have access to e85, I actually prefer running e85 and was hoping to run 100%. That's why I asked about the PI, would I still have to upgrade the hpfp if I did port injection? That list was exactly what I was looking for, much appreciated. I have settled on upgraded twins and am going to go the RB route. I currently have DCI and I'm thinking I'll go FBO with MHD on the stockers for now until I can throw the RB's on. So if anyone wants to get rid of some aftermarket parts please let me know, I have a 2012 335is

[Emilime75]

Not sure if agree with that list entirely. Why does it include both an upgraded CAI and relocated, upgraded inlets? Also don't necessarily see a need for the radiator. Instead of the upgraded HPFP, I think you're better off going with PI. Price wise, you can deduct $450 for the CAI, $500 for the radiator and $850 for the HPFP. However, PI and the associated bits and pieces that go with it cost a good bit, so overall budget will be about the same. At the minimum, you'll need the PI rail, injectors, wiring harness for the injectors, upgraded fuel line from the tank, HPFP/PI splitter fuel line(usually comes with rail), hobbs switch and wiring for it. Adding a FlexFuel sensor and integrating PI control with a dedicated controller steps that up a good bit for more tuning flexibility and safety. JB4 and their controller, AIC6, Motiv...there are options. Buying the above hardware used to save a few bucks I think is ok, but I wouldn't chance that on the electronics. Same with buying used FMIC, inlets, outlets should all be ok as long as their in good shape. I picked up a VRSF 7.5 HD Comp FMIC for $320 and a complete FuelIt system for $1200 which included the rail, injectors, wiring, hobbs switch, fuel lines, JB4 controller and stage 3 LPFP. The same setup direct from FuelIt would've cost me $2600 and the FMIC sells for $480, so right there I saved $1560. I hesitated just a bit too long and missed a chance on a new set of Pure600s for $1750, that would've been another $500 saved meaning I could've had an easy 550WHP car for about $4500 when I include the cost of downpipes, inlets, outlets and tune. Throw some E into the mix and this could potentially be a 600WHP car for under $5k in mods.

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by Tkent818

Sorry haven't checked this in a minute. I never said I didn't have access to e85, I actually prefer running e85 and was hoping to run 100%. That's why I asked about the PI, would I still have to upgrade the hpfp if I did port injection? That list was exactly what I was looking for, much appreciated. I have settled on upgraded twins and am going to go the RB route. I currently have DCI and I'm thinking I'll go FBO with MHD on the stockers for now until I can throw the RB's on. So if anyone wants to get rid of some aftermarket parts please let me know, I have a 2012 335is

Stage 3 LPFP upgrade and Port injection with stock HPFP should be enough in my opinion.

If your upgrading in stages, you'll be able to log and see how the fuel system is coping.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Dave92N54

Stockers will be screaming for dear life if not seriously damaging something trying to hit 600whp. Even 500whp on stocks is PUSHING it, you'll need at least upgraded turbos for 600 and you'd be smart to get an LSD or you'll have a lot of trouble using that 600. If you have $5k, imo either save up ~8k and follow the most recent message or just go FBO and enjoy the ~450whp and a little extra cash left for whatever you may please, ssk if an mt, LSD, coils, m3 arms, whatever you could think of.

Stock turbos won't last very long at 500hp 😂😉

[Dave92N54]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

Stock turbos won't last very long at 500hp 😂😉

Oh i'm well aware lol. Only reason I still haven't pulled the trigger on the MHD stage 2 license is I do not trust the stockers to last

[Team503]

https://speedtech.com/collections/bmw-n54-precision <- 6266 Gen 2 CEA, 1.0 AR
https://www.motivmotorsport.com/coll...-o-integration <- AIC/FlexFuel
https://www.precisionraceworks.com/b...-f-series.aspx
https://www.precisionraceworks.com/b...uel-pumps.aspx < Sufficient for 650ish
https://www.precisionraceworks.com/b...-location.aspx <- Need it at that point, top mount line + 750cc injectors
https://nexsysmotorsport.com/n54-ign...t-valve-cover/ <- Ignition

Add FMIC, chargepipe, BOV, oil catch can, plugs, and a tune from Wedge. 500hp on pump gas without the listed fuel upgrades pretty easily, 650-700ish with everything. You can do just the kit and then add the fuel and ignition stuff later, too, if that makes money easier.

This is what Wedge recommended me for a daily driven ST car over the new DocRace kit (he hates the manifold on the DR kit).

[Tkent818]

So much good info, I really appreciate you guys. I'm really on the fence now about going ST. I initially didn't want to cause of cost and being my daily I was worried about low end torque but I'm really rethinking that now. First things first I have to do OFHG due to oil in my coolant reservoir but no coolant in the oil, so I was told that was the cause. I've got oil on the plugs and in the plug tubes so valve cover will get done at the same time. I lastly ordered RB pcv, pcv cap, and breather hose. That should take care of most of my oiling and misfire issues. Then I'm definitely putting this knowledge to use and asking more questions as I go

[Emilime75]

Rethink the PCV and cap and consider externalizing it with RB's external PCV kit. Since you're about to do the valve cover, this would also be a good time to plug the head ports to take full advantage of the external PCV along with a low side catch can.