[Q4P]

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

M3 is slow. I know cause my car is faster then an M3 and its still slow (But I hear ya).

Fast is scary. (even a stock z06 will be "slow" eventually). But its true performer and great platform.

GTR is another great performer too and likely its on the list as well. I just dont want to be a "fanboy" and I prefer the raw power of vette and RWD vs the nannies of AWD taking all the fun away.

I like my BMW but realistically its not the right platform to begin with. Sure you can get good power from a tune and some basic bolt ons, but after that you playing catch up with anything else. Need a better suspension, LSD, fuel system is dodgy... no big power really. It's a limited platform. Whereas the other 2 performers are not as limited if at all except by your wallet. But then again what are we really comparing. My BMW was only 45K....so what should I expect out of a grocery getter? Heh.

I'd like to keep my BMW but I would need some serious parts coming out that start breaking 700WHP or more (reliably) before I would be satisfied. Even then it would be a huge investment and frankly I'm unsure if its worth the risk.

I hear u there!

[geterdone]

I have always loved the Z06 and have owned one. It is a amazing car, but with the kid, I need a four door. Stumbled upon the 335i and have been in love with the car so far. I also picked up my Z06 2007 for 44k with 15k miles. I do miss the raw power of the Z06 and the sound. Besides the 335i, out of all the sport/touring cars that I have owned the Z was my favorite.

[geterdone]

Originally Posted by Questforpower

If I was to step up I am still saying GTR; when they fall into the 45K range; I might hop over. Let's not forget the daily drive ability qualities of a Z06 suck. We are talking about a horrible interior and a 7.0L V8 that doesn't exactly get the best gas mileage plus the fact that the car is insanely loud. In addition, to truly get max performance out of a Z06; you need the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups which aren't exactly the best for all seasons... Once you go turbo; its difficult to go back to NA.

You also need to know how to drive a Z06; I can certainly say it's not for everyone, it's a very easy car to get in trouble with; the rear end is twitchy unlike any other car i've ever driven.

But pound for pound - the N54 does very well but it has its obvious limitations.

Gas mileage is almost identical; Z06 15/24, GTR 16/23. Also I don't think too many GTR owners drive there car in the snow, so I don't think the Pilot Sport Cups are a issue. Also you can always change brands like I did, similar to run-flats on the 335i. I really don't get the twitchy part since the car pulls lateral g's over 1. I tracked the car numerous times and it was amazing. I do love the N54 though, and was driving home when I started thinking about how new this engine was in term of performance development. I also believe this engine is legendary and will be well known in the end.

[plague]

aaaaaaaaand end z06 discussion ---------

[Q4P]

Originally Posted by geterdone

Gas mileage is almost identical; Z06 15/24, GTR 16/23. Also I don't think too many GTR owners drive there car in the snow, so I don't think the Pilot Sport Cups are a issue. Also you can always change brands like I did, similar to run-flats on the 335i. I really don't get the twitchy part since the car pulls lateral g's over 1. I tracked the car numerous times and it was amazing. I do love the N54 though, and was driving home when I started thinking about how new this engine was in term of performance development. I also believe this engine is legendary and will be well known in the end.

I would say you're probably right but given the fact that the GTR is AWD that option always exists. I find it hard to believe that real world economy figures of the Z06 and the GTR are close to the same. We are talking about an NA 7.0L V8 compared to a 3.8L TT V6 motor.

On the N54... It would already be beyond legendary if it was never built with Direct Injection. The only question that would remain to be seen is how much the stock bottom end can hold when compared to a Supra and so forth.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Questforpower

I would say you're probably right but given the fact that the GTR is AWD that option always exists. I find it hard to believe that real world economy figures of the Z06 and the GTR are close to the same. We are talking about an NA 7.0L V8 compared to a 3.8L TT V6 motor.

On the N54... It would already be beyond legendary if it was never built with Direct Injection. The only question that would remain to be seen is how much the stock bottom end can hold when compared to a Supra and so forth.

I know a few guys with vettes and they always have stellar gas mileage. You got to remember a 3.8 liter 6 is huge, then you add twin turbo's, as soon as you touch 1-4 PSI you are doubling your fuel usage compared to an N/A car. It's no wonder the GTR has poor gas mileage and no surprise either.

[Bimmerologist]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

I think the N54 will go down as one of the best engines BMW ever built, at least for the enthusiast crowd.

A tuned N54 is pretty much unmatched in terms of raw power and day to day drivability.

Mike

Been loving the N54 ever since Mike hooked me up with the JB4!!

Still can't wait till the day I purchase that 911 Turbo!

[Q4P]

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

I know a few guys with vettes and they always have stellar gas mileage. You got to remember a 3.8 liter 6 is huge, then you add twin turbo's, as soon as you touch 1-4 PSI you are doubling your fuel usage compared to an N/A car. It's no wonder the GTR has poor gas mileage and no surprise either.

I thought boosted engines generally offer better fuel economy as long as you're not full boost. A boosted 335i with tune and meth still offers better fuel efficiency than a stock M3. If you're not consistently boosting or driving hard, you still have more tq down low than a Z06 will offer. I think driving hard both fuel efficiencies will suck but around town, I would expect the GTR to get better economy. The Z06 does have a massive aerodynamic and weight advantage but if we're purely discussing engines...

[starmo]

any updates on the intake manifold fuel rail and direct port?

[B_davis]

LOL @ the guys trying to compare N54 to LSx engines. Obviously you have never driven an LSx car or you are completely bias to bmw. And more LOL @ thinking you have more torque at 3k rpm than an LS7 .....

even an LS1 was hand crafted from god ... Aftermarket completely blows N54 away ...