N54 IC on m20 turbo?

ky0u · 02-17-2020, 03:10 PM

I've posted this on r3v, but figured I'd post here too just to farm as much info as possible, I'm planning on upgrading the IC on my n54 soon. I'm also in the process of a turbo build for my e30 (m20b25), does anyone have an experience or could put their two cents in, is the n54 IC a good idea to source for this? There's undoubtedly fab work involved, which is fine, main concern is if the IC is worth trying to use since I'll have it laying around. Or if it's too restrictive.

M20 Build plan is fairly conservative, aiming for around 250-300hp

Knerr · 02-17-2020, 08:18 PM

I mean I think it would be okay for your goals. It does fin on the N54 for similar power levels. Obviously, there are better options... but if cost is a factor & you are comfortable making the coupling system work in your application, send it.

Emilime75 · 02-17-2020, 08:25 PM

Many would argue that the stock IC isn't efficient enough even for the stock N54. Maybe for basic commuting on cool days, but any spirited runs and/or hot weather and it starts to show its inabilities.

Would be a shame to do fab work and realize it doesn't work as you'd wish.

ky0u · 02-17-2020, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emilime75

Many would argue that the stock IC isn't efficient enough even for the stock N54. Maybe for basic commuting on cool days, but any spirited runs and/or hot weather and it starts to show its inabilities.

Would be a shame to do fab work and realize it doesn't work as you'd wish.

Hmm, well the Fab work would be near free, but this is also a really good point

Cabdriver · 02-25-2020, 08:50 PM

I wouldnt bother, even an upgtaded ebay n54 ic would mostly be better...if funds are an issue its a different story, just upgrade later but you could sell it and maybe make $50.
The n54 heat soaks way too easy for even mild boost applications. The restrictiveness isnt the issue, its ability to transfer heat out of the charge is.

JM98 · 02-25-2020, 09:20 PM

No way, you can buy a universal intercooler on ebay for a hundred bucks with double the cooling capacity.

Not to mention that the couplers on the stock n54 intercooler use clips vs. clamps and are at odd angles (one points at around 75* the other at 45*)

02-17-2020, 03:10 PM	#1
ky0u Captain 1071 Rep 953 Posts Drives: e92 335i, f22 m235i, e30 325is Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1) Garage List 2015 BMW M235i [0.00] 1988 BMW 325IS [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	N54 IC on m20 turbo? I've posted this on r3v, but figured I'd post here too just to farm as much info as possible, I'm planning on upgrading the IC on my n54 soon. I'm also in the process of a turbo build for my e30 (m20b25), does anyone have an experience or could put their two cents in, is the n54 IC a good idea to source for this? There's undoubtedly fab work involved, which is fine, main concern is if the IC is worth trying to use since I'll have it laying around. Or if it's too restrictive. M20 Build plan is fairly conservative, aiming for around 250-300hp
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02-17-2020, 08:18 PM	#2
Knerr I Have A Condition 111 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2007 6MT 335i upgraded twins Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Craiova, Romania iTrader: (0)	I mean I think it would be okay for your goals. It does fin on the N54 for similar power levels. Obviously, there are better options... but if cost is a factor & you are comfortable making the coupling system work in your application, send it.
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02-17-2020, 08:25 PM	#3
Emilime75 Colonel 1227 Rep 2,476 Posts Drives: 2010 335i E92 LeMans Blue Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Merica! iTrader: (1)	Many would argue that the stock IC isn't efficient enough even for the stock N54. Maybe for basic commuting on cool days, but any spirited runs and/or hot weather and it starts to show its inabilities. Would be a shame to do fab work and realize it doesn't work as you'd wish.
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02-25-2020, 08:50 PM	#5
Cabdriver Private First Class 52 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I wouldnt bother, even an upgtaded ebay n54 ic would mostly be better...if funds are an issue its a different story, just upgrade later but you could sell it and maybe make $50. The n54 heat soaks way too easy for even mild boost applications. The restrictiveness isnt the issue, its ability to transfer heat out of the charge is.
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02-25-2020, 09:20 PM	#6
JM98 Lieutenant 397 Rep 532 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: May 2016 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	No way, you can buy a universal intercooler on ebay for a hundred bucks with double the cooling capacity. Not to mention that the couplers on the stock n54 intercooler use clips vs. clamps and are at odd angles (one points at around 75* the other at 45*)
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