CarTech®, Inc.
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© 2016 by Jeffrey Zurschmeide and Eddie Nakato
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Edit by Paul Johnson
Layout by Monica Seiberlich
ISBN 978-1-61325-328-1
Item No. SA341
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Available
Written, edited, and designed in the U.S.A.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1x
Front Cover:
This BMW M3 is the top-of-the-line E36, and it can be pushed to extremes. The BMW 3-Series is an ideally balanced sports executive compact car that has won over millions of driving enthusiasts. Whether you have an M3 or another E36 model, this well-equipped and fine-performing car can be greatly enhanced.
Title Page:
S50 and S52 engines have BMW M POWER on the valvecovers. S52 engines carry intake-side VANOS; S50 engines do not.
Back Cover Photos
Top:
Installing the S54 engine is the easiest part of the operation. The oil pan and other parts are similar enough so that it drops right in. The challenges come with the various sensors and other connections that differ from the E36 line.
Middle Left:
Camshaft profiles have a lot to do with how the engine performs, but it turns out that changing cams doesn’t have a big effect on usable performance.
Middle Right:
I installed this massive Wilwood big brake kit on the project 328i. With this much brake, I’ll never worry about brake fade on the track.
Bottom:
Here’s a great example of a cold-air box; air is ducted into this box from outside the car. It has no chance to heat up next to the engine before it is used. This means the air is denser and helps make more power. This can be a real improvement.
OVERSEAS DISTRIBUTION BY:
PGUK
63 Hatton Garden
London ECIN 8LE, England
Phone: 020 7061 1980 • Fax: 020 7242 3725
Renniks Publications Ltd.
3/37-39 Green Street
Banksmeadow, NSW 2109, Australia
Phone: 2 9695 7055 • Fax: 2 9695 7355
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Introduction
About This Book
Chapter 1: E36 Model and Engine Guide
Project: Swapping an E46 S54 M3 Engine into an E36 Chassis
Chapter 2: Upgrading Exhaust Components
Project: Upgrading a Cat-Back Exhaust
Chapter 3: Intake Modifications and Forced Induction
Project: Upgrading an Air Intake
E36 Intake Manifold
Project: Installing an M50 Intake
Forced Induction
Getting Fuel into the Engine
Engine Management and DME Upgrades
Chapter 4: Improving Engine Internals
The Long Block
Project: Freshening the VANOS System
Project: Installing S52 M3 Cams
Cylinder Heads
Bottom-End Work: Crank, Rods and Pistons
Chapter 5: Improving Handling
Suspension Terms and Concepts
E36 Suspension Design
Wheel Alignment
E36 Suspension Modification Stages
Project: Front Suspension Upgrade
Project: Rear Suspension Upgrade
Sway Bars
Project: Installing an H&R Rear Sway Bar
Project: Installing an H&R