[rjahl]

Originally Posted by Taskmaster

I read something about Ferrari? Had a variable manifold that actually didn't change lengths or volume - it used flaps to cause deflection and change the resonance on the incoming air blah blah blah. Like how the 3 stage does. It was a neat read.

Ya, I think it was BMW that had a V8 with a cylinder that rotated inside the manifold the change runner lengths.

Just thinking that 6 identical variable length trumpets would be the easiest way to get there when you consider the development budget being near zero.

[CobraMarty]

So found this intake manifold. They say it is for the N52 but I think that it is just their N54 intake that also fits the N52. Doesn't seem any different that their N54 intake.

It has an extra fuel rail for PI. Not really needed for the N52.

So is this a more 'proper/optimized' designed? On the N54 it added power. No tests on the N52.
$550 shipped from China.

[hassmaschine]

you'd only know if you try. it's probably not bad - but it's not like it was *designed* for the N52. It just happens to fit.

$550 isn't expensive, but personally I don't like supporting Chinese rip-off companies. BC Coilovers anyone? ugh..

[BudVlad]

I was considering this type of manifold but there is no way to connect TB to existing airbox. It would require to make a new airbox.

I finally made it to dyno with my N54 manifold. Max power was 276 PS at 6000 RPM but than it dropped off. The power should clime to at least 7000 RPM (limit is set to 7500). They are still working on it. I will show the chart when I get it.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by BudVlad

I was considering this type of manifold but there is no way to connect TB to existing airbox. It would require to make a new airbox.

I finally made it to dyno with my N54 manifold. Max power was 276 PS at 6000 RPM but than it dropped off. The power should clime to at least 7000 RPM (limit is set to 7500). They are still working on it. I will show the chart when I get it.

I’d like to see how yours is doing. I started researching in my area to get a dyno done also. Unfortunately I never got a baseline done but I want to see what the shape of the curve is now.

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

I’d like to see how yours is doing. I started researching in my area to get a dyno done also. Unfortunately I never got a baseline done but I want to see what the shape of the curve is now.

I was doing a little research on variable length Intake runners and came across this video. Different motor but the physics are the same. Stay awake long enough to catch the graph overlays.

[CobraMarty]

My interest in the 'chinese' intake is to cut about 3" out of the center and add/weld in an intercooler. Intercooler core would be about 2"x4"x18". Might have to remake the plenum for a better TB location. That's the idea at least.

Having said that, If someone wanted to 'borrow it' to dyno/test and compare to stock, 3IM and N54, that could work. Maybe BPC and 'Alice' or Biginboca.

[CobraMarty]

Nice video. Skip to 5:00 to see overlay graphs.

Similar findings to N52 stock/3IM to N54 intakes with different length runners.

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by CobraMarty

My interest in the 'chinese' intake is to cut about 3" out of the center and add/weld in an intercooler. Intercooler core would be about 2"x4"x18". Might have to remake the plenum for a better TB location. That's the idea at least.

Having said that, If someone wanted to 'borrow it' to dyno/test and compare to stock, 3IM and N54, that could work. Maybe BPC and 'Alice' or Biginboca.

With all of the front mount intercoolers available for the 335, would it not be easier to use something proven and low cost?

Granted the plumbing will be tough but mounting and airflow is ideal.

You might even find a stock intercooler someone has ditched in lieu of a bigger version. The stock FMIC seem to heat soak pretty quick when running big boost 15 plus PSI or so.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by CobraMarty

So found this intake manifold. They say it is for the N52 but I think that it is just their N54 intake that also fits the N52. Doesn't seem any different that their N54 intake.

It has an extra fuel rail for PI. Not really needed for the N52.

So is this a more 'proper/optimized' designed? On the N54 it added power. No tests on the N52.
$550 shipped from China.

Does it really add power? Link? I think the only reason to get it for an n54 is cheap PI.

[CobraMarty]

Originally Posted by Torgus

Does it really add power? Link? I think the only reason to get it for an n54 is cheap PI.

Scattered results.
Here is a shorter runner fabricated IM-
You have to google- 'Dyno Results, Sharp Customs Port Injection Manifold'
link won't go to other bmw sites.

I have a FMIC off N55. Yep cheap and plentiful. Plumbing to the ESS SC is near impossible.

[BudVlad]

Max power 292.58 PS on crank @ 7,321 RPM.
Max torque 291.67 in Nm @ 5,897 RPM.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by BudVlad

Max power 292.58 PS on crank @ 7,321 RPM.
Max torque 291.67 in Nm @ 5,897 RPM.

That looks great. I know you have a N53 so direct injection. What are all the mods on your car besides the N54 manifold?

[BudVlad]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

That looks great. I know you have a N53 so direct injection. What are all the mods on your car besides the N54 manifold?

BMW Performance intake, BigBore TB, aFe headers, Supersprint catless exhaust, aluminum SM flywheel.
BMW Performance brakes (front and rear) M3 suspension (front and rear), 3.64 LSD, solid aluminum rear sub frame mounts …..

[atmosphericM]

Nice lines, Bud!

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

$550 isn't expensive, but personally I don't like supporting Chinese rip-off companies. BC Coilovers anyone? ugh..

Our definitions of "expensive" appear to be quite different.

[arhoads335i]

Since I came from the n54 world. I’ve kept track of the manifold war. Rn there are only two manifolds that actually show real power gain. The fab factory and the doc race manifolds. Since fab factory is no longer a thing, doc race is the only way to go.

[Taskmaster]

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1402913

Fab factory intake manifold.

[Noir]

Originally Posted by Taskmaster

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1402913

Fab factory intake manifold.

yeah man... that looks sooooo bitchin'...
I wish this was the n54 manifold swap I was doing.
oh whale.

[CobraMarty]

Those 2 N54 intake manifolds are over $1500 and Fab is now closed.

[arhoads335i]

Just wanted to tell you which ones are actually worth it, I’d never spend that kind of money but maybe one of you guys would

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by arhoads335i

Just wanted to tell you which ones are actually worth it, I’d never spend that kind of money but maybe one of you guys would

Just to comment on the only 2 proven performance N54 manifolds:

FF is out of business which is a shame with limited manifolds out on the market they will continue to be worth as much if not more than the DocRace solution. DocRace now offers a decent looking FFIM but it is a cast solution and no proven results yet vs. the custom built DocRace manifold which did show gains: https://docrace.com/products/n54-int...=5290054451241

It is barely worth it on the N54 for what it is worth. Unless you just like to spend money it's one of the worst bang for your bucks at $2,350 + shipping and tax. So just shy of $2500.

On the N54 if you have a big boi turbo, cams, build block/head and are shooting for well north of 800whp it makes sense. But really only for those who want the most HP they can get or want it for the looks. Stock block/heads/cams/stock intake manifold N54s have made north of 800whp on the N54 so again it's only if you are shooting for the moon.

It would be neat to see if there were any worth while gains on the N52 but the bang for your buck would be ever worse I guarantee.

[arhoads335i]

right everyone has finally figured out that the head doesn't flow enough with the direct injection injectors taking up too much space. A lot of people we contemplating trying to fit a N52 head because you could put bigger valves in and what not.