[MoneyPitN54]

Hello fellow pain enjoyers. At only 74k miles I heard a very temporary squeal that sounded like a spun rod bearing. Haven't driven the car much since because I need to make sure it can take me back and forth to college. I want to build another motor that will make more power safely. Currently running brand new 17t's and MHD Stage 2+. I'd like to go with a top mount turbo on a standalone ecu at some point so I want to know what internals are recommended. Looking forward to working on the backup 😅

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by MoneyPitN54

Hello fellow pain enjoyers. At only 74k miles I heard a very temporary squeal that sounded like a spun rod bearing. Haven't driven the car much since because I need to make sure it can take me back and forth to college. I want to build another motor that will make more power safely. Currently running brand new 17t's and MHD Stage 2+. I'd like to go with a top mount turbo on a standalone ecu at some point so I want to know what internals are recommended. Looking forward to working on the backup 😅

Have you taken the belt off and fired up the engine to make sure the squealing noise isn't an idler pulley, or some other accessory? I would do that before I invested a ton of money into a rebuild.

Also, if you are running 17t turbos, you really should be running a custom tune, not a canned MHD tune.

If you really do want to build your N54, it's going to cost you a lot of money...not really the best option for a guy going to college (just my opinion).

I just got done rebuilding my engine.....Manley forged rods, and Mahle coated forged pistons. Around $2k. Then you have bearings, gaskets, seats, timing chain set, crank hub, possibly machine work....then all the tools you will need for checking clearances in the motor before you put it all back together. Probably $4-$5K total...that's if you do everything on your own, and don't need any machine work. And that doesn't cover anything on the head like valves, springs, cam trays, cams, etc, etc, etc.

These things can turn into money pits in a hurry.

Figure out where your noise is coming from before you go any further.

[MoneyPitN54]

I have a feeling it is a pulley, but I also want to build an engine for fun. If my engine runs strong by the time I'm done then I'll drop it in another marketplace car and resell. Or I'll just hold on to the engine. Thanks for the parts suggestions.

[whyzee125]

If you want to build an engine then by all means build an engine, but I think it's overkill especially for where you're at. There's a very good chance your engine is okay, and even if it isn't, a healthy used replacement can handle the power you're pushing all day with ease.

You do need a custom tune though not just to maximize power but to run safely.

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by MoneyPitN54

I have a feeling it is a pulley, but I also want to build an engine for fun. If my engine runs strong by the time I'm done then I'll drop it in another marketplace car and resell. Or I'll just hold on to the engine. Thanks for the parts suggestions.

I will say that unless you are making close to 600hp, you are probably better to leave your engine alone. I've built all kinds of engines over the years.....everything from BigBlock Chevys in drag cars, to Small Block chevys for farm trucks, to big HP LS engines for some friends "street" cars. They all go together pretty easily, there are tons of aftermarket parts and information out there on the proper way to assemble them...pretty easy.

These N54 engines are a royal pain in the butt. Not much good information online on how to do things "properly". Everyone has their own "right way" to do it....it's extremely confusing. So many things can go wrong, or bite you in the butt after you pull one apart and start going through it. If I hadn't have cracked that piston in mine, I would have just left it alone. It can turn into a HUGE money pit when you go down the rebuild route with these engines. Not to mention the "false knock" issues some guys have when they install forged pistons in these engines. It can really turn into a nightmare....a very expensive nightmare.