Modding 120k Motor?

zomski101 · 12-16-2018, 10:37 AM

After going from stage1+ to Stage 2+, my turbos started leaking oil and wastegates where rattling, granted they did have 80k miles. Got them replaced with MMP stage 3 and 5k miles later my crank hub slipped a little. Since my car is an early built 2009 it also had the steel part for the cam bearing ledge which was also worn out. Replaced both parts and installed the vtt crank hub. Never got the car dynoed but on e50 it should make a little less than 500whp. Wish I can sell the car but I dumped too much money into it. After visiting multiple shops and talking to mechanics, the n54 is overhyped. Just get an intercooler and stage1+ tune.

techwhiz · 12-19-2018, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjr710

Hey guys. I have all highway miles, and haven't beat my car. I take care of it so i imagine my motor is good. I'd like to mod slowly. Any issues with this?

I'm not sure how modding and mileage works. I see people with my mileage or higher modifying these cars and it seems fine.

I'm really just trying to plot a timeline for my cars lifespan. I don't want to shorten it, but i also feel like if i stay relatively modest < 400 WHP i should not jeapordize any longevity.

At the same time I'm curious as to the protocol for people who's n54s take a dump. Do u just buy a used one and swap it in?

I have 189K on a modded motor.
Running Cobb and misc stuff. No issues.

pjr710 · 12-20-2018, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by techwhiz

I have 189K on a modded motor.
Running Cobb and misc stuff. No issues.

that's beautious

here's my oil report from blackstone, since this i've been idling my car in the cold morning which i'm getting a little paranoid about now .. but overall I don't think i could ask for more.

4 Doors · 12-20-2018, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjr710

Quote:

Originally Posted by techwhiz

I have 189K on a modded motor.
Running Cobb and misc stuff. No issues.

that's beautious

here's my oil report from blackstone, since this i've been idling my car in the cold morning which i'm getting a little paranoid about now .. but overall I don't think i could ask for more.

Why are you getting paranoid from idling in the morning?

Spyro235 · 12-21-2018, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4 Doors

Why are you getting paranoid from idling in the morning?

It's just the worst way to warm up an engine- Much better to run it softly with load, and the entire unit will warm up faster and more evenly- warming up the trans and driveline at the same time too. That's the theory, at least.

Chris@VargasTurboTech · 12-21-2018, 02:20 PM

It doesn't really matter. Change your oil, take a multivitamin, say your prayers, and just drive the car.

120k on a healthy motor is not a big deal. Wanting 800 whp on a stock motor is a big deal. We really like this platform 550-650ish whp, higher mileage or not.

It is a wear item -so just understand when the time comes, you'll do a swap, rebuild, or build a motor. Then the party music starts back up. You can do this as long as you feel like playing the game and staying with the platform. Drive it!

Chris

srey · 12-21-2018, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris@VargasTurboTech

It doesn't really matter. Change your oil, take a multivitamin, say your prayers, and just drive the car.

120k on a healthy motor is not a big deal. Wanting 800 whp on a stock motor is a big deal. We really like this platform 550-650ish whp, higher mileage or not.

It is a wear item -so just understand when the time comes, you'll do a swap, rebuild, or build a motor. Then the party music starts back up. You can do this as long as you feel like playing the game and staying with the platform. Drive it!

Chris

In the name of the horsepower, the torque, and the holy boost, amen.

4 Doors · 12-21-2018, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris@VargasTurboTech

It doesn't really matter. Change your oil, take a multivitamin, say your prayers, and just drive the car.

120k on a healthy motor is not a big deal. Wanting 800 whp on a stock motor is a big deal. We really like this platform 550-650ish whp, higher mileage or not.

It is a wear item -so just understand when the time comes, you'll do a swap, rebuild, or build a motor. Then the party music starts back up. You can do this as long as you feel like playing the game and staying with the platform. Drive it!

Chris

+1 well said

Bimmer_Engineer · 12-22-2018, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srey

In the name of the horsepower, the torque, and the holy boost, amen.

whyzee125 · 12-22-2018, 07:17 PM

Assuming your coils, plugs, etc. are in good shape you can mod with confidence.

vdk · 01-14-2019, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catcher22

this is incorrect.

https://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29236

"1) The JB4 includes more robust safety systems than are possible via flash only."

OP, you should stack MHD + JB4. done.

...lol...
BMS owns N54tech and JB4...

Nothing is safer then stock DME

Riceball777 · 01-14-2019, 03:10 AM

My stock engine has 130k and it runs great. I never dynoed it but it has to have over 500whp. Mods are in the signature. I started modding it at 90k miles. I run it with the jb4 with the mhd back end flash for E85 and hybrid turbos. I run 50%91 octane and 50%e85 which comes out to 44-47% ethanol according to my ethanol sensor. I run 21psi of boost.

I like the jb4 because with the jb4 connect kit I can use my phone for gauges wireless with blue tooth. I can log wireless all through my phone. Plus they make a mhd back end flash for everything. They have a flash for pump gas stock turbo, E85 stock turbo, pump gas single turbo, E85 single turbo, E85 hybrid twin turbos and many many for maps you can flash.

CptGudentite · 01-14-2019, 03:48 AM

#1 thing I would recommend if youre going to push the car hard (duh)...

A really good Engine Oil Cooler, these things run hot from the factory and its good insurance for longevity to run a damn good Oil Cooler.

Other tip... very important one.

Stay on top of your leaks, especially the Oil Filter Housing Gasket... while the leak itself is just a "leak". Whatl get you is oil leak causing you to throw a serpentine belt... which leads to a good chance of wrapping the belt around the crank pulley and sucking it past the crank seal into the timing chain/gear set chewing up the belt and putting chunks of rubber all in your oil pan, or worse skipping a tooth on the timing chain and HELLO MR VALVE... MEET BIG PAPA PISTON.

Lastly be ready for pain and suffering cause these cars make good power and mod well but they do have inherent problems. Its not like making power on an LS motor... simple, reliable, cheap parts, readily available... matter of fact its kinda the opposite but they are amazing engines nonetheless.

Good luck, have fun... may the boost be with you

TheMidnightNarwhal · 01-14-2019, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zomski101

After going from stage1+ to Stage 2+, my turbos started leaking oil and wastegates where rattling, granted they did have 80k miles. Got them replaced with MMP stage 3 and 5k miles later my crank hub slipped a little. Since my car is an early built 2009 it also had the steel part for the cam bearing ledge which was also worn out. Replaced both parts and installed the vtt crank hub. Never got the car dynoed but on e50 it should make a little less than 500whp. Wish I can sell the car but I dumped too much money into it. After visiting multiple shops and talking to mechanics, the n54 is overhyped. Just get an intercooler and stage1+ tune.

Nah, go for downpipes and run Stage 2+ .

Yes I agree it's overhype for the "tuning potential". Both N54 and N55 can run stage 2+

catcher22 · 01-14-2019, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vdk

Quote:

Originally Posted by catcher22

this is incorrect.

https://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29236

"1) The JB4 includes more robust safety systems than are possible via flash only."

OP, you should stack MHD + JB4. done.

...lol...
BMS owns N54tech and JB4...

Nothing is safer then stock DME

Thanks for the obvious, young padawan. However, that doesn't change the facts.

12-16-2018, 10:37 AM	#45
zomski101 Private First Class 55 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Join Date: May 2018 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	After going from stage1+ to Stage 2+, my turbos started leaking oil and wastegates where rattling, granted they did have 80k miles. Got them replaced with MMP stage 3 and 5k miles later my crank hub slipped a little. Since my car is an early built 2009 it also had the steel part for the cam bearing ledge which was also worn out. Replaced both parts and installed the vtt crank hub. Never got the car dynoed but on e50 it should make a little less than 500whp. Wish I can sell the car but I dumped too much money into it. After visiting multiple shops and talking to mechanics, the n54 is overhyped. Just get an intercooler and stage1+ tune.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2018, 02:20 PM	#50
Chris@VargasTurboTech Lieutenant Colonel 1932 Rep 1,532 Posts Drives: All Things TurboCharged Join Date: May 2016 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	It doesn't really matter. Change your oil, take a multivitamin, say your prayers, and just drive the car. 120k on a healthy motor is not a big deal. Wanting 800 whp on a stock motor is a big deal. We really like this platform 550-650ish whp, higher mileage or not. It is a wear item -so just understand when the time comes, you'll do a swap, rebuild, or build a motor. Then the party music starts back up. You can do this as long as you feel like playing the game and staying with the platform. Drive it! Chris
	Appreciate 1 feuer4275.50 Quote

12-22-2018, 07:17 PM	#54
whyzee125 Brigadier General 1662 Rep 3,624 Posts Drives: Dinan stage 2 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chattanooga Tn iTrader: (0)	Assuming your coils, plugs, etc. are in good shape you can mod with confidence.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-14-2019, 03:10 AM	#56
Riceball777 Lieutenant 161 Rep 466 Posts Drives: S2000 618whp/ e90 335i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	My stock engine has 130k and it runs great. I never dynoed it but it has to have over 500whp. Mods are in the signature. I started modding it at 90k miles. I run it with the jb4 with the mhd back end flash for E85 and hybrid turbos. I run 50%91 octane and 50%e85 which comes out to 44-47% ethanol according to my ethanol sensor. I run 21psi of boost. I like the jb4 because with the jb4 connect kit I can use my phone for gauges wireless with blue tooth. I can log wireless all through my phone. Plus they make a mhd back end flash for everything. They have a flash for pump gas stock turbo, E85 stock turbo, pump gas single turbo, E85 single turbo, E85 hybrid twin turbos and many many for maps you can flash. __________________ 2007 e90 335i pure stage 2 DD turbos, rb inlets Last edited by Riceball777; 01-14-2019 at 03:18 AM..
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01-14-2019, 03:48 AM	#57
CptGudentite New Member 7 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 07 BMW 335i Slightly not stock Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	#1 thing I would recommend if youre going to push the car hard (duh)... A really good Engine Oil Cooler, these things run hot from the factory and its good insurance for longevity to run a damn good Oil Cooler. Other tip... very important one. Stay on top of your leaks, especially the Oil Filter Housing Gasket... while the leak itself is just a "leak". Whatl get you is oil leak causing you to throw a serpentine belt... which leads to a good chance of wrapping the belt around the crank pulley and sucking it past the crank seal into the timing chain/gear set chewing up the belt and putting chunks of rubber all in your oil pan, or worse skipping a tooth on the timing chain and HELLO MR VALVE... MEET BIG PAPA PISTON. Lastly be ready for pain and suffering cause these cars make good power and mod well but they do have inherent problems. Its not like making power on an LS motor... simple, reliable, cheap parts, readily available... matter of fact its kinda the opposite but they are amazing engines nonetheless. Good luck, have fun... may the boost be with you
	Appreciate 1 4 Doors1169.00 Quote