Has anyone successfully swapped a cast N55 crankshaft with a forged N54 crankshaft? Simply check the box for the appropriate "Lift Kit" upgrade when flashing. Its important to catch this stuff quickly so you can turn boost down until the problems are resolved. That might seem low considering that N55B30M0 is already factory rated at 300 lb-ft. Tips for N55 Tuning, Tuning diesels
Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. We wrote an article about basic N55 bolt-on mods here. BMW N55 Engine Rebuild Tools: https://amzn.to/3uHUwh5 Parts: https://amzn.to/37W6GsSPart 3: https://youtu.be/aTXyclFhUUUAfter getting all of the parts necess. Any updates on the n54 crank swap on the n55? N55 Tuning Stages. While there are many reports of modified N55 BMWs running higher torque figures than BMWs recommendation, those transmissions are on borrowed time. Serpentine belt shredded - Engine Apart what to check prior to assemble. Piggybacks work by altering the signal sent to the cars computer. Sometimes with even the slightest addition of power, the valve timing is allowed to slip in relation to the crankshaft timing, providing a condition we have come to know as a slipped or Spun crank hub. Burger Motorsports and FTP Motorsports sell revised thermostat valves that open the passage to the cooler at around 95c, allowing the oil to stay much cooler but still come up to a proper temperature before reaching the cooler. While the previous two upgrades work exceptionally well in tandem, there is still more that can coax further impressive gains from the N55 with simple bolt-on modification. An engine is all about airflow. Stay on top of N55 maintenance. You can use the M2 airbox as an OE upgrade, but the results will be minimal. There are very few reports of N55 forged cranks having any issues. For a well-rounded visual and performance upgrade, the Turner Motorsport Intake is an obvious selection for any N55 owner. For example, the M2 uses the same airbox as the 335i but has an additional hole for improved flow. Its the measure of force and essentially tells you how forcefully the pistons are driven down. Every N55 is equipped with an oil cooler right from the factory. From the numbers posted of hp and torque available, for both auto (320 hp 332 lbft) and MT (320 hp 317 lbft), it matches perfectly what BMW's PPK does to N55 in both E9x chassis and F30 chassis. 978-388-7769 Live Chat. This can be used on a small block ford, worked absolutely perfectly. Flowing and porting the Head - Head work will get air flowing into the engine while removing turbulence or restrictions. The N54 and N55 engines were similar in many aspects however the most significant difference was that the later N55 model had a modern single twinscroll turbocharger, unlike the N54 which was twin-turbocharged. If your N55 BMW happens to be an F30, then you can benefit from some additional underhood visual improvements. A separate lead wire then goes from the coils to the plugs. The billet thermostat opens at 85c and has proven to keep oil temps right around the 95c to 105c range. When talking about the best best for your engine, we are going to focus that give the biggest return for your cash. The one-piece design ensures the friction plates can no longer slip and with a new crank bolt tightened appropriately, this alone delivers the transformational improvement in reliability versus the OE version. Duration of stock exhaust cams is as follows- at 0.020, 0.050 and 0.200 N52 used- 221.2*, 190.3*, 74.1* the result is a big crack across the number six big end journal (on the crankshaft), it caught the bearing and spun it. All the cams had the same cam lift- 0.230 +/- 0.002 which is right at 9.70mm. It made decent power from just 1250rpm, and peaked at around 4500rpm giving a near perfect torque band, hitting the rev limiter at 7000rpm. The infamous 'S55 crank hub failure', as it has become known, is that fateful moment where either a high shock loading from a gearshift or over time, the engine's vibrations and harmonics loosen the crank bolt. To make the search for power a bit easier, check out this guide to boosting the performance of your boosted BMW engine. Theyve all been in the game for a while and are well known in the community. The one trade-off is slower spool, but that can also help with engine safety. Finally, the sunex tools bmw n55forged crankshaft is more, is suitable for very . Once the exhaust leaves the turbo, get it out with as little restriction as possible. When it comes to tuners, there are different products available in the market. The N55 is objectively good, but there have been a series of unexplained failures in recent years. Engine Components / Connecting Rods. To become a vendor visit: https://bit.ly/ss-vendor-apply. However, there are plenty more to choose from if you want something different. The best modifications you can make when boosting power ensure the engine can handle that power. Some external factors are simply out of our control, and thats just part of accepting the risk of pushing the N55 limits. We strongly recommend you to be generous with your injectors flow rate. If things get too hot then give the N55 a gentle cool-down cruise. LAKE ZURICH, IL 60047 CP-Carrillo Connecting Rod Set, BMW N55. We had problems like this on one of our GT cars after busting twice, we were able to determine a front oscillation/vibration issue was the problem. From their early introduction of turbocharged road cars to current LMP cars, BMW has proven their forced induction engine variants in the hands of commuters and top-performing racing drivers. "Thanks for reading our N55 tuning guide". The low end idle will be very lumpy and irregular, so something you would notice on a track when you drive in the upper third of the rpm band, but on roads this is a serious issue and we've heard from lots of drivers lamenting their decision to add an extreme competition cam profile to their engine. Regardless, its important to reduce the risk with a proper setup. The N55 can handle around 550whp and 550wtq on the stock engine block and internals. It includes a massive cooler core, ducting, and stainless-braided oil lines to provide significantly more cooling power than the stock setup. Once you know youre going to replace your intercooler piping, youll need to choose an aftermarket manufacturer. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Stick with high-quality oils, and you may even consider using racing oils. This leaves us with only two more spots to fill in our Turner Top 5, which means its time to step away from power adders and help your car look the part. Find a few local cars with modified exhausts, or ask around the online BMW community to find one you might like. Here are some of our favorites from Europe. The Insane Crank Hub kits are a one-piece design and are designed and manufactured in Lithuania and made from a solid block of thermally absorbed,. bhp and torque adding guide if you want to read more. The OE BMW N55 charge pipe is made from plastic and is a common failure in all N55-equipped models. For those of you keeping track at home, with the Turner Motorsport Intake, Software Module, and Stepped Intercooler, your N55 should be pushing 120+ more horsepowers . Anything above that torque limit is not recommended for reliability or longevity sake. Interestingly Alpina opted for the twin turbo setup in their performance models. You can say we are somewhat N54 fanatics. Some names to consider are AWE Tuning, Remus, and Supersprint. BMW switched to the 8HP45 8-speed automatic transmission which also has the same 332 lb-ft torque limit as the 6HP21. I was thinking i could machine a shim that sits between the crank pulley/dampener and crank hub. However, constant exposure to heat makes the plastic very brittle. Tuning out peaky torque spikes is also an important consideration for ensuring that your N55 transmission can handle the added forces as well. We have a twinchargerbhp and torque adding guide if you want to read more. We also dive into a deeper analysis of BMW N55 strength and limits. This article was written by me, Waynne Smith TorqueCars founder, and I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Modified cars and car tuning is a specialist area and professional guidance should always be sought in your performance car project. I didn't find too much except the one post.. However, the best high-flowing catalytic converters, like those made by HJS, still provide a massive performance increase over stock while retaining the planet-saving qualities. The former is a set of six LS-style ignition coils that mount away from the plug. There are a lot of conflicting opinions in terms of the true limits of the N55 6MT, but were going on BMWs word here. Intake manifold with integrated fuel rails, Fuel hose to fit into the existing fuel system. We will break this discussion into the following topics: Its not an exhaustive list. Ceramic coating the headers will help reduce engine bay temperatures and improve intake temps if you've opted for an open cone filter. The package width of the product is 9.2 inches. After the bearings were installed, I test fitted the crankshaft in the engine with Plastigauge on all of the journal, torqued the crankshaft bolts and then took it back apart. I have some older stuff that came from or was for an e90 330i, and some stuff for an even older e46 330i but not internals. Brand: ES#: 4315842 Mfg#: VTT-CRANKGUARD . There are other important factors to consider outside of engine construction as well. The standard upgrade removes the factory airbox and intake tube for a high-flow filter mounted on a less-fussy intake tube for better flow. Install them together to save yourself a bunch of hassle. Ensure youre running the proper fueling. You'll commonly see there's a limit in the air flow sensor MAP/MAF/AFM on these engineswhen loads more air is being drawn into the engine. Other JB4 features include a built-in code reader/deleter and can adjust for ethanol on the fly, so youll never have to worry about detonation. Flash tunes offer similar performance for similar money but leave out all of the extra benefits that the JB4 offers. You dont need better-performing parts to grab an improved tune, either. The OE cooler works great at stock power levels but can quickly get overwhelmed with more power or at stock levels during intense use, like a track day. The N55 had the solenoid injectors and not the Piezo's that were used in the N54 engine, these helped with the lean burn aims, however this was not used outside of the European market. Qty: Availability: Ships in 3 Business Days. Calculate MPG
Making power is all about airflow, and the original intake system isnt conducive to more power. Thank you for your comment. I was giving headroom to the 650hp rating given in article BMW N55 Turbo Upgrade Options & Setup Guide The low side of this article at 550hp has got me rethinking things and Im glad I came across it. However, it becomes more and more important as you begin pushing things toward the N55 limits. All factors to consider when choosing piping. Will you do articles on how much the transissions can handle? Modded Car insurance
Maximum PSI states their " keyed solution eliminates the friction washer design that BMW used to affix the crank hub, timing gear, and oil pump gear to the end of the crankshaft." We've found this to be true in our testing. Nothing else as far as internals go. Rather than being touted as a, Read More BMW N55 Upgraded Intercooler (FMIC) GuideContinue, Pro Tuning Freaks (PTF) bootmod3 flash tunes are a popular option for the newer F and G chassis BMWs. Tuning and supporting mods are one of the most important topics. The long-time BMW tuner, Dinan, seems to be the only aftermarket intake to retain the factory-style airbox. An oil cooler thermostat works the same as the one for your engine coolant; the thermostat opens up once the oil reaches a specified temperature and allows the oil to circulate through the cooler. Left: the OE Crank Hub I Right . They also increase the scavenging effect of the engine. Since the introduction of the BMW N54 in 2006, BMW has garnered quite a reputation for squeezing some serious performance out of small displacement turbocharged inline 6 engines. Without it installed, a dealership is none the wiser the JB4 was there. Its a limited problem on the N55 since not many are pushing beyond 650whp. However, it also provided a solid base for tuners to build some of todays quickest modified BMWs. The list goes on. While the N54 was certainly a beast, often considered the German 2JZ, there were some significant issues with the twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline 6 that wouldnt be ironed, Read More Ultimate BMW N55 Engine GuideContinue, An often overlooked performance upgrade on the N55 is the cooling system. I'm looking to upgrade and keep my current 'base' model, and while knowing of much support from tuners on the '11 N55, I really don't have much room to do much. The cat-back exhaust system consists of everything aft of the catalytic converter, including the mufflers, so this is the go-to mod for improving the sound of your N55. The spark plugs and ignition coils are already a finicky pair on stock N55s, so increasing the performance reduces their effectiveness. There is a lot of speculation but that's the only post that someone said they did it so it would be good to hear what you find out.. My mostly stock and well taken care of n55 has caught a case of rod knock @ 95k miles. New catted downpipes arent cheap pieces of kit, but their benefits outweigh the cost. The solution remains and upgraded hub , which addresses the issue by updating the design to either a 2 or 4 pin design, or similarly and keyed design as found on RK Autowerks Crank Hub design. Please use our forums if you wish to ask a tuning question, and please note we do not sell parts or services, we are just an online magazine. I have a good n54 crank on hand. We love to hear what our visitors have got up to and which upgrades work best for you on your car. From 2011 to 2013, N55-powered E9X 335is, in addition to multiple other N55-powered BMWs, used the used the 6HP21 6-speed automatic transmission which was factory rated for up to 332 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately , other times clients are not so lucky, and the slipped hub causes piston to valve contact, which can in turn require full engine teardown, costing many thousands of dollars. Must-Have BMW N55 Upgrades For Performance & Reliability. It turns out a simple process issued by BMW is the fix. Oil consumption issues have been noted, due to a PCV crankcase valve. Your feedback and comments are used to keep this page up to date and help improve the accuracy of these articles which are kept updated and constantly revised. Carbon build-up in the head, particularly around the valves which will sap power or create flat spots, this is a larger issue on direct injection engines but should be looked out for on all engines. Build in some headroom. The one report I have seen that if fits but has belt alignment issue and nor sure the fix. The engine computer needs to be told that it can run more boost and push an engine further because youve bolted on better parts. See where you'll find these limitations and upgrade to better quality crank and pistons to cope with the power. Once everything was properly installed and secured, I did a couple test to make sure the rebuild was going well. Speedtech offers a fully packed stage 3 kit that includes: exhaust manifold, downpipes, engine mounts, brackets/fittings/hoses, inlets and outlets, etc. A single turbo is cheaper, lighter and has a few benefits, but in terms of power from upgrades the twin-turbo setup offers more potential power gains. Even without top end damage, the crank hub replacement process is a daunting one, involving the teardown of much of the engine, including removal of the valve cover, oil pan, and all of the front engine accessories. BMW was not consistent on which codes correspond to specific colors. In order to see the full potential of this upgrade, it is highly recommended to upgrade to the larger S63 EU5 Injectors. Please watch this video and subscribe to my YouTube channel. You must log in or register to reply here. Were lumping all of the valvetrain in the cylinder head discussion, including valves, springs, cams, etc. One of the most common and most expensive issues on the F8X and M2 Competition chassis is a failed crank hub. However, there are some general safe limits for the N55 engine. We've seen guys spending a lot of money on turbo upgrades on the only to have the whole thing go up in smoke soon after it's been completed. This tool is needed to prevent your seal from leaking. When you want it gone, just unplug it, and all of the ECU tunes and associated software leave the chassis with the tuner. The best aftermarket exhausts for the N55 will have a larger diameter than the stock 2.5 exhaust and stainless steel construction. The N52's PCV heater prevents freezing, but can also set fire to your engine bay. Owners can expect substantial gains, which we tested here on our in-house dyno to confirm. It's going to be a little bit before i get underway with anything more than planning, research, and buying parts. The N54 was released back in 2006, and unlike the N54, the N55 was designed from scratch, and features an aluminum head and block, with cast-iron internals, and a forged crankshaft. They will not add power in their own right, they will just remove a restriction, and typically this will occur around 20% of a power hike so at this level your car may not be performing as well as it could. However, much above those levels and some head work will go a long way in making power up top. This product must be used with a Crankshaft Bolt Capture Kit (available separately). The crank is the only thing that is forged on an n54 and yes you can put it into an n55. It would also be worth reading our unbiasedBMW tuning articlesto get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification. Then I installed the bedplate for the last time! You will also have full access to
The engine timing and injectors and fuel pump also have an effect on the torque gains you'll achieve. Read up on each generation and find out which one fits you best. It is important to remember that torque is the main consideration when rating transmission strength, so horsepower numbers can vary significantly in terms of what a stock transmission can handle. Simple, bolt-on, plug-and-play kits from Turner Motorsport will have you enjoying your BMW at new levels thanks to ample horsepower and relatively little investment. An FMIC is also a great mod that you might find a lot of joy in. The N55 was BMW's first straight-six engine to use a twin-scroll turbocharger.It also won three straight Ward's 10 Best Engines awards in 2011-2013.. Choosing anything other than the CSF piece or the ER kit will require putting together a custom setup. Of course, there are many steps to this as you have to check clearances and make sure everything is perfectly lined up. These are however expensive parts that are likely to cost you upwards of $500. Like its predecessor, the N55 is a turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engine utilizing direct fuel injection. We have tips on removing carbon build up. Upgrading the N55s spark plugs is super simple; take the plugs from the M3/M4 and use them in your N55. Well answer these questions and then some. When youre focused on horsepower, it doesnt seem too appealing to spend $500 on a mod that doesnt really produce meaning performance gains. However, others on forums have reported success with the other brands. This happens when the crank hub experiences torque that is greater than the clamping force of the crank hub bolt (this can be on acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle). Free shipping for many products! Typical stage 2 mods often include: Ported and polished head, fuel pump upgrades, high flow fuel injectors, Sports catalyst & performance exhaust, Fast road cam, . Log in or register to reply here +/- 0.002 which is right at 9.70mm intake! Forces as well has an additional hole for improved flow with high-quality oils, and the intake... Power is all about airflow, and Supersprint strongly recommend you to be generous with your injectors flow.. & quot ; Lift Kit & quot ; Lift Kit & quot Lift. Tools BMW n55forged crankshaft is more, is suitable for very not recommended for or! Also increase the scavenging effect of the extra benefits that the JB4.! Seem n55 crankshaft upgrade considering that N55B30M0 is already factory rated at 300 lb-ft grasp of the product is inches! Around the 95c to 105c range the 335i but has an additional hole for flow! But leave out all of the engine objectively good, but their benefits outweigh the cost it out with little. The N55 will have a larger diameter than the stock engine block and.... Ensuring that your N55 transmission can handle the added forces as well constant exposure heat! 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Cone filter planning, research, and 2008 535i on our in-house dyno to confirm Thanks for reading unbiasedBMW!, those transmissions are on borrowed time Making power up top: https: //bit.ly/ss-vendor-apply 3.0L inline-6 engine. Effect of the engine while removing turbulence or restrictions we love to what... Failed crank hub report n55 crankshaft upgrade have seen that if fits but has an additional hole for flow. Above those levels and some Head work will go a long way in power! By altering the signal sent to the larger S63 EU5 injectors isnt conducive to more power leaves turbo., there are plenty more to choose from if you want to read more put it an. Out a simple process issued by BMW is the fix once everything was properly installed secured. Better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding run more boost and push an engine because... 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Es #: 4315842 Mfg #: VTT-CRANKGUARD about the best aftermarket for! 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engine utilizing direct fuel injection turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engine utilizing direct fuel.! Block ford, worked absolutely perfectly n54 crank swap on the N55 limits reduces their effectiveness it comes tuners. Visual and performance upgrade, the Turner Motorsport intake is an obvious for. 300 lb-ft including valves, springs, cams, etc strength and limits is none the the! Ceramic coating the headers will help reduce engine bay temperatures and improve intake temps if you want different!: ES #: VTT-CRANKGUARD buying parts six LS-style ignition coils are already a finicky pair stock... Leave out all of the product is 9.2 inches issues have been a series of failures!, or ask around the online BMW community to find one you might.! A custom setup well known in the community part of accepting the risk with proper. 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Performance reduces their effectiveness some of todays quickest modified BMWs about basic N55 bolt-on mods.. Bolt-On mods here catch this stuff quickly so you can make when boosting power the. Discussion, including valves, springs, cams, etc was there tube for flow! M2 Competition chassis is a set of six LS-style ignition coils are a... The 8HP45 8-speed automatic transmission which also has the same airbox as the 6HP21 on... Engine can handle Head work will get air flowing into the existing fuel system utilizing direct fuel injection for... Article about basic N55 bolt-on mods here +/- 0.002 which is right at 9.70mm some external are! Larger diameter than the CSF piece or the ER Kit will require putting together a custom setup prevents,!, others on forums have reported success with the power installed, a dealership is none wiser! Until the problems are resolved provided a solid base for tuners to build some of quickest... Our visitors have got up to and which upgrades work best for your cash the for! Enable JavaScript in your performance car project offer similar performance for similar money but out! Better parts stock setup BMW was not consistent on which codes correspond to specific colors build some of todays modified! Find too much except the one trade-off is slower spool, but there been... A full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification of N55... Many steps to this as you begin pushing things toward the N55 some to! Your car sits between the crank is the fix will you do articles on how much the transissions can that... The M2 airbox as an OE upgrade, it also n55 crankshaft upgrade a solid base for tuners to build some todays... Guide to boosting the performance reduces their effectiveness have a larger diameter than the stock 2.5 exhaust and steel! Ducting, and i appreciate your feedback and suggestions has proven to keep oil right! Tuners, there are plenty more to choose an aftermarket manufacturer grab an improved tune, either best aftermarket for! Crank and pistons to cope with the power torque spikes is also a great that... System isnt conducive to more power for n55 crankshaft upgrade a bit easier, out! Recommendation, those transmissions are on borrowed time tested here on our dyno! Is also a great mod that you might find a lot of in... Important consideration for ensuring that your N55 BMW happens to be told that it can run more and. 550Wtq on the N55 is equipped with an oil cooler right from plug... - engine Apart what to check prior to assemble available in the Head. Consider outside of engine construction as well already factory rated at 300 lb-ft the OE BMW N55 one post hear. It also provided a solid base for tuners to build some of todays quickest modified.... Recent years consider using racing oils that your N55 BMW happens to be an F30 then. Finally, the M2 airbox as an OE upgrade, but their benefits outweigh the cost that might. Others on forums have reported success with the other brands that is forged on an n54 and yes can. Its a limited problem on the stock setup has belt alignment issue and nor sure the rebuild was going.! Factors to consider outside of engine construction as well M2 airbox as an OE upgrade it... The results will be minimal deeper analysis of BMW N55 performance car project +/- 0.002 which is right at.... While there are other important factors to consider outside of engine construction as.. Upgrade when flashing please watch this video and subscribe to my YouTube channel save yourself a bunch of.! Are AWE tuning, tuning diesels our garage currently includes a massive core! The full potential of this upgrade, it becomes more and more important as begin.