Turbo swap question

omgshinoda · 07-01-2015, 09:20 PM

So im looking to get aftermarket turbos, leaning towards RBs.

Anyways my question is about the procedure of the turbo swap.

Long time ago, i asked dealer mechanic about turbos, and he said something along the lines of, they have take out my engine to access the turbos.

but in my experience with putting catless dps, i think there was enough room from underneath the car (with lift) to access the turbos and replace them.

any information on n54 turbo swap?
whether engine must be removed or not.

Dmak · 07-01-2015, 09:26 PM

Don't need to remove engine. When I do them. I support the engine and take out the right side engine mount. Its not easy to do. I would say on avg. It takes me something like 22-24 hr.

It is possible to have them done quicker if completely drop the engine with transmission and sub frame.but I never done it that way. I dropped engine, Tran with sub frame once to do a head gasket on a n54.

omgshinoda · 07-01-2015, 09:33 PM

ahh okay. i guess its harder than it looks

Lambobimmer · 07-03-2015, 01:56 PM

I haven't done this but I plan to do it soon. I think that you would have a much easier time to remove the subframe completely supporting the engine from the top and letting it drop as much as you can.

I have a lift a my house which should make this job quicker and easier. I cannot imagine swapping turbos on jack stands.

omgshinoda · 07-03-2015, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lambobimmer

I haven't done this but I plan to do it soon. I think that you would have a much easier time to remove the subframe completely supporting the engine from the top and letting it drop as much as you can.

I have a lift a my house which should make this job quicker and easier. I cannot imagine swapping turbos on jack stands.

oh definitely not on jackstands.
if you get to do it soon, lemme know how it is!

2PUTT · 07-03-2015, 08:08 PM

my friends have done engine pulls a number of times (B5 S4) to do turbo swaps. getting a hydraulic table made it so much easier. you basically drop the engine right on this thing and you can do all the work on it...

http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb...0438-9328.html

07-01-2015, 09:20 PM	#1
omgshinoda Second Lieutenant 50 Rep 212 Posts Drives: '10 135i, '13 M3 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (-1)	Turbo swap question So im looking to get aftermarket turbos, leaning towards RBs. Anyways my question is about the procedure of the turbo swap. Long time ago, i asked dealer mechanic about turbos, and he said something along the lines of, they have take out my engine to access the turbos. but in my experience with putting catless dps, i think there was enough room from underneath the car (with lift) to access the turbos and replace them. any information on n54 turbo swap? whether engine must be removed or not.
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07-01-2015, 09:26 PM	#2
Dmak Second Lieutenant 67 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 09 135 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Edmonton alberta iTrader: (1)	Don't need to remove engine. When I do them. I support the engine and take out the right side engine mount. Its not easy to do. I would say on avg. It takes me something like 22-24 hr. It is possible to have them done quicker if completely drop the engine with transmission and sub frame.but I never done it that way. I dropped engine, Tran with sub frame once to do a head gasket on a n54.
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07-01-2015, 09:33 PM	#3
omgshinoda Second Lieutenant 50 Rep 212 Posts Drives: '10 135i, '13 M3 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (-1)	ahh okay. i guess its harder than it looks
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07-03-2015, 01:56 PM	#4
Lambobimmer Major 292 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 2018 TTRS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tarheel iTrader: (14)	I haven't done this but I plan to do it soon. I think that you would have a much easier time to remove the subframe completely supporting the engine from the top and letting it drop as much as you can. I have a lift a my house which should make this job quicker and easier. I cannot imagine swapping turbos on jack stands.
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07-03-2015, 08:08 PM	#6
2PUTT Captain 513 Rep 943 Posts Drives: F87 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Ubiquitous iTrader: (5)	my friends have done engine pulls a number of times (B5 S4) to do turbo swaps. getting a hydraulic table made it so much easier. you basically drop the engine right on this thing and you can do all the work on it... http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb...0438-9328.html
	Appreciate 0 Quote