ZHP Motor blew

[SamZHP04]

Hi, I'm new to this site. I recently blew my motor at the last HPDE in December after passing a Ferrari that was too slow through the “S” s at COTA. I’m now considering having a new ZHP motor installed by the dealer at a cost of $12 K versus looking for a used ZHP motor through an independent BMW repair shop. That’s just because I enjoy the car so much. Can I get some advice on this issue? Thanks! Sam.

[BMWCurves]

First, welcome!

Second, I am have little knowledge of what it takes to replace an engine in our cars, but a few members have done it and can provide advice.

Personally, I’d buy a used ZHP motor for that price tag, $12k seems steep. Is that for a new factory motor? Also, it might be a great opportunity to put in a used S54 from an E46 M3 if it can fit your budget.


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[az3579]

I agree - $12k is way too steep considering there are better motors that can be had for that kind of money.
Used motors are relatively cheap, usually somewhere below $1500. You could perhaps buy one of those and rebuild it if you really want something minty fresh.

[SamZHP04]

Thanks for the advice. Also, that's $12k WITH my BMW CCA discount - way too much. The only caveat is that a new ZHP motor comes with a 2-year warranty, unlike a used motor. I also looked into putting an S54 motor into it instead. My BMW dealer's shop said that would require a lot more work, part upgrades in addition to the motor, and some structural improvements to the body in order to accommodate this. Does anyone have experience with this kind of a swap? Thanks guys.

[san]

Thanks for the advice. Also, that's $12k WITH my BMW CCA discount - way too much. The only caveat is that a new ZHP motor comes with a 2-year warranty, unlike a used motor. I also looked into putting an S54 motor into it instead. My BMW dealer's shop said that would require a lot more work, part upgrades in addition to the motor, and some structural improvements to the body in order to accommodate this. Does anyone have experience with this kind of a swap? Thanks guys.

Nextel's Imola Sedan ZHP thread (another imola sedan?)
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=14392&share_tid=19366&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ezhpmafia%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Fs howthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D19366&share_type=t


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[KevinC]

Absolutely insane to spend $12k on a motor. For that kind of coin, you could buy an entire clean example with < 100k on it.

Either get it rebuilt, or source a replacement motor from a boneyard. IMHO.

[Newjack]

Thanks for the advice. Also, that's $12k WITH my BMW CCA discount - way too much. The only caveat is that a new ZHP motor comes with a 2-year warranty, unlike a used motor. I also looked into putting an S54 motor into it instead. My BMW dealer's shop said that would require a lot more work, part upgrades in addition to the motor, and some structural improvements to the body in order to accommodate this. Does anyone have experience with this kind of a swap? Thanks guys.

They are right, you would need the M3 rear end and driveshaft if I'm not mistaken. It's definitely more work, but for $12k to have the exact same motor put in, I would want to swap in an S54.

[Johnmadd]

LS swap!

[ELCID86]

Used M54 engine would be my recommend COA.


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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous E46 fanatic

[slater]

agree with shawn... you could get a used engine, installed, for $3K. you could do that 4 times to equal a new motor at the dealer. ;)

[Karl Lazlo]

Ess Five Four.

[johnrando]

Welcome! Yup, some very solid used motors out there for so much less. A few people on this and e46fanatics have done the swap, very doable but more than just the motor.

[Don Adolfo]

Welcome Sam. How slow was that Ferrari going for you to want to overtake it?

Personally, I'd go with the used ZHP motor. If you want S54 performance, rather than a swap, you may consider looking for an E46 M3. You can find them for under $20K with less than 100K miles.

Good luck.

[SamZHP04]

I’m having trouble finding a used ZHP motor. Any suggestions? Thanks

[330i ZHP]

LS swap!

Agreed

[az3579]

I’m having trouble finding a used ZHP motor. Any suggestions? Thanks

It doesn't have to be a ZHP motor... any M54B30 will do. If you really want to, you can just swap the cams over and call it a day.
That's really the only difference between the ZHP motor and a regular 330 motor. You already have the DME for it so you'd be all set.

[330i ZHP]

For that money I’ll take the stage iii ESS win screw out of my car (very low mileage) and install it in your car

[slater]

I’m having trouble finding a used ZHP motor. Any suggestions? Thanks

here ya go!

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?21070-Salvage-sale-of-my-poor-ZHP

[ELCID86]

For that money I’ll take the stage iii ESS win screw out of my car (very low mileage) and install it in your car

Hey. There’s a thought.


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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous E46 fanatic

[RBW]

Here is a ZHP motor in the Chicago area. 1250.00.
https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/pts/d/bmw-engine-fromi-zhp/6467431237.html

[ELCID86]

I hear LS7 crate motors are all the rage! ;-)

[330i ZHP]

I hear LS7 crate motors are all the rage! ;-)

Not sure if sarcasm

[ELCID86]

Not sure if sarcasm

None. The stuff dreams are made of. :respect

[joeybananaz18]

OP out of curiosity, why not just go for an s54? If i was in you boat thats what i would likely do.

[charter21p5]

When my motor is due for rebuild I am putting an s54 in it. 4 door m3 :)


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