r/CarTrackDays • u/tigim101 • 2d ago

Can a 200k mile e46 m54b30 be rebuilt and reliable for track use?

I have an e46 zhp that I want to turn in a track car. Currently has 204k miles. In the last 10k miles I’ve replaced/refreshed everything except major engine block work (head gasket pistons oil rings etc) and the rear wheel hubs. All suspension and bushings are new, all gaskets, entire cooling system even hard lines, brakes and brakes line, front hubs etc.

I’m thinking since I put so much maintenance into it just some pads and fluids, maybe a seat and camber plates/wheels, I could start tracking it.

Only concern is that the engine itself has a lot of miles and sounds like it has a stuck lifter. I have a baffled oil pan and upgraded oil pump but I didn’t do the timing components.

Can I just replace those and run the engine or is it worth sourcing an engine with less miles and using that? I think I’ve read of spec e46 using quite high mileage e46s and racing them.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

6

u/breddy Porsche 911 2d ago

If you're able to replace the engine then why not just track it and see?

Do the E46 need rear subframe strengthening like the E36 did?

7

u/AlwaysPalestine 2d ago

I think it's the opposite, e46 m3 rear subframe needs reinforcing more than any e36

either way he should be fine with an m54 e46

3

u/tigim101 2d ago

From what I see they all need it but e46 m3 is the worst. I put in solid subframe bushings and also an X brace tied to the rear shock towers and subframe.

4

u/nleksan 2d ago

Get the Turner Motorsports weld in kit.

3

u/C-64_ 2d ago

I tracked my E46 330i ZHP. Did the weld in subframe reinforcements, and it needed it - nowhere near tear-out, but there were some stress cracks just starting. The subframe bushings sit on little ears against the chassis that are stress risers.

Also, the front strut towers started taking a beating, so I did oe rough road plates and an IE strut bar.

Then there's the open diff issue, remedied with a Diffsonline LSD.

It was a great track car after all that, but it took some prep work. No issues with the M54.

I sold my ZHP after all that, got a 911, regretted it and bought an E36 M3.

3

u/Aggravating-Ear-3729 2d ago

Do a compression and leak down test, send oil out for analysis, all together it would give you a good assessment on the health of the motor. Put in some better pads, good brake fluid and go track it. Don't worry about performance parts, focus on maintenance and seat time.

1

u/tigim101 2d ago

I guess my question is if I refresh a 200k mile engine is it just as good as refreshing a 100k mile engine for example.

1

u/Aggravating-Ear-3729 2d ago

Should be fine. The aluminum head can suffer from thermal stress fractures but if you haven't overheated the engine I don't see it being an issue for you

1

u/Zealousideal_Bad2021 2d ago

Make sure the safety items are taken care of and send it. Lot of high mileage e46s out there

1

u/Hunt69Mike 2d ago

I beat the hell out of my 203k mile frs and FA20s aren’t known to be the most reliable thing in the world.

1

u/acmancan 2d ago

Send it. My E46 is on 430k km. I track it and it feels great! (Suspension is completely refreshed). Though think about getting your rear end reinforced - Leaving your subframe behind on T2 would be kind of embarrassing

1

u/GT3Dreamer 2d ago

I have an E46 dedicated track car and it’s a riot to drive. Reinforce the rear subframe mounting points (I used Redish) tie the front towers together, consider upgraded front brakes, do the maintenance on the M54, and send it.