Every part for a built N54, in the order you'll fit it.
Start at the block, then head studs, then the rotating assembly, and work out from there. Every part here fits the N54 and is sold on epoxy54.com.
Customer build · @30ff_performance
- 1. Block
- 2. Head studs
- 3. Pistons & rods
- 4. Bearings
- 5. Valvetrain
- 6. Fuel
- 7. Boost & cooling
- 8. Oil & ignition
- 9. Clutch
Block reinforcement
The N54 is an open-deck block: the tops of the cylinders aren't tied to the outer wall. EPOXY54 fills the top 3/4" of the water jacket for closed-deck strength without machining, and coolant still flows underneath. Do it first. It's block insurance for every part you bolt on after.
- EPOXY54 for BMW N5421,000 psi compressive strength, 1:1 thermal expansion with aluminum.
- EPOXY54 Install Kit5/32" drill bit, install bottle and stir stick.
- BMW N54 Rebuild Kit by EPOXY54MAHLE pistons, Manley rods, King bearings, Supertech gasket, ARP studs and EPOXY54 in one box.
How it's done: N54 / N55 closed deck conversion · Installation guide · Fill volume guide
Head studs
More boost means more cylinder pressure pushing the head off the block. The factory bolts are torque-to-yield stretch bolts. ARP studs clamp harder, hold their clamp load and can be reused.
Torque specs and sequence: N54 head stud install guide
Pistons and rods
The core of a built N54. 84.0 mm is the stock bore, 84.5 mm is 0.5 mm oversize. Lower compression suits bigger turbos and more boost.
- Forged pistons, 84.00 mm, 10.2:1Stock bore and compression. The piston in our rebuild kit.
- Ultra Series pistons, 84.00 mm, 9.5:1Stock bore, slightly lower compression for more boost.
- Platinum dish pistons, 84.00 mm32cc dish for a stock-bore block.
- Platinum dish pistons, 84.5 mmFor a block bored 0.5 mm oversize.
- H-Beam rods, 5.709 in4340 forged. The rod in our rebuild kit.
- Turbo Tuff I-Beam rods, 5.709 inHeavier-duty rod for big single-turbo builds.
Bearings
Rod bearings are what N54 bottom ends wear out first. Fresh rod and main bearings are cheap next to the engine they protect. Measure your clearances and pick the size.
Valvetrain
Stiffer springs keep the valves under control at high boost and rpm. Inconel exhaust valves handle big-turbo heat. Do the stem seals while the head is apart.
- Conical valve spring kitUses the factory valve stem seal.
- Single valve spring kitSprings and retainers in one kit.
- Inconel exhaust valvesSet of 12 for the N54 head.
- Black nitrided intake valvesSet of 12, 31.4 mm standard.
- Viton intake valve stem sealsSet of 12.
- Viton exhaust valve stem sealsSet of 12.
Fuel
The low-pressure fuel side is usually the first limit on an N54 running E85 or a bigger turbo. A dual pump module or a surge tank keeps pressure steady at high load.
Boost and cooling
The factory plastic charge pipe and small intercooler are common weak points once boost goes up. More boost means more heat, so do the radiator and thermostat at the same time.
- Aluminum charge pipeReplaces the factory plastic pipe.
- Kompact plumb-back BOV kitBlow off valve kit for the N54.
- EVO1 performance intercoolerDirect fit for 135i, 335i, Z4 and 1M.
- BigPack intercooler kitLarger core for E8x/E9x N54 cars.
- All-aluminum radiator, manual135i, 335i and 1M with a manual gearbox.
- 2-row radiator, automaticFor automatic-transmission cars.
- 165°F racing thermostatOpens earlier to keep coolant temps down.
- Electric water pumpReplacement for the N54's electric pump.
Oil and ignition
A catch can keeps oil vapour out of the intake. Tuned N54s run colder plugs and healthy coils to stop misfires under boost.
Clutch (manual cars)
The factory clutch is next to go once torque goes up. Pick one rated for your power and how you drive.
See it in real builds
N54s running EPOXY54 are on our customer builds page. Questions about your combo? Call (604) 809-7398 or email support@epoxy54.com.
Shop all BMW N54 parts