Inlet/ST Expansion tanks

[Bmwfixerguy1]

This just seems too damn simple but since the dawn of inlets and single turbos the n54 has been searching for handsome relocation options of vacuum canisters and expansion tanks..

Who has used a universal expansion tank from say summit with good success? The options are endless and if though out correctly I'm sure you could gain some much needed coolant capacity as well!
I like this forum and frequent here because here is the place we're we solve these kinda of problems not say "no you need a tft CP and diesel tank"

Nope I want an aluminum universal tank lol

 

[R.G.]

Would definitely work. Some don't like the idea of having the dummy light warning removed but if you short the sensor wire it won't give a coolant error warning.

 

[Bmwfixerguy1]

Would definitely work. Some don't like the idea of having the dummy light warning removed but if you short the sensor wire it won't give a coolant error warning.

Yup I knew that would be the biggest draw back to some.. I agree myself it's not ideal. We do a lot more risky shit with our cars lol

Would definitely make one with a sight glass a must though!

 

[The Convert]

Why do you want an aluminum one so badly? Unless you have one custom made, it'll never have the fit,finish, and full integration of the 335d tanks.

 

[Bmwfixerguy1]

Why do you want an aluminum one so badly? Unless you have one custom made, it'll never have the fit,finish, and full integration of the 335d tanks.

I don't like the way the 335d tank sits and it forces you to use select charge pipes

Expensive charge pipes at that.. The tft and am other one that I cant think of both expensive as hell.. Second I don't like how the tft mounts to the throttle
VS
80 dollar universal and some ingenuity

 

[The Convert]

I don't like the way the 335d tank sits and it forces you to use select charge pipes

Expensive charge pipes at that.. The tft and am other one that I cant think of both expensive as hell.. Second I don't like how the tft mounts to the throttle
VS
80 dollar universal and some ingenuity

I made my own charge pipe, and it sits and fits exactly as I wanted it to. It didn't cost me much either. Retaining full functionality of your gauges and sensors seems a little more important than a generic pipe, no?

 

[Bmwfixerguy1]

I made my own charge pipe, and it sits and fits exactly as I wanted it to. It didn't cost me much either. Retaining full functionality of your gauges and sensors seems a little more important than a generic pipe, no?

I think I saw that before somewhere!
Yes it is important.. The only one you would lose is a low coolant light.. The way I check things it probably wouldn't be a problem but for the less handy it would be a big big no no!
Still undecided, I monitor my coolant temp as it is I would know I'd think.

Either way it's all just a thought for now

 

[The Convert]

I think it's bimmerlife, or something like that, that makes a custom coolant reservoir with a sensor bung for n54 cars. It looks good for a semi custom piece, but not cheap iirc.

 

[Bmwfixerguy1]

I think it's bimmerlife, or something like that, that makes a custom coolant reservoir with a sensor bung for n54 cars. It looks good for a semi custom piece, but not cheap iirc.

Yea that's the problem is affordability.. Not putting that into an expansion tank.. I belive its in the 500 range.. Worth it I'm sure but not what I'd spend my money on

I am thinking about a kinda reservoir "module" kinda thing that would essentially be a glorified bracket for a coolant tank, vacuum canister (maybe) as well as oil catch can(s)

 

[Bmwfixerguy1]

But @The Convert my biggest driving force is price and challenge I suppose

 

[Kenjermen]

Here is an option, if interested I know the seller so if you need/want one just me me know. The non anodized one is cheaper
https://swbperformance.myshopify.co...n54-billet-expansion-tank?variant=35207600775

 

[Bmwfixerguy1]

Here is an option, if interested I know the seller so if you need/want one just me me know. The non anodized one is cheaper
https://swbperformance.myshopify.co...n54-billet-expansion-tank?variant=35207600775

Yea I've seen that one many time just too expensive! For a magazine build absolutely but for my build no lol

 

[Erichale77]

I looked into billet expansion tank options but didn't find anything i was happy with so i kept my stock tank.

 

[The Convert]

I looked into billet expansion tank options but didn't find anything i was happy with so i kept my stock tank.View attachment 4272

That is some serious packaging work!! Talk about stuffing 12 lbs in a 5 lb bag. Looks great though!

 

[Bmwfixerguy1]

I looked into billet expansion tank options but didn't find anything i was happy with so i kept my stock tank.View attachment 4272

You realized you just acquired a new fan boy right lol! Looks great and who ever did the work they did a very clean job!

 

[Erichale77]

FabFactory did the work. Sean and his crew are amazing.

 

[Bigdaddyaaron]

I've been tossing the same idea around. I was about to take a leap of faith on one but a few days later a piece of the oem fluid level indicator broke off, which tells me that the rest isn't far behind. so I just ordered an oem replacement. I have to swap the coolant flange on the block anyway so maybe I'll go ahead and order a universal tank just to try it out during the swap.

 

[Notmpwr]

Just make sure what ever you use has a traditional radiator cap, the ones you posted are overflow tanks and the cap won't hold any pressure. If you find one you like you could just chop the current cap off and weld a radiator cap bung. I like to use ones designed for Honda's because they are compact.

 

[Bmwfixerguy1]

Just make sure what ever you use has a traditional radiator cap, the ones you posted are overflow tanks and the cap won't hold any pressure. If you find one you like you could just chop the current cap off and weld a radiator cap bung. I like to use ones designed for Honda's because they are compact.

Agreed.. I didn't realize that when I snagged the pic.. But I did notice the difference and most are just overflow tanks not expansion tanks..
Thanks for the concern bud
That woulda been messy lol

 

[Notmpwr]

Agreed.. I didn't realize that when I snagged the pic.. But I did notice the difference and most are just overflow tanks not expansion tanks..
Thanks for the concern bud
That woulda been messy lol

Haha yeah, I like your idea though. I could probably machine out some bungs that are the like the factory quick connect so you could use the factory line or use a an bung, an to Barb fitting adapter.

Also, search for aluminum coolant surge tanks, that might provide some better results.