Thread: S54 E30 M3
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Old 12-29-2020, 10:01 AM   #21
Nick M3
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bethesda, MD
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Quote:
Originally Posted by equ View Post
This thread makes me miss the s54. Not great sounding without help but a great engine nonetheless.
I'm glad I got to hear Chuck Stickley's S54 in person. One of the greatest engine noises I've ever heard. That was an unlimited cost engine build by an engine builder for himself. North of 400 at the wheels, around 500hp at the crank. (Maybe more.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmFrO_3Kft0

At the start here, you can see him outdragging 911 GT cars and Turbos. OK, fine, a long time ago, but still. Normally aspirated S54. The video does not convey just how absolutely insane the noise was coming and going, though. There's very little that makes the induction noise an S54 can. And even less that can make the noise that this one could.

The video does a pretty good job of conveying how insanely fast the car was, especially to anyone who has driven Summit Main. It was only OK in the corners. And Stickley was a not young guy who'd had, IIRC, quadruple bypasses. But holy crap. It MOVED.
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