September 30, 2025
2000 BMW Z3 Roadster With a VAC-Built S54: 1240WHP Monster When it comes to pushing the limits of BMW performance, few shops do it like Minnesota Performance. As a longtime VAC Motorsports customer, they’ve taken a humble 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster and transformed it into a 1240 wheel-horsepower beast designed […]
September 26, 2025
BMW's are engineered for performance — featuring precision steering, a balanced chassis, and a cockpit that hugs the driver. But if you’re over six feet tall, that cockpit can feel more like a squeeze. From cramped knees in an E46 M3 to bumping your head in a brand-new G80 M3, […]
September 22, 2025
Why Hood Struts Fail (and Why It Matters) Most modern vehicles rely on gas-charged hood struts instead of traditional prop rods. They’re sleek, they free up engine bay space, and they make lifting your hood effortless—when they’re new. But with time and temperature changes, these struts lose pressure. That’s when […]
August 4, 2025
How to unlock real power with smart upgrades and VAC Motorsports expertise The BMW N54 engine has earned its place as a tuning legend: twin turbos, forged internals, and limitless potential. But as the platform matures, many enthusiasts are making the leap from stock twins to single turbo setups, chasing […]
July 14, 2025
As a show of appreciation, for each race in 2025-26, we're recognizing one of our sponsors for their generosity and commitment to BMW Car Club of America. VAC Motorsports was recognized at the recent Summit Point race weekend. For nearly 30 years, Tony Salloum has been racing with New Jersey […]
June 23, 2025
Low vs. High Compression Pistons in BMW Performance Builds: What You Need to Know Whether you're building a high-revving naturally aspirated E46 M3 or boosting an N54 to four-digit horsepower, your piston choice can make or break your engine’s performance. One of the biggest decisions you'll face when building a […]
June 14, 2025
The Beginning (1984–1990): The Foundation Years Founded in Philadelphia, PA in 1984, VAC Motorsports began as a BMW-only performance shop, born out of pure racing passion and mechanical precision. At a time when most were just beginning to understand the tuning potential of Bavarian machines, VAC was already blueprinting engines, […]
May 1, 2025
🏁 Oil Surge: The Hidden Killer of High-Performance BMW Engines — And How Dry Sump Systems Save You If you're building or tracking a high-performance BMW engine—whether it's a screaming S54, a howling S65, or a turbocharged N54—there’s one danger that doesn’t get enough attention until it’s too late: oil […]
May 1, 2025
Table of Contents: BMW has a well-earned reputation for producing smooth, high-revving engines that deliver both performance and refinement. From the iconic S54 in the E46 M3 to the high-strung S65 V8 in the E9X M3, BMW motors are often designed to spin well beyond 7,000 RPM, and sometimes even […]
April 30, 2025
Turbochargers have become a staple in both modern performance and efficiency-focused vehicles. Even BMW, a historic champion of natural aspiration, especially in ///M cars, has made the switch to boost! Turbos provide more power by forcing extra air into the engine, allowing for better combustion and increased horsepower. However, if […]
February 12, 2025
Maximizing BMW S58 Engine Performance: Best Upgrades & Expert Tips The BMW S58 engine is a powerhouse, delivering robust performance straight from the factory. Found in high-performance BMW M models, this twin-turbo inline-six engine is built for enthusiasts who crave power and reliability. However, with the right upgrades and best […]
February 12, 2025
Turbocharging Your BMW M50 Vanos Engine – The Ultimate Build Guide If you're looking to build a high-performance turbocharged BMW M50 Vanos engine, you've come to the right place. At VAC Motorsports, we specialize in high-performance BMW engine builds, supplying top-tier components and expert machining services to ensure reliability and […]