Motorsport Thermostat Conversion Kit M54 / M52TU / P54

Core Race Tech – Motorsport Parts & Engineering

Conversion kit for a mechanical motorsport thermostat, developed for BMW M52TU and M54 engines as well as corresponding motorsport applications involving the P54 engine.

This kit allows the original electrically heated, map-controlled thermostat to be replaced with a mechanical thermostat insert with a defined opening temperature.

Scope of delivery

• Mahle mechanical thermostat insert
• CNC-machined aluminum adapter components
• Matching O-rings and a new Elring thermostat housing gasket

Product features

• Mechanical thermostat insert with a standard opening temperature of 60 °C
• Optionally available with opening temperatures of 70 °C or 80 °C
• Precision-machined aluminum adapter components, CNC-milled and CNC-turned
• Components manufactured in Germany
• Motorsport-oriented alternative to the original map-controlled thermostat
• Suitable for custom engine builds, track tools, and race cars
• Similar operating principle to mechanical motorsport thermostats used in WTCC, DTC, and ETCC applications

The actual coolant temperature achieved during operation depends on the entire cooling system, the engine configuration, and the respective operating conditions.

For example, with a thermostat insert with an opening temperature of 60 °C, coolant temperatures of approximately 80 °C at the cylinder head may occur under racing conditions. This is merely an example and does not represent a guaranteed operating temperature.

Compatibility

Suitable for BMW M52TU and M54 engines originally equipped with an electrically heated, map-controlled thermostat.

The conversion is possible with compatible Wahler-type thermostat housings. Behr-type thermostat housings require additional modification work.

For installation, the original thermostat insert must be removed and the thermostat housing modified accordingly. For this, a pair of side cutters as well as a Dremel or a suitable grinding tool are required, for example.

Installation instructions and reference images are provided with the purchase of the product.

Important notes

The kit is supplied without the plastic thermostat housing.

Core Race Tech – Built for the Track.