M50 Rebuild

[CMBusch]

So I'm rebuilding/refreshing a M50 before I swap it into my E30. I have a list of parts and services that I think are necessary for the rebuild, but I was wondering if anyone has anything to add. Here's the list so far:

Bottom End:
Fel-Pro Lower Gasket Set
Timing Cover Gasket Set
Oil Pump Nut
Main Bolts
Main Bearings
Rod Bolts
Rod Bearings
Piston Rings
Wrist Pin Clips
Chains(Both Timing Chains and Oil Pump Chain)
Chain rail/guides
Chain Tensioners
Thermostat
Thermostat Housing
Water Pump
Brush(Dingle Ball) Hone Cylinder Walls (Assuming Little to No Ring Ridge)
Have Block Resurfaced, Magnafluxed, and Cleaned

Top End:
Fel-Pro Upper Gasket Set
Oil Check Valve
Vanos Rebuild Kit/Have Vanos Rebuilt
Head Bolts/Studs
Have Head Resurfaced, Magnafluxed, and Cleaned

The pistons, rods, valves, and springs have all been cleaned and are awaiting re-assembly. Is it worth having the crank polished or balanced? The journals look spotless. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[philakamrbean]

I'm about in the same boat as you. Its all dissassembled now to get parts. I'm doing some reading about Victor Reinz head gaskets being questionable. Something else I've run across is to make sure you get the right main bearings for the motor (1 vs 2 tang on the block side bearing).

[CMBusch]

I'm about in the same boat as you. Its all dissassembled now to get parts. I'm doing some reading about Victor Reinz head gaskets being questionable. Something else I've run across is to make sure you get the right main bearings for the motor (1 vs 2 tang on the block side bearing).

Yeah I've heard to stay as far away from Victor Reinz head gaskets as possible. I'm just ordering Fel-Pro gasket sets top and bottom. No one seems to have any complaints about that brand. Good point! I wouldn't have known. I have 2 tangs but I never knew there was a difference. Rod bolts have two versions as well.

I feel like I'm missing things, like having the crank looked at or testing to see if the lifter buckets are still good.

[pazi88]

I personally have never had broblems with victor reinz gaskets. I have also installed several victor reinz headgaskets without broblems. One did hold 0,7 bar of boost with stock headbolts just fine.

[CMBusch]

I personally have never had broblems with victor reinz gaskets. I have also installed several victor reinz headgaskets without broblems. One did hold 0,7 bar of boost with stock headbolts just fine.

Damn. That's just what I've been told. Maybe I was specifically for M20s? Either way I'm getting mine with the whole set because it's easier

[xoneslosentrax]

Never had an issue with victor reinz either. Used it on my e36 m3 rebuild. But if boost it. I recommend running the cut ring head gasket. Running it on my e30 m50 turbo setup.

[CMBusch]

Never had an issue with victor reinz either. Used it on my e36 m3 rebuild. But if boost it. I recommend running the cut ring head gasket. Running it on my e30 m50 turbo setup.

Cool! Would a cut ring head gasket be useful on a NA build?

[pazi88]

Cool! Would a cut ring head gasket be useful on a NA build?

No. Just waste of money.