To Vanos or not to Vanos...

[motorsports_3]

I am about to start a swap on my car, keep in mind it is a 88 325 super eta, or super slow. I found a great deal on a non vanos m50 from a 5 series for $400.00 including all of the accesories and harness. Since it from an e34 I dont need to deal with swapping the oil pan and all of that. The only issue is that it is non vanos.

Should I keep looking? I do plan to boost it. I think for now a m50 with exhaust, headers, maf, and s/w should be quick enough for now, I may even boost it before I put it in. If I get an M52 id be spending around $1000.00 for the motor. I think the $600.00 difference is a nice start to a turbo system.

Is the absense of vanos really that big of a deal in your guys opinion?

[e30polak]

If you're planning to boost, the non-VANOS make tuning MUCH easier and less expensive. If you're planning on staying NA, then get a VANOS motor.

[xwill112x]

if your gonna for sure boost it, go with the NV m50

[Uber E30]

If you're planning to boost, the non-VANOS make tuning MUCH easier and less expensive. If you're planning on staying NA, then get a VANOS motor.

This... plus if you went with an OBDII engine you would need all the stuff for ODBI conversion so its even more of a savings than 600 bucks.

[motorsports_3]

Sounds good guys, I guess I will go with the NV, even stock it is a huge increase in power. Thanks

I just have a question, would I be able to use the ecu from the Auto e34, of would I need a manual one?

[matt]

There are no advantages and a lot of disadvantages for the non vanos M50.

[Wh33lhop]

The lack of an old, rattly VANOS unit comes to mind... ;)

Any comparative dynos of stock NV and TU motors? Would be interesting to see if the NV power falls off slower or not.

[madjurgen]

There are no advantages and a lot of disadvantages for the non vanos M50.

^+1

With companies like TRM that offer good custom remote boost tuning, theres no reason to settle for the shittier internals in the NV motor.

[motorsports_3]

^+1

With companies like TRM that offer good custom remote boost tuning, theres no reason to settle for the shittier internals in the NV motor.

Are the internals really that much worse?

[matt]

Yes. Everything is heavier.

Heavier sucks.

The M52 is better yet.

Progress is like that. :)

[gregslow318i]

why not make a m52nv :pimp:

via nv head an a m52 short block

[jrdeamicis]

There is enough solutions now for dealing with the vanos that anybody is afraid of it is just silly.

[416stroker]

There is enough solutions now for dealing with the vanos that anybody is afraid of it is just silly.

True

[e34john]

why not make a m52nv :pimp:

via nv head an a m52 short block

I've been thinking of putting a non vanos head onto the aluminum z3 block. That thread will come when I find a swap worthy car though.


I love the way a non vanos pulls, try one with swapped cams. so save those engines for us if you want to go with the vanos motors.

[Dissembler]

An NV motor is down between 60 -80 lb/ft of torque... nuff said.