visual differences in 24v engines

[stinkydriverx]

hey guys,
Whats the easiest way to tell the difference between an s52 and other 24v motors? Besides the obvious valve cover. Any help is always appreciated.
-Andrew

[gregslow318i]

displacement should be stamped on the block...
also intake manifolds (obd1 vs 2)
oil filter housing with/without hard line for coolant

[samiam3356]

3.2 right here

[stinkydriverx]

3.2 right here

so thats where it should have the number stamped?
Will it say 3.2 or s52? or a combination?

[samiam3356]

there will be a lot of #'s but 3.2 should be in there somewhere. There's a thread on here somewhere to decode the rest I believe. Also you could grab the Vin# of the back of the head and run the carfax on it. PM if you get it and I'll do it for free for you.

[etxxz]

obd1's have the crank sensor on the front and the head has three water ports plugged into it (two temp, one TB coolant) whereas obd2's have the crank sensor in the back (drver's side block by flywheel) and heads have two ports (one temp, one TB coolant).

Displacement wise, one will be hella fast, the other will be like a sturdy m20 with less ticking. I only know about the tags (visually) You could measure the stroke accurately enough through a spark plug hole (75mm vs ~90mm).

[rav320uk]

So how do you identify an Alpina E36 M52 3.2 engine as I have the option of buying one.?

[StereoInstaller1]

So how do you identify an Alpina E36 M52 3.2 engine as I have the option of buying one.?

Easy to spot gold plating

[rav320uk]

Easy to spot gold plating

??

[StereoInstaller1]

Alpina = Gold Plating

[gregslow318i]

Alpina = Gold Plating

I love goooollldddd....