M52 vs S50

[JoeyBones]

Realistically these could be within my price range this year, and I am trying to determine if the S5x is really that much of a better starting point than say a motor from a later 328. For the price difference you could equip the OBD1 change, as well as manifold, and light weight flywheel/clutch setup.

I guess I'm just trying to determine if it pays to save the extra and go with the M motor?

[328ijunkie]

Yessssssssss :D

[Lawson509]

The M motor gives you more hp than the m52 and there are less changes with the M motor compared to the m52.

[328ijunkie]

What you mean "Changes"

[e30polak]

Depending on how cheap you can get the s50 for, it may not be worth it to get the m52.

That being said, if the difference is anywhere above $1k, then I'd say just go with the m52. An OBD1 M52 + s52 cams and a tune will be basically the same power output if not better than a stock s50, except for maybe 10-15wtq.

If you plan to boost the hell out of either motor, then the m52 has slightly thicker cylinder walls, which will help with heat dissipation vs. and s50.

It all comes down to price really, both are great choices.

[JoeyBones]

I have no plans for boost....yet. I just know that I'll get pretty tired of this M42 once everything else gets squared away. I've just recently seen a few local M52 2.8's going for about $700ish, and have yet to really find a good source locally for an S50. I've seen a few S52's but then I'm pushing $2k+. I think ideally I'd like around 200hp to the wheels and that would keep me happy long enough.

[Mde36]

I have no plans for boost....yet. I just know that I'll get pretty tired of this M42 once everything else gets squared away. I've just recently seen a few local M52 2.8's going for about $700ish, and have yet to really find a good source locally for an S50. I've seen a few S52's but then I'm pushing $2k+. I think ideally I'd like around 200hp to the wheels and that would keep me happy long enough.

A m50 with s50 cams, injectors, and a tune will make a little over 200hp to the wheels. Throw in a 3.5maf and that should keep you happy for a while.

[bloodshot-e30]

get m52 and go with S50 crank shriek cams 24lb injectors OBDI swap GOOD exhaust and ive heard of them making 285-315 hp and 265-290 tq IIRC

but im not completely sure of that ive been told this by active and someone at a BMW meet back in NC

S50 vs M52 go S50 unless ur gonna OBDI swap the M52 and cams and its pretty much the same power output

[nando]

300hp from a ~3.0, N/A, with bolt ons? yeah, no.

the 2.8 is a good motor in stock form though. the S52 is definitely better, but I wouldn't be sad to have the M52 if it was a strong runner.

[bloodshot-e30]

300hp from a ~3.0, N/A, with bolt ons? yeah, no.

the 2.8 is a good motor in stock form though. the S52 is definitely better, but I wouldn't be sad to have the M52 if it was a strong runner.

from the tune they were telling me they could get that out of it... its also a 11.8:1 CR IIRC

but idk never tried it so im not exactly sure lol

[Wh33lhop]

The M52 will be newer probably with less miles on it.

But I'd probably still just save up for an S50. Do it once, do it right. An S50 is just getting to the point where it's enough power for most people in an E30. An M52 with cams and boltons will be at a similar peak power to an S50, except it will lack some area under the curve and you'll be out the cost and labor of the cams and boltons, which will likely make up the cost difference between the two motors.

[ck_taft325is]

The M52 will be newer probably with less miles on it.

But I'd probably still just save up for an S50. Do it once, do it right. An S50 is just getting to the point where it's enough power for most people in an E30. An M52 with cams and boltons will be at a similar peak power to an S50, except it will lack some area under the curve and you'll be out the cost and labor of the cams and boltons, which will likely make up the cost difference between the two motors.

Exactly.

[JoeyBones]

Yea, I guess that's likely the best way, I was really just hoping to really save on the front end. My budget is pretty limited and gets spread through all my interests so money to play with needs to go as far as possible.

Seems he best thing to do is finish the small stuff, and keep saving and see where I am financially when it gets time to buy the motor. I was mostly just trying to see where people stood on the subject. I just want the damn car to be as fun as it can be while being budget friendly.

328iJunkie, keep your eyes out for me! haha (still putting off my rear subframe bushings btw)

[M-technik-3]

get m52 and go with S50 crank shriek cams 24lb injectors OBDI swap GOOD exhaust and ive heard of them making 285-315 hp and 265-290 tq IIRC

but im not completely sure of that ive been told this by active and someone at a BMW meet back in NC

S50 vs M52 go S50 unless ur gonna OBDI swap the M52 and cams and its pretty much the same power output

Most want to just put the engine in there, The list you have will spiral up in costs way to fast to be worthwhile.

S52 is very affordable these days 900 to 2500 depending on mileage and location.

Simple OBD I conversion makes for realistic HP and TQ with revised Vanos and decent fuel mileage. Plus if you wanted to at a later date FI systems are plentiful for these.

[UDelaware30]

im very happy with my m52 swap.
currently just obdI swap (m50 manifold), TRM tune, and my cold air set up. Thing pulls like a raped-ape! Once summer comes around it will be s52 cams and 3.5" maf time.
M52 FTW!