What to do...what to do....(need some opinions)

[Sevenx]

So here's what I'm currently working with:

- M52B28, 130k miles, full OBD1 swap, new sensors, gaskets, belts, brackets, clamps and hoses brand new for sake of being new as well as a proper OBD1 setup. New plugs, coolant hoses etc - basically refreshed motor/and cooling system including mishimoto radiator.

- TRM 93 octane tune

- Full exhaust and ebay long tubes.

Drivetrain:

ZF320 trans
UUC Lightweight fly, Kevlar clutch and trans mounts with cups.
New Guibo/CSB
fully rebuilt and balanced m3 driveshaft
3.25 diff with e30 cover and output flanges.

The car drives wonderfully, but I'm looking for more power. So here's are the options I'd like feedback on.

Option 1: Source a relatively low mileage s52. Since I already have an M52, accessories, and an OBD1 swap, I could theoretically just swap accessories over, bolt on the flywheel/clutch, and mate it right up to the ZF no problems right? Then I'd, of course, get a new tune, etc.

Option 2: Rebuild the m52, source some s52 cams, and put together a turbo kit. What I don't know is how much it generally costs to rebuild an M52 and put together a turbo kit that is generally free of lag and can put me at 325-350 RWHP.

ANY feedback, suggestions, links, references etc. would be greatly appreciated.

[Adrian_Visser]

Get a good low mileage s52 with no accessories for 2k. They are out there. Rebuild on the m52 is going to run you at least $1500 ( I really don't know the exact number) Plus at least 4k proly more like 5 for the turbo kit plus tune.

[e30rapidic]

^^ what he said. I just rebuilt an S50 and my ass hurts

[Mr.SWISS]

I have a set of S52 cams, I need $300 +shipping

[z31maniac]

Keep the current M52 (if comp and leakdown #s are good, no reason to rebuild it), just do an MLS headgasket + ARP studs.

Get a blunttech turbo manifold, TRM tune and call it a day.

[sharky]

^+1 so much better off with boost

[foofopps]

I PM'd you, but this also just popped up on CL

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/2283033245.html

[Adrian_Visser]

^^ what he said. I just rebuilt an S50 and my ass hurts

Out of curiousity what did you spend and what all was replaced?

[e30rapidic]

Out of curiousity what did you spend and what all was replaced?

I took it down to a bare block, had it machined and honed. Turns out the head was cracked and a spark plug hole stripped. I bought a 400 head from Rigmaster on here, had it sent off to be surfaced etc. I took all the valves/springs from the M3 head and put them on the replacement head just to be sure. Had them do a full valve job but did everything else myself.....Both gasket sets, new coils, all new hoses, rings, bearings, Vanos seals, knock sensors, water pump, etc. Also ended up picking up a zf trans, m42 radiator, front driveshaft off a 328 and all the other stuff. 3.5 MAF, larger injectors and a TRM tune. Haven't added it up yet but its definitely up there.....

Only thing left (I hope) should be exhaust and rear diff. I ran a 4.10 and 3.73 with my 2.8 M20.

Made my own wiring harness

[agile30]

My buddy has a s52 he might be willing to get rid of. Local too. Pm me ifyour interested

[dude8383]

Out of curiousity what did you spend and what all was replaced?

Pretty much did what he did and we're looking at least 4k-5k. I have NOT added up my invoices for the rebuild simply because I'm afraid of how high that number will actually be!!

[matt]

Call me at the shop on monday! Turbo all the way!

You don't need to do ANYTHING to the motor. Bolt on hardware, tune from me, you are good to go. 325whp is no problem.

[e30rapidic]

Call me at the shop on monday! Turbo all the way!

You don't need to do ANYTHING to the motor. Bolt on hardware, tune from me, you are good to go. 325whp is no problem.

oh wait you're Matt at TRM???!! well damn, I just ordered from you last night! ;)

[matt]

The very same. Thanks for the order, it went out today. :)

[phreshkid]

small world lol.

If California wasn't so nuts with their smog and turbo laws, I'd already have one.