M50NV Turbo Tune Options?

[Cyrix2k]

Well I'm using ms2 with wasted spark. So I'm thinking, just cut the shit out of the old m20 harness and make it fit the m50 engine. Deal. This should be fun. Wait. For wasted spark, do I need cam or crank sensor?

you need the crank sensor only.

[Rowleym]

Could I use my wasted spark setup on an m50? I'm pretty sure they use COP ignition and my megasquirt isn't able to do that.

[Rowleym]

Upconvert to a 413/Vanos setup. Youll be glad you did. Boost+Vanos=Better

But wouldn't I have to ditch my megasquirt then? I already have like 500$ invested into megasquirt.

[Cyrix2k]

Could I use my wasted spark setup on an m50? I'm pretty sure they use COP ignition and my megasquirt isn't able to do that.

Yes, just pull the M50 coils off and run spark plug wires. I run a wasted spark setup with GM coils on my turbo M50NV. You can modify the megasquirt to run the BMW coils too, whichever you prefer. The BMW coils look cleaner but I don't think there's much performance benefit.

[5Toes]

The nonvanos head is far better on paper for boost though?

[Cyrix2k]

The nonvanos head is far better on paper for boost though?

huh? not as far as I know. Most people run them because they come stock with a more aggressive cam profile and are easier to run on a standalone. A well tuned vanos motor will spool earlier and produce more power, all else being equal.

[Rowleym]

Thanks for the info man. I'm excited for this. You have any good info on a super cheap manifold setup? Of course it has to work well. Why not just do a cast manifold? I can make custom motor mounts if that is an issue..

[5Toes]

Non vanos heads have 1mm thicker valve stems and less to go wrong.

[Cyrix2k]

Thanks for the info man. I'm excited for this. You have any good info on a super cheap manifold setup? Of course it has to work well. Why not just do a cast manifold? I can make custom motor mounts if that is an issue..

IMO, it's hard to beat the blunttech manifold. I paid $540 shipped for mine brand new. He even includes the gaskets and turbo hardware. You'll sacrifice fitment and quality at lower prices. When people say to do it right or do it over, that's really the truth.

Non vanos heads have 1mm thicker valve stems and less to go wrong.

the valve stems are about where the differences end. It's even possible to swap the vanos unit to a NV head and to delete vanos on a vanos head.

[Rowleym]

Question. Could I possibly get the m50 harness, cut the connector off, and use my 55 pin connector that I have for my m20?

[Cyrix2k]

Yes, you can with some wiring.

[Rowleym]

Quick question. Is the spacing of the exhaust ports the same from the m50 to the m20?

[emmanuel.dlc]

the valve stems are about where the differences end. It's even possible to swap the vanos unit to a NV head and to delete vanos on a vanos head.

correct, that and the double spring on the NV valves. i upconverted my NV to 413 and i am using my nv head, swaped cams, front cam cover with vanos unit and a vanos valve cover and that's it.

[5Toes]

I dont think vanos is really needed for boost.. I purposely bought a m50nv car

[Cyrix2k]

I dont think vanos is really needed for boost.. I purposely bought a m50nv car

it's not needed and it's easier to tune without vanos, but vanos is better for boost.