M50 + M52. Building up a hybrid.

[lukasbmw]

So the other day I FINALLY unwrapped my 1998 Z3 2.8 block from the pallet. The block was shipped with the motor arms attached, flywheel/clutch, oil pan, engine harness, and pully.

Oil pan removed....hmmm...it has a hole in it. I hope the engine was shut off after the accident. This will be thrown away because I have no use for an M52 oil pan, it won't fit in an e30 (the rear hump does not work)

Oil pump removed. The bolts and nut were nice and tight. Can I use my M50 oil pump with the m52? I'd think so

Wow, the inside of the block is very fucking clean. The crank has a blueish tint to it.

Harness removed. Do I have any use for a 1998 2.8 z3 harness? Can I use my current obd1 harness? Do I need anything off the z3 2.8 harness?

Flywheel removed. Wow, this dual mass fucker is heavy!


So, other then the block, what else do I need to mate this block (1998 z3 2.8) up with M50 currently in my E30? Is it as simple as removing my M50, popping off the head, accessories, and oil pan, and putting the current oil pan, oil pump, head, harness, and accessories back on the 2.8 block?

Or will I need to do some tricky shit, like splicing into the harness or using some custom parts? I know AA sold some misc hardware for people with 95 M3's going to 3.2 blocks. Hopefully I won't need anything like that.

[Rob]

come on hoss, you've been around enough to know where to post this.

[lukasbmw]

Yeah, my bad Rob. I forget about all the subforums. I'll be on the ball in the future.

[Addissimo]

Oil pump removed. The bolts and nut were nice and tight. Can I use my M50 oil pump with the m52? I'd think so
You can use either oil pump, i'd use which ever one is newer/looks to be in the best working order. If you can, tack weld the sprocket onto the oil pump.

Harness removed. Do I have any use for a 1998 2.8 z3 harness? Can I use my current obd1 harness? Do I need anything off the z3 2.8 harness?

Sell it on ebay.

So, other then the block, what else do I need to mate this block (1998 z3 2.8) up with M50 currently in my E30? Is it as simple as removing my M50, popping off the head, accessories, and oil pan, and putting the current oil pan, oil pump, head, harness, and accessories back on the 2.8 block?

Basically just put the sump on the current oil pump, oil pan and acc. etc.

The one thing I'm not entirely sure about, is the ignition trigger (crank position) On the obd-2, its on the crank, but with obd-1 its on the harmonic ballancer. Either way its 60-2, so the internal one should work, it'll be up to you to see if the obd-2 Crank Position Sensor will plug into the obd-1 wiring harness. I dont see why it wouldn't, but you dont know until you know. If it doesn't, I'd just use your harmonic ballancer and CPS from your m50.

Sounds like fun- your car will be awesome.

-Addis

[permit]

The crank position thingy (the large toothed plate behind the pulley) has to be from the M50, and then you use the M50 crank position sensor. This is the sole reason my car took 3 weeks to startup instead of 5 days. The OBD-I/II crank position thingy are completely different from each other.

[BimmerToad]

Be sure to block off the rear obd2 crank position sensor hole. (You can simply keep the obd2 sensor, just don't plug it in)

Are you going to use the obd1 soft coolant multi-branched hose (from the water pump housing) or the obd2 hard coolant line?

[RobertK]

I know this is off topic.. but let me get this straight.. You're basically creating a 2.8L M52 with an M50 head?

Are you using a Vanos or Non-Vanos head?

[HST]

Why would you swap the head in the first place? The only reason that I couls think of is to avoid a OBDII conversion.

[permit]

Why would you swap the head in the first place? The only reason that I couls think of is to avoid a OBDII conversion.

Avoiding an OBDII conversion is a glorious thing. Plus, he only has the 2.8L bottom end, no head. Might as well use the M50 one.

Lukas, I have those M52 cams if you wanna use those, unless you plan on going up to M3 cams.

[Addissimo]

he already has m3 cams.

[CarsSuck]

I thought the coolant passages didnt line up between the aluminum block and the single vanos heads. If you prove me wrong ill be the happiest man alive as this was my "plan" for a while.

[Addissimo]

I thought the coolant passages didnt line up between the aluminum block and the single vanos heads. If you prove me wrong ill be the happiest man alive as this was my "plan" for a while.

As long as you use a single vanos block, youre fine. They started using a double vanos block in 99, which leaves you with 1997 & 1998.

have fun.

[CarsSuck]

so the 97 and 98 model Z3 2.8 and 528 (?) are single vanos and aluminum block?


How much did you pay for the short block?

Is this block sleeved?

[FredK]

yes the block is sleeved. ONLY the Z3 2.8 97-98 has the single vanos Al block.

[CarsSuck]

well that is an overwhelming joy to me. The question is how much do they go for?