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    M52B28 swap questions

    Well, temptation has hit me hard and I'm looking into doing a 24v conversion on my 325i. I don't have the budget in mind to do an S5x swap so I'm hoping for the middle ground and I'm on the hunt for an M52B28. I will likely end up doing the OBD1 conversion to simplify the process but I want to clarify a few things that I haven't found solid answers for in all my searching. I will be doing my best to hunt down an early e34 m50b25 setup to bolt onto the m52b28 block/head as it seems to solve a few issues in one shot. My primary goal in the swap is to have a significant increase in bottom end and midrange power, and I understand the m50 manifold will lose a bit of that. I believe I'll still be far ahead of the stock m20b25 for daily driving power so it should still be worth the effort.

    - Which DME is used for an OBD1 conversion on an otherwise stock M52B28? Would I need a custom tune on a red label to treat it as a 2.8L?

    - Are there any differences in VANOS in the later model M52's? I read somewhere that there are single vanos and dual vanos options, both of which require different manifolds.

    - What is the stock flywheel on a B28? Would it be fine to use my e21, 12lb m20 flywheel or should I stick with something closer to stock? I would obviously like the engine to rev somewhat freely, but I don't want to sacrifice too much of the smoothness that comes with a larger powerplant's bottom end torque. I will likely be retaining the stock G260 and fabricating my own mount/shift linkage.

    - How is the quality on the turner motorsport m50 manifold conversion kit?

    Am I missing anything else important? The m50 swap is so well documented that it doesn't really concern me as much as the conversion from the obd2 to obd1 B28 portion.
    1990 332i, 4 door
    2008 KTM 990 Superduke
    2018 Golf R, 6spd manual (Pending delivery)
    2017 Mazda CX-5 GT
    2007 Z4M Coupe - Sold to very nice people

    #2
    Originally posted by Varinn View Post
    I will likely end up doing the OBD1 conversion to simplify the process
    OBD1 conversion is more complicated than keeping it OBD2. Educate yourself on what is involved, it's not that complicated at all.
    Zinno '89 <24v swap in progress>

    Comment


      #3
      Is it really? Hmmm, do you have any good resources for info on this? Is the easy method having the DME sent out for an EWS delete etc the better solution? How does it handle things like the evap system, etc?

      EDIT: Found this
      1990 332i, 4 door
      2008 KTM 990 Superduke
      2018 Golf R, 6spd manual (Pending delivery)
      2017 Mazda CX-5 GT
      2007 Z4M Coupe - Sold to very nice people

      Comment


        #4
        Obd2 isn't bad at all. I would keep it if your motor comes that way

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by Varinn View Post
          Is it really? Hmmm, do you have any good resources for info on this? Is the easy method having the DME sent out for an EWS delete etc the better solution? How does it handle things like the evap system, etc?

          EDIT: Found this
          That shit gets deleted yo.
          Originally posted by 325Projectz
          don't listen to the diagram... listen to mr. swiss.
          :nice:

          Comment


            #6
            the manifolds are different between the two motors m52b28 vs m52tub28 and yes the m52tu has vanos on the exhaust cam side making it dual vanos. The stock flywheel is a dual mass wheel, you can use your m20 flywheel and being light will definitely be nice with the motor.


            Originally posted by blunttech
            Dude this is r3v. 20 bucks gets you a used timing belt or a low mileage head gasket

            Comment


              #7
              you will also the need the m20 starter motor I believe, someone correct me if I'm wrong.


              Originally posted by blunttech
              Dude this is r3v. 20 bucks gets you a used timing belt or a low mileage head gasket

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by mrcheezle19 View Post
                you will also the need the m20 starter motor I believe, someone correct me if I'm wrong.
                Yep.

                Comment


                  #9
                  You need a red label 413 dme if you want to go OBD1, but in my opinion I would go OBD2. Only real reason anymore to go obd1 is if it's already done to the engine. I was tossing the idea around in my head of changing my s52 back to obd2, but I don't really feel like doing the work.

                  You will need a chip/tune for the red label if you decide to go that route. TMS and TRM make good chips from what I hear

                  Turner motorsport kit should be fine for the intake swap, fairly sure my engine has the same kit by the looks of it. Like it's been said, that flywheel setup should work as long as you use the same starter.

                  I would also take a single vanos m52 if I had the option just for simplicity of maintenance.

                  As a note, if you need any help with this, let me know! Since i'm doing my own swap I'd love to help out.
                  320I - under construction

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Thanks for the input smerfs, and I may take you up on that offer. I don't care if I get a single or double vanos motor as I'll likely be doing a full Dr Vanos, cam chain/guides etc before install anyways so I'll be at a pretty fresh start. My only things left to clarify are my exhaust, and I need to decide on the flywheel. If it's possible to use that's great and the starter info is good to know. I need to make up my mind on what I want from the engine, the smooth delivery of a stock m52 with a somewhat heavier flywheel or the response of the 12lb m20 unit. Having daily driven my m20 with the 12lb there are times where I feel it's too light for comfortable daily driving, but a spirited boot it's a blast.
                    1990 332i, 4 door
                    2008 KTM 990 Superduke
                    2018 Golf R, 6spd manual (Pending delivery)
                    2017 Mazda CX-5 GT
                    2007 Z4M Coupe - Sold to very nice people

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Regarding the turner adapter kit -- it's pricey. I used a similar kit but you should identify how you want to handle your PCV setup before buying. If want to use the exact stock setup, the adapter makes it easy. That said, some people make their system out of copper pipe or whatnot and it works just fine. A lot of other stuff on the vacuum distribution plate isn't needed unless you're running your stock SAP system (which I assume you don't want to)

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