m50 turbo question

[crazydan]

hi guys! after some advice
im building a m50 turbo for my ford sierra
heres what ive got

m50 2.5 with vanos
m52 2.8 with vanos

i was gonna fit the m52 crank,rods and pistons into the m50 block
i cant decide to either skim the pistons or put the thicker heagasket on it to reduce compression?
skimming the pistons make them weaker
but i was told the mls head gaskets always leaked oil? :/

i was also looking into fitting s50 cams is it just a case of swaping them over?
any other advice whilst im building it?
i was gonna rebuild the vanos unit,new guides and chain and tensioner an all new seal and bearings
any advice would be great !

[mitchlevy7]

im guessing on the other side of the pond, your m52 is alloy? if not then why not just use the m52?

the mls headgasket gets a bad review because many people dont follow the install directions. The head AND block must be decked, which means you have to take the rotating assembly out.

Another option i believe is the CES motorsports cutring headgasket and spacer. It has a pyramid cut ring that improves sealing. Pricey compared to the mls but many people seem to be having success with it.

your other option is also low compression pistons. your rebuilding anyway right?

it may go without saying but go for arp headstuds!!!