Non-Vanos Head w/ 2.8L Block?

[Low Level E30]

I did a search, but could not find anything too concrete...

Is the consensus on this that the non-Vanos head will fit right onto the M52 block (bottom end = stock M52 crank, rods, pistons) without any issue? In effect leaving you with a non-Vanos M52?

Thanks,

[Stu]

According to the old man, it will bolt up without problems, but you'll need non-VANOS electronics

edit: and also a good idea, will make a lot of power

[2002maniac]

If I ever find an aluminum shortblock for a decent price this is what I'll be doing.

[asubimmer]

sounds like a great plan expecially if you get an aluminum block

[Low Level E30]

According to the old man, it will bolt up without problems, but you'll need non-VANOS electronics

edit: and also a good idea, will make a lot of power

Thanks Stu!

[Ball325]

not to hijack the thread but what are the advantages to vanos and non-vanos? i know i could do a search its probably been answered but im really busy right now dont have time to sift through a bunch of threads

[DanGillan]

stu, so essentially, since im running a non-vanos 2.5 in my car right now, i could source an alum. block 2.8 short block and swap blocks essentially with no issues? what displacement would that make? still 2.8?

[Ryan Stewart]

not to hijack the thread but what are the advantages to vanos and non-vanos? i know i could do a search its probably been answered but im really busy right now dont have time to sift through a bunch of threads

Is this that andrewball guy?

Vanos widens the powerband by choosing to advance or retard the intake cam timing. It allows you to use an agressive cam but throttle it back or foward to change its behaviour.

[FredK]

stu, so essentially, since im running a non-vanos 2.5 in my car right now, i could source an alum. block 2.8 short block and swap blocks essentially with no issues? what displacement would that make? still 2.8?

A 97-98 2.8L block should bolt right up, and will not change displacement.

It will require mounting a non Vanos crank position sensor at the front of the engine, because the OBD-II engines use a CPS that is mounted towards the rear of the engine.

I believe the tuning will have to change. The cheapest solution is to run a rising rate fuel pressure regulator.

The non Vanos head supports higher revs because it has dual valve springs. The valvetrain is heavier on the non Vanos engines, however, because it uses 7mm stem valves and the aforementioned double valve springs.

I like the non Vanos head, because there's no pesky Vanos to reinstall. The head is simpler because of it. The off-the-shelf tuning solutions are limited, however.

[Sean]

There's a couple 2.8 shorts blocks for sale on Car-part.com I found one in Spokane, because I wanted the rods out of it.

It was only $400 though. Would be fairly cheap.

[Graham325]

Sorry for the hijack, Stu, what software are you running in your car?

[Low Level E30]

I believe the tuning will have to change. The cheapest solution is to run a rising rate fuel pressure regulator.

This is the part I'm wondering about --- is there somewhere that would have a chip for this?

If one had to be custom burned, would they be able to take a standard non-Vanos 2.5 chip and use that as a starting template?

[Stu]

Dan, yes. Big jump in stroke, you'd go from 84x75 to 84x84 ! The 2.8 crank is forged to boot.
And the 2.8's have those nice graphite (or ceramic?) coated pistons.

Graham, a chip made by Jim Blair at BMW NA

[Mr. M-Tech]

The 2.8L Aluminum Block also has piston sprayers.

[FredK]

Does the M52 not have piston sprayers? I know the M50 and S50 have piston sprayers.

edit: I wrote the wrong engine code