I know this has been beaten to death, but I'd appreciate some advice on cost/performance of m20 vs m50. Local yard has a '90 e34 with a m50 in it, automatic transmission, says "ran good" on it. They will sell it with everything attached for $500, and they will pull it for me.
I wouldn't be tempted, except that my b25, which I was planning to build a 2.7 from, needs a complete valve train and cam because it was all badly worn. In addition to all new bearings I wanted the VAC 2.7 pistons. I think I will need injectors and also a radiator. I have everything else ready to go - s52 rods, good block and head, trans, driveshaft, UUC short shift, exhaust (minus muffler). Regardless, the stuff it needs all adds up fast.
So, even though I know it will end up costing more, should I get this m50 as a better starting point and maybe go for a 3L upgrade? The goal in the end is to have a freshly machined and rebuilt "new" engine with a nice bump in power that all I have to worry about are fluid changes. I don't want to gamble on a $1500 s5x with 180k miles just because it's cheaper/more hp. I know some people say that VANOS is worth having but I don't want to deal with it.
Engine will be going in a freshly restored and repainted late model four door with a ton of other nice, new parts :) Just need to figure out the engine bay situation in case I want to shave/modify brackets
I wouldn't be tempted, except that my b25, which I was planning to build a 2.7 from, needs a complete valve train and cam because it was all badly worn. In addition to all new bearings I wanted the VAC 2.7 pistons. I think I will need injectors and also a radiator. I have everything else ready to go - s52 rods, good block and head, trans, driveshaft, UUC short shift, exhaust (minus muffler). Regardless, the stuff it needs all adds up fast.
So, even though I know it will end up costing more, should I get this m50 as a better starting point and maybe go for a 3L upgrade? The goal in the end is to have a freshly machined and rebuilt "new" engine with a nice bump in power that all I have to worry about are fluid changes. I don't want to gamble on a $1500 s5x with 180k miles just because it's cheaper/more hp. I know some people say that VANOS is worth having but I don't want to deal with it.
Engine will be going in a freshly restored and repainted late model four door with a ton of other nice, new parts :) Just need to figure out the engine bay situation in case I want to shave/modify brackets
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