I'm currently running a 2.5 M50 TU (Vanos) in my E30.
Mods:
E36 M3 cams - Cams only. Springs and retainers are still stock.
Jim C Chip for the Cams.
Lukas Motors intake
96+ Tublar exhaust manifolds
No cats
E30 Super Sprint Exhaust
Adjustable Fuel Pressure regulator.
My 3.2 block arrived last week. My plans are obviously to swap the 3.2 block into the car. What challenges can I expect? Are there any small issues I will encounter when replacing my 2.5 block with the 3.2 block? Sensors? Oil or coolant passages? What tasks should I tackle while this swap is being done?
My current plans:
Install E36 M3 valve springs and retainers in my M50 head to bring it up to M3 spec. [I have all the parts already.]
Install Euro 3.5 HFM and bigger injectors. Install proper software. [I will need software and injectors.]
Replace head gasket with AA heat gasket in preparation for boost at a later date. [I will need the headasket.]
Replace oil pan gasket, and front and rear main seals. [I will need the seals and gasket.]
Clip oil pump nut so it does not fall off (common problem on E36 6 cyl engines).
Replace clutch and flywheel (currently running m20 flywheel and clutch) with stock E36 flywheel and clutch. [I will need the clutch.]
Replace spark plugs, intake manifold gaskets, knock sensores, and valve cover gasket. [Need all parts]
Uninstall AC system. Sell parts on eBay.
Cut off supersprint system and weld on straight pipes so I have a completely open exhaust system with no restriction at all.
Am I overlooking anything? The goal at the end of this is to have a fire breathing OBD1 3.2 S52 engine in my e30 complete with open exhaust, OBD 1 intake manifold, 3.5" HFM, injectors, software, and intake.
The only potential challenges I know of at this time:
Coolant Pipe Fitting
Apparently I will need to keep the rubber M50 piece and take off the metal S52 piece which will require buying the adaptor for $25 from Active Auto.
Temp sensor on the head
Apparently the OBD1 engine has two temp sensors while the OBD2 engine has one. However, this should not be an issue since I am reusing my M50 head.
Crank/Trigger sensor
I will apparently need to reuse my crank pulley and trigger wheel from my m50 on the S52 block and install the OBD1 sensor in the OBD1 position. The S52 block should have a spot for it in the casting.
Valve train
While I plan to upgrade to the M3 springs and retainers, I do not have the M3 lifters or lifter trays. I saw a thread on BFc where Stu McHenery advised getting the M3 lifters and lifter trays to save weight and allow for higher revving. He went on to say that this would ensure safe revving to 7,400 RPM. However, I only plan to rev this thing to 7k. Therefore do you guys think I'll be ok with the M3 cams, springs, and retainers so should I really invest in the lifters and lifter trays? If upgrading to these lifter trays is really only necessary for revving past 7k, I think I'll skip this step. However, if not having these lifters would limit the performance of the engine, I might as well pick them up.
Other then the above, everything should be pretty straightforward correct?
Finally, I still am not sure if this is something I will attempt to tackle myself or if I will hire a tech to do it for me. A friend of mine says that since the car has vanos, a special tool is required and he does not think we could handle the swap ourselves.
Who here has done a head gasket or engine work on a Vanos M50/M52. Is this something a 2 or 3 wrench hack (myself) and a rookie BMW tech (my friend) could handle or am I better off having a master tech do this stuff for $40 an hour?
Mods:
E36 M3 cams - Cams only. Springs and retainers are still stock.
Jim C Chip for the Cams.
Lukas Motors intake
96+ Tublar exhaust manifolds
No cats
E30 Super Sprint Exhaust
Adjustable Fuel Pressure regulator.
My 3.2 block arrived last week. My plans are obviously to swap the 3.2 block into the car. What challenges can I expect? Are there any small issues I will encounter when replacing my 2.5 block with the 3.2 block? Sensors? Oil or coolant passages? What tasks should I tackle while this swap is being done?
My current plans:
Install E36 M3 valve springs and retainers in my M50 head to bring it up to M3 spec. [I have all the parts already.]
Install Euro 3.5 HFM and bigger injectors. Install proper software. [I will need software and injectors.]
Replace head gasket with AA heat gasket in preparation for boost at a later date. [I will need the headasket.]
Replace oil pan gasket, and front and rear main seals. [I will need the seals and gasket.]
Clip oil pump nut so it does not fall off (common problem on E36 6 cyl engines).
Replace clutch and flywheel (currently running m20 flywheel and clutch) with stock E36 flywheel and clutch. [I will need the clutch.]
Replace spark plugs, intake manifold gaskets, knock sensores, and valve cover gasket. [Need all parts]
Uninstall AC system. Sell parts on eBay.
Cut off supersprint system and weld on straight pipes so I have a completely open exhaust system with no restriction at all.
Am I overlooking anything? The goal at the end of this is to have a fire breathing OBD1 3.2 S52 engine in my e30 complete with open exhaust, OBD 1 intake manifold, 3.5" HFM, injectors, software, and intake.
The only potential challenges I know of at this time:
Coolant Pipe Fitting
Apparently I will need to keep the rubber M50 piece and take off the metal S52 piece which will require buying the adaptor for $25 from Active Auto.
Temp sensor on the head
Apparently the OBD1 engine has two temp sensors while the OBD2 engine has one. However, this should not be an issue since I am reusing my M50 head.
Crank/Trigger sensor
I will apparently need to reuse my crank pulley and trigger wheel from my m50 on the S52 block and install the OBD1 sensor in the OBD1 position. The S52 block should have a spot for it in the casting.
Valve train
While I plan to upgrade to the M3 springs and retainers, I do not have the M3 lifters or lifter trays. I saw a thread on BFc where Stu McHenery advised getting the M3 lifters and lifter trays to save weight and allow for higher revving. He went on to say that this would ensure safe revving to 7,400 RPM. However, I only plan to rev this thing to 7k. Therefore do you guys think I'll be ok with the M3 cams, springs, and retainers so should I really invest in the lifters and lifter trays? If upgrading to these lifter trays is really only necessary for revving past 7k, I think I'll skip this step. However, if not having these lifters would limit the performance of the engine, I might as well pick them up.
Other then the above, everything should be pretty straightforward correct?
Finally, I still am not sure if this is something I will attempt to tackle myself or if I will hire a tech to do it for me. A friend of mine says that since the car has vanos, a special tool is required and he does not think we could handle the swap ourselves.
Who here has done a head gasket or engine work on a Vanos M50/M52. Is this something a 2 or 3 wrench hack (myself) and a rookie BMW tech (my friend) could handle or am I better off having a master tech do this stuff for $40 an hour?
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