contemplating M52 swap

[CorvallisBMW]

After a bit of discussion this weekend, i am leaning away from my original idea of putting an m30 in the 'vert and instead installing an m52. It would weigh a lot less (especially if I could get an aluminum block) and make some decent power/torque. I've been researching the OBD1 conversion, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. I know I can gain a claimed '20-25 hp' but what will I loose in torque? This car is going to be a 'vert cruiser, not some out-and-out track machine so I don't want a really high-strung engine. What about s52 cams? would they also increase my top end in exchange for low end torque?

So far I've found some great sources at Zionsville and other sites, and it looks like there is a lot of work involved. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point! I have a lot of time to gather parts and research though, this project wont start for another 6-8 months. I am looking in to a steering rack swap too, maybe the 3.0 turn Zionsville kit. Is the 'project ORCA' cd worth it? anyone have a copy they want to sell me? :) Any other good sites besides those listed in the DOHC sticky thread?

[matt]

The OBDI swap is almost mandatory. You can keep the M52 intake manifold if you want, but I wouldn't.

The Zionsville CD isn't very useful IMHO. It's mostly useful for the part numbers of the right parts to use.

Search search search....

[smonkbmw]

are you back in corvalis darin? if not we can meet up on a weekend and you can drive my car. obd1converted, s52 cammed, m52.

[CorvallisBMW]

No I am still in Portland, working in Vancouver. I'd love to drive your car and get a feel for the DOHC motor, I've never driven one before. And your motor is exactly what I have been considering. PM me and maybe I can meet up after work some day.

[kylebes1]

you will have more torque than the m20 for sure, and more than the m50. OBD1 m52 with s52 cams is THE way to go for the money.

I have an m52 block, and I think I have a head. Lemme know if you want either.

[Charlie]

The Zionsville CD isn't very useful IMHO. It's mostly useful for the part numbers of the right parts to use.

Which in and of itself is pretty useful. It's also got a ton of pictures and is almost OCD in terms of laying out every single step for prepping the motor, wiring and chassis. It's actually pretty nice in preventing you from skipping steps and having to go back.

-Charlie

[CorvallisBMW]

you will have more torque than the m20 for sure, and more than the m50. OBD1 m52 with s52 cams is THE way to go for the money.

I have an m52 block, and I think I have a head. Lemme know if you want either.

I may be interested, let me know what you think is a fair price. I would be interested in getting this started sooner rather than later. I think i'll pick up the OBD1 conversion kit from Zionsville to go with it, anyone have any experience with it? Is it worth the $1500 price, or would it be way cheaper to get the stuff from a yard? They dont say what is included, is it just the intake mani, DME and harness that I need? I know they also have a kit that includes a modified brake booster, motor mounts, oil pan, dipstick, etc. that would make life a lot easier rather than trying to source it all seperately.

[matt]

Oh dear god no.

I would buy the CD twice before I paid zionsville for one of their parts kits. They are WAY overpriced.

[CorvallisBMW]

Good to know. I will skip their OBD1 conversion kit then. I may still get the CD, I would appreciate having all the knowledge I can get before I start tearing this thing apart.

[BDSax]

the CD isnt needed. it really sucks. just search the 24v forum. lots of knowledge

[LINUS]

Buy a CD & then buy your parts from Joe. No need to re-invent the wheel.

[CorvallisBMW]

Buy a CD & then buy your parts from Joe. No need to re-invent the wheel.

That was my thought. I do like the idea of their engine mounting kit, it takes a lot of the guesswork out of the whole brake booster and oil pan stuff:

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=6134&Product_Code=EEEMC&Category_Code=CKE

I also need to get a good steeering rack. Which models got racks in the range of 3.25-3 turns LTL?

[matt]

The zionsville CD also provides just one set of options for making the whole thing work... There are a lot of ways to do things that they don't even get into.

Buy the CD if you want, but just know that there are a lot of other ways of doing things that they don't get into.

[CorvallisBMW]

Here's the other catch: I'm swapping an m20 AT, so I also have to do the whole cltuch/pedal box thing. Has anyone done a m20 AT to M/S 50/52 MT swap?

[Charlie]

Here's the other catch: I'm swapping an m20 AT, so I also have to do the whole cltuch/pedal box thing. Has anyone done a m20 AT to M/S 50/52 MT swap?

That's actually the "test case" for the Zionsville CD, FWIW.

-Charlie