newb questions about S52 swap

[FredK]

um, M50 head bolts are definitely torque to yield, and they're only $25 a set. Cheap insurance in comparison to S14 head bolts which are $9 each.

[Larry e30]

like i said i'm a newb, I've taken out engines before, completely disassemble one (it was only used for training), but I've never taken the head off of one and put it on another especially a BMW. I'm trying to get all the information together I can get so I dont run into any surprises. Alldata, mitchell on demand all those programs are useless for my car becuase its a frankenstein m50 5 lug swap. just about everything has been changed. i'm going to be using this thread for a lot of questions, so please bare with me. I'm also concerned about the motor mounts and whether or not I should stick with the m50 valvetrain or s52. i appreciate all the help

[FredK]

Well, one tip is, do NOT install the cams on the head willy-nilly. This can result in breakage due to the material that BMW used in the cam and its long length. Read carefully on pelicanparts.com on a procedure on cam removal/installation prior to installing the cams.

Or if you are paranoid, borrow the hold-down tool, which still requires the cams to be positioned correctly, to install the cams.

[matt]

Use the s52 cams, cam trays, lifters, valves, valve springs etc.

[madjurgen]

And on the reusing head bolts....this debate is ongoing on S14, there are reputable engine builders that say they can be reused, some say to get new. I have friends that have reused them with no ill effects.

Ha, thats where I got this from. Will and Nick said it was OK to reuse them, so I did on the S14.