Boost my M50 or S52

[Danny51]

Hey guys,

I've currently got a little project which is an 84 318i. PO swapped in a Vanos M50, and pretty much did everything required except exhaust, car runs. Now, I have a buddy who is selling a very low mileage S52 motor and I can get it for $1200. This car is going to be my Spring/Summer Daily driver (I don't drive in the winter) so Im looking for some reliability.

S52 is attractive to me as it will be a relativity easy swap thanks to the PO taking care of the engine swap part sourcing/labour, but I have heard that Supercharging an M50 would be a great choice as well.

Budget is also big.. will supercharging the M50 with a used kit off here cost me much more?

Thanks guys

[slammin.e28]

SC the M50. Cheaper and more common when it pops.

[mr2peak]

If you want to make huge numbers, turbo the M50.

If you want a more reliable car and N/A horsepower, swap in the S52. Not sure what smog is like for you, but it's usually much easier to pass a stock motor than a modified one.

[Danny51]

Im getting the S52 Engine+Installation for about $1800,

Will I get a used Supercharger/Turbocharger setup parts and installed anywhere near that price?

[Nick_S]

Curious as well. I wouldn't mind a small boost turbo or a supercharger. I had figured it was far cheaper to go S50.

[Danny51]

Anyone?

[cgk_iii]

i think you should take the time and think things through for yourself. The most important part about constructing a high performance engine/build is a realistic assessment of its ultimate use.

[Danny51]

i think you should take the time and think things through for yourself. The most important part about constructing a high performance engine/build is a realistic assessment of its ultimate use.

Fun, Sorta reliable Daily Driver. Dont need it to be crazy fast.. but want it to have some balls.

[e30vert]

1800 is a steal to have a swapped / running , tuned S52 . Steven spent 4-5 grand when all was said and done. He shaved the bay and did some other trick wire tucking and so forth , but still 1800 seems like not too much scratch for this swap.

If you like to wrench - go turbo because you will undoubtedly end up doing just that. If you dont want to do some frequent tear downs and upgrades then S52. Turbo guys are always trying to keep from popping head gaskets and looking for a better flowing manifold, or blow off valve / wastegate. The add on parts with a turbo because one wants to run more boost or extract more power become a bit of a never ending pursuit.

My

[markseven]

Im getting the S52 Engine+Installation for about $1800

This is a really good deal.

[Danny51]

I think Im leaning towards the S52 then ! It's pretty low KM, but before install Im replacing gaskets, maybe chain guide, what else do you think would be good to change 'while in there'

[markseven]

New water pump with metal or composite impeller, tack weld the oil pump nut, and general maintenance items.

[Danny51]

My M50 has new water pump, new alternator, new starter, bunch of good stuff. Any of this interchangeable with an S52??

[Hooffenstein HD]

Im getting the S52 Engine+Installation for about $1800,

That's cheap. I spent a lot more doing an M20 swap on a 318iS.

[mr2peak]

If you don't get that S52, I call dibs