Which engine would you choose for a swap?

[Wanganstyle]

They do appear to be fun, easy to own engines, but maintenance free they are not. Still find it odd that Honda continued with laah adjustments as part of regular maintenance until very recently or possibly presently.

If you have never owned one or ran one then no such actual experience. I’ve also ran the s54; marvelous engine. Does need more frequent service than the f20c; the f20c is gear drive between the camshafts. Everything requires following proper service; if you treat it properly the f20c is pretty much hands off. A s54 also requires proper valve adjustments but at much shorter intervals than the f20c Honda factory service 1 @ 105k miles. If you can’t drive and miss shifts then you’ll blow the f20c valvetrain. And the s54 and all others. That would be user error; not manufacturer design issues. Both f20c and s54 are marvelous mechanical valvetrains that do require adjustment. If you want non adjust hla then you are asking for a lower performance design engine.

[roguetoaster]

Sure, haven't owned one, but have known more than a few locals who have, and as before, easy to own, but not maintenance free if you want uninterrupted usage. Basically anyone who does preventive maintenance, such as you undoubtedly do is going to have a great experience.

Won't disagree that non hydraulic valves are better for performance, but do think it's odd that Honda kept that system around for so long in more plebeian vehicles, wheras in an S2K it males perfect sense.

[nando]

because it's simple and effective.

HLA is great for the warranty period where the manufacturer doesn't want to spend a dime maintaining your car under warranty. Then the tiny oil passages start to gum up and you get collapsed lifters, ticking, and even lower performance. And a very expensive bill to have them replaced if needed.

[Wanganstyle]

Sure, haven't owned one, but have known more than a few locals who have, and as before, easy to own, but not maintenance free if you want uninterrupted usage. Basically anyone who does preventive maintenance, such as you undoubtedly do is going to have a great experience. Won't disagree that non hydraulic valves are better for performance, but do think it's odd that Honda kept that system around for so long in more plebeian vehicles, wheras in an S2K it males perfect sense.

Gear drive full mechanical 9,200 rpm factory rev limit race engine. Better be on top of everything, but it will serve you very well Same for the s54, 8,000 rpm and magical fat torque powerband, you can turn it up to 8500rpm reasonably if you are also on top of EVERYTHING. The HLAÂ’s in my s52 were tired by about 50hrs but still alive when chassis retired at 78hrs. Very good hla system honestly, just not motorsports focused.

[Andrew325is]

I forgot I made this thread. I’ve ran the M44 for 6 years now and it’s been fantastic. Honestly, I think it’s BMW’s most reliable engine. Now I’m going to build an S52 for the E30. It’s fun experiencing different things. I miss the S54 in my old E30. I have some parts leftover from the S52 rebuild I did for the Defender, so it makes sense to me to build another. This time I’m doing a junkyard build from an M52. I think that’s a right of passage. When I was younger I would have never considered it (I just bought engines instead of building them).