M52 engine - is it worth buying?

[curly]

I have the chance of buying a M52 engine with manifolds, throttle body and ecu's for Ԛ£180. Apparently it has a suspected head gasket gone which was diagnosed by a mechanic. The symptoms were slight overheating. I have heard of heads cracking causing overheating and then taking the nickasil coating off the bores. I know it's a bit of a lottery but what are the chances? Ԛ£180 seems like a bargain, especially if it is just a head gasket. I need to let the guy know by Monday. Opinions please.

[Jamesb318is]

Not bad if its only a headgasket, but ive seen these engines cause problems when re-torqueing the head bolts, they strip the thread in the block. Can be heli-coiled etc, but more money and hassle. may not be a problem - but bear in mind.

[curly]

I could put timeserts in as a precautionary measure when the block is off. Saves time and effort whilst apart. I'm trying to be sensible about this as I don't want to spend shed loads of money!!!!!!!!

[Jamesb318is]

If you're not phased by getting stuck in mechanically then go for it, would make a storming e30! what capacity is it?

[curly]

It's the 2.8. I want to lighten the flywheel, fit big bore throttle body, 325 inlet manifold and chip it. Should be good for 220bhp I would have thought. It's going to go in my stripped out track/ road car!!!

[Jamesb318is]

Well worth a gamble then in that case i should think! Good luck!