M50/M52 potential?

Fri Nov 27, 2009 11:43 pm

can you use the m52 head on the m50 block one is vanos the other is not. would that not be an issue? or will it run the same still retaining the vanos unit?

Fri Nov 27, 2009 11:45 pm

wullie325i wrote:Wouldn't it be easier to build an M52B30 using,

M52 head
M50 block
M54B30 crank, rods and pistons.

can you use the m52 head on the m50 block one is vanos the other is not. would that not be an issue? or will it run the same still retaining the vanos unit?

Oh yes mate read this it's stunnng

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=107482

Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:26 am

wullie325i wrote:can you use the m52 head on the m50 block one is vanos the other is not. would that not be an issue? or will it run the same still retaining the vanos unit?

Yes, the bare M50 black can be used.

This what US spec E36 M3's use and pretty much every alpina engine used in their E36/E39/E46 and Z4 6 cylinder models.

Iron block, M52 head.

The biggest CC and most powerfull of them is the E46 B3S/Z4 Roadster 3.4 engine.

Flowed M52 head, Alpina cams, Iron block, custom pistons, rods and crank.

I rebuilt one after it was run low on oil and had spun number 5 big end shells.

Alpina parts = serious £££!

Sat Nov 28, 2009 7:16 am

That sounds like a proper motor

How much was the shell?

Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:28 am

The worst part was it went back in a hairdresser spec E46!

Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:34 am

DanThe wrote:The worst part was it went back in a hairdresser spec E46!

Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:32 am

I know mate I would have gave it garage room

Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:02 am

DanThe wrote:The worst part was it went back in a hairdresser spec E46!

Should have given him your internals... I'm sure he wouldn't have noticed!!!

300bhp M50ed E30 would be nice

Sat Nov 28, 2009 5:53 pm

I am liking the sound off that. Hopefully my M50 should be lively enough.

Sun Nov 29, 2009 7:35 pm

DanThe wrote:The worst part was it went back in a hairdresser spec E46!

And made me a very tidy proffit!

Sun Nov 29, 2009 7:36 pm

Dezzy wrote:That sounds like a proper motor
How much was the shell?

Do you mean the big ende shells or the shell as in the car?

Sun Nov 29, 2009 7:43 pm

The shell that spun mate as in the alpina part. The shell as in the car would have been too much as well

Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:44 pm

Dezzy wrote:The shell that spun mate as in the alpina part. The shell as in the car would have been too much as well

The shells were standard S52B32 items and wern't to expensive.

Alpina specific parts were though, like the head gasket at £300!

Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:51 pm

Nice could nothing else be used. That is massive moneys. It would kill me to pay that for a gasket.

Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:10 pm

Dezzy wrote:Nice could nothing else be used. That is massive moneys. It would kill me to pay that for a gasket.

Nope as its unique to that engine. The engine is bored and stroked. 87mm bore and 93.8 stroke.

Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:17 pm

That must have been a nice motor. Shame it was in a lardy E46 on not a proper BMW

Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:22 pm

TBH, it was a stunning car but yes that engine in an E30 would have been epic!

Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:42 pm

Not my cup of tea. As dan said very hairdresser's car. Still have it though.
For the engine

Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:44 pm

What crank did they use Barry?

Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:49 pm

DanThe wrote:What crank did they use Barry?

Custom Alpina as were the rods, pistons, and the fooking £300 head gasket!

I have full parts catalouges for all alpinas from E30 up to E60/65 including E36's on pdf so if you need any part numbers for your donk just give me a shout.

Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:06 am

Slightly off topic but i just phoned cotswold for some piston rings for the m54b30 pistons and was told there are several sizes available and i am unsure of what size i need, can anyone shed some light on this please ? Many thanks

Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:33 am

There is normally 1 standards size (smallest one) then 2 or 3 oversize for re boars. That's what i was told when looking for S50 rings. I have a number for a good place to try that I was given off a very helpful zoner if your stuck. They will be expensive for the dealer. 135+ vat for S50.

Thu Dec 03, 2009 1:06 pm

Thanks for the info Dezzy, am i right in thinking there will be a marking on the piston and this will indicate if its oversized ? Didnt realise quite how expensive rings can be, the engine was bought for the amount im looking at spending on replacements

although the engine was a little . . . . . . singed shall we say

That number would be great Dezzy.

Thu Dec 03, 2009 1:23 pm

Wouldn't mind that number too Dezzy if its ok as it might be handy later in the year for getting a few rings myself especially as I won't be wanting a full set

Thu Dec 03, 2009 2:35 pm

Sorry guys just been to look for it and let the invoice. I was pm'd the place detail after starting a thread about about S50 rings (where to get them). Can't remember who it was now maybe start a thread?

Also try here

https://www.autohausaz.com/index.html

I have used them before very good.