Non Vanos head, m52 block? - BMW Forum

WALSRU · 05-30-2006, 09:58 AM

Someone recently recommended that I switch out my iron block for the m52 block and keep my m50 head and forged crank (let him know about m50 rods, thx trig). So aside from weight what would the advantages be? Does it really bolt up? Anyone have any experience with this?

WALSRU · 06-02-2006, 03:57 PM

BUMP

Ok, maybe a simpler question. If I go FI in the future will I regret having an aluminum block?

triggrhaapi · 06-02-2006, 04:03 PM

well if you want to go with boost, then the non-vanos block is God. It's heavier for a reason, it's got more meat, which means it's stronger which means you can run more boost. The whole reason, as it turns out, that the non-Vanos engine is so much more beefy is because it doesn't have knock sensors. No, instead, BMW opted to just make it tough enough that they don't have to care about knock. That's why they are bulletproof.

triggrhaapi · 06-02-2006, 04:05 PM

also, the M52 is NOT an aluminum block if you live in the United States.

Edit: Because the European countries used Nikasil as a liner in the aluminum blocks, and nikasil has marginal reliablility using high sulfur gasoline, they opted to use the same Iron block as was used in the M50.

WALSRU · 06-02-2006, 04:26 PM

But upped to 2.8?

Glad I can keep what I got though.

triggrhaapi · 06-02-2006, 05:41 PM

the 325 and 328 have the same bore. the crank and rods are different. The 328 is a stroked 325. the 330 is a stroked 328. got it?

WALSRU · 06-02-2006, 07:03 PM

Got it. Doesn't mean I can't keep thinking of dumb questions though.

I'll try and leave out the real obvious ones. Same block=same bore, therefore deeper stroke to get to 2.8. I was leaving work and didn't give it any thought.