M52 2.8 Single Vanos Conversion

[Mobster]

Would someone be able to compile a shopping list for the above mentioned conversion for me ? It is being dropped into a 323i

Thanks

[nas80]

Few things off the top of my head. . i know theres stuff ive missed but too hungry to remember.

engine of course, make sure it has the full wiring loom inc. the immobiliser stuff and the transponder key and you will need the 328i manfolds too.
a custom rad
a custom exhaust
a custom chopped 525i e34 oilpan
a custom oil pickup tube
an electric pusher fan
some assorted wiring connectors and cable.
custom hoses for your rad.
better brakes.
better suspension - with the right spring rates.
if your gonna keep the power steering you will need a mixture of e34 / e21 pipes.
m20 gearbox . flywheel clutch / prop
rear diff upgrade - you have a few options there.

should be a bit more simple if you start off with a 323i you can use the stock gearbox . prop, no need to plumb in a fuel pump or an extra fuel line as its already there. Be warned its not as simple and a straight forward as it looks like it is. your mechanic will have to do some head scratching along the way.

my plan was to run the 2.5 m50 as a "proof of concept" for a bit and then build up a 2.8 alloy block next year and keep the OBD1 stuff and the big inlet / custom e34 pickup and pan i already have..

[nas80]

forgot to add.

a guy who can fabricate stuff.
money,
patience,
structured problem solving skills.
a good set of tools.
tape measure.

[Mobster]

All was going well until you mentioned the tape measure. Will a 30cm wooden ruler do the job, its got every single king and queen this great nation has ever had on the reverse. Proper 'ole school' ha-ha. Seriously though, thanks for the list. I won't be doing the conversion myself (you prob guessed that anyway), my mechanic will do it. He has never done one before so I will need or the help and guidence I can get.

[--ALPINA--]

What the mechanic that didnt even know how to connect up 6 or so wires and using the 323i damper sensor for the motronic conversion as a pick up sensor to spark to engine? and wasted my time in all kinds of hours asking me stupid questions that is common sence, even my my 8 year old son is clued up watching me work on my car. i even got my son to draw out a diagram schematic colour scheme and he done it well!! f*** that entirely! If hes a teacher, he`d better stay in his trade and leave the rest to professionals....

[Mobster]

Yea I know what you mean but it was the first one he had done so a learning curve for him and I think it will be the same with the M52. He is a good fabricator so I think the M52 will be right down his street. Tbh, what might seem simple to some might not seem that simple to others, ie the laws of Physics. Hahahaha

He doesn’t know anything about it yet and may not even agree to do it in which case I’ll find someone else.

[tommi_e21]

i know the alloy block is lighter and vanos is lovely but if your gonna build a really good strong engine

2.0 litre m50 block (steel)
2.8 crank pistons and rods
2.5 head non vanos
2.5 inlet manifold
2.8 exhaust
2.8 throttle bodie
decent cams

bugger knows what ecu you would need but 2.8 would do the job im sure.

Vanos is just like Vtec its designed so you can drive economically at low rpm. just have it leary all the time and use the above combo, wont weigh much more than an m20 really and be a lot stronger then alloy block shite if it gets warm etc

[Mobster]

After speaking to Nas, unintentionally, he has put me off. I dont really have the patience for head scratching projects. I'm definately a plug and play sort of guy. Therefore i think i can going to go down the root of an M20 2.7 with a gas flowed head. Is it possible to use a M52 2.8 crank ?

[rob0r]

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ding_a_2.8

Arguably easier than a 2.7 and cranks are more common these days.

[Mobster]

Perfect !!! You know, if you were here, i'd buy you a pint.

Thats me sorted. This is the route i am going to take.

Can i still run a gas flowed head ?

[e21-Mark]

Any engine can run a gas flowed head. Some are pretty efficient from stock so gains can be minimal though.

[Mobster]

I have been told that the 885 head is prime for gas flow.