M52 or S52 in an E30
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I have always been a fan of the M52 as a 24v swap option because prices on S52 are on crack IMO but the extra displacement means more fast.
Either engine would be going in an E30 (my E30)
It will not be boosted.
It will have the basic bolt-ons (S52 cams on the M52, headers, tune, intake manifold etc.)From what I see, the M52 usually make 215-225whp on a dynojet and the S52 make 230-240whp with more low end torque.
One line of thought is that M52 blocks are abundant and cheap if another one needs to be sourced. They are also found in automatic verts that don't get pegged off the limiter regularly and may possibly have less wear for their given mileage (this is only theory).
On the other hand, you gotta take what you can get for power with an NA engine and the extra torque of the S52 would make a big difference when you are in the wrong gear.
I also live in the real world where money is a thing and the $1200 or more I save by doing an M52 could be spent on a rebuilt head, rebuilt vanos, and lots of other refresh items.
BUT, should I ever sell my car (I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW) everyone has a boner for an S52 car and will pay $55,000 for one all day (+/- $45,000)
Is the M52 considerably better bang for the buck, or will I be filled with regret for not holding out on an extra 0.4L of displacement?
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i had to vote for S52, but I couldn't help myself. If I'm gonna have a modified car, I like taking it to car places and having something more unique that will create conversation with people. I think the S52 swap ticks that box a lot more than an M52. I tried to be objective about it for your sake based on your situation as you have described it, but honestly if the difference here is $1000 or less, then the S52 is actually the real no-brainer option. It's faster, more unique, and will make the car worth significantly more than the difference in financial cost between the 2 motors.
If money is an issue I will help you buy the motor and you can pay me back.
It is faster and cheaper to do an M52 (faster because you can source one locally right now and you may need to save money for longer if you want an s52)....but I just think if you are going to do a swap, you should go all the way and do a proper S motor.
2011 E92 M3 6MT ZCP - ESS 625 supercharged
2007 Z4MR
2003 E39 M5
2002 E46 M3
2021 X5 40i -
M52 with M54b30 crank is always an option?
Cheap way to get more displacement out of an m52. -
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m20s are like family to me
turning your back on your family...
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I know nothing about E30s or their market with non-factory motors in them.
$1000+ for a measly 20whp is not money well spent in my opinion.
PS: Put an N54 in it.
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I know nothing about E30s or their market with non-factory motors in them.
$1000+ for a measly 20whp is not money well spent in my opinion.
PS: Put an N54 in it.
however, his car will be worth at least $1000 more in the end, if not double that. (if that is an important factor to him)
Dan
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however, his car will be worth at least $1000 more in the end, if not double that. (if that is an important factor to him)
exactly.
S52 is the way to go especially if a parts car with engine, harness, and trans can be sourced - they usually don't go for more than $3k which is well worth it.
I know nothing about E30s or their market with non-factory motors in them.
$1000+ for a measly 20whp is not money well spent in my opinion.
PS: Put an N54 in it.
$1000+ for 20 whp is not money well spent to you because you're used to turbo cars where 75 hp can be gained with a tune =P In the world of 200hp NA motors, 20 whp is a lot especially across the entire power band.
2011 E92 M3 6MT ZCP - ESS 625 supercharged
2007 Z4MR
2003 E39 M5
2002 E46 M3
2021 X5 40i -
I vote s5x, or at least an m52 with M power valve covers
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Makes me wonder how many M52 cars with S52 cams have been sold as S52 cars and how many S52 engines have been sold with M52 cams. Are there any markings on the block?'id thin there would have to be a stamp
Yes and no. Heads I believe are all casted the same (?)
Block should have markings
If not the vin is a give away "WBSxxxx" is ///M and "WBAxxxx" is non ///M iirc
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Sticker on the back of the head. The same castings for both heads.
Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk
This, my tag came off when I had the head hot tanked
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This, my tag came off when I had the head hot tanked
So it's a S motor then
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KaiserRolls said:
This, my tag came off when I had the head hot tanked
So it's a S motor then
Yes, mines an s50
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