complete m50 on m52 bottom ...straight?

[e30sequel]

I have a running m50 vanos - as well as an m52 with blown hg

has anyone just slapped on the m50 head on the m52 bottom end, without issue and without an extra tuning/m3 cams etc? I plan on doing tuning later on.

I have researched but no definitive answer. any help appreciated.

as a curve ball - has anyone taken the m52 head and successfully put it on the m50 bottom? along with the obd2 intake and no further mods?
i am very aware of the loss in power etc - as long as it works!

how to steps and experience with this swap appreciated - thanks

[e30sequel]

it's difficult to get going here....

[e30sequel]

Wow ..... No one knows.....

[ScotcH]

They bolt up, no problem at all. The cams will likely be slightly different, but it'll work either way, no real tuning issues. Keep the intake/injectors/etc with the proper engine for less hassle.

WHy do you want to do this? You will gain absolutely nothing.

[e30sequel]

I have to make use of it because I got it as part of a purchase - I would have to do the hg anyway. Tuning will follow once I have it running.
Also, why do you say it will yield nothing if I am putting on the m50 intake along with the extra displacement? I was thinking without tuning it would at least yield some extra torque - nothing crazy, but displacement is displacement right??

[ScotcH]

SOrry, I meant no change just by using the different heads. Why don't you just reuse the M52 head? Is there a problem with it or something?

The m52 with wither head will be just an m52 ... the m50 intake will help a bit for sure.

[e30sequel]

Yeah the guy said it was running but there was a lot of smoke - whereas the m50 was clean - I think he had the same idea. The head may just need a shave but I think more likely there is a crack or two....so I dont really know until I take it off. Head gaskets are all the same and thats where I got the idea but I could not verify it online.

[ScotcH]

Got it. Whichever head you use, bring it to a machine shop to check and machine it. It'll cost you ~$100 but it's well worth it before you put it back together. Your best combination will be to use the M52 block, either head, and the M50 intake, and all your M50 sensors and wiring. Basically an OBD1 2.8L. Should be good for a nice increase.

[e30sequel]

yah, that sounds right and i can hopefully salvage b28 head but not likely - thanks for that confirmatio,n hopefully it will help others......you seem very well versed in this, looking forward to acquiring more knowledge from your posts

[ScotcH]

Yeah, we've assembled our share of engines with various pieces Glad to help, ask if you run into any other questions. There is plenty of knowledge out there on BF.com as well.