Aluminum block S52 ???

[shftr8]

OK so I have a S52 sitting in the corner of my shop that needs a rebuild and I just recently picked up a 97 Z3 aluminum block. I searched on here and googled and really couldn't find anyone that took a aluminum block M52 and bored it out and transferred all the S52 internals over. Any reason why?

[pbonsalb]

Since aluminum is not as strong, the bigger bore may be risky. I would put M54B30 internals in it for 3.0L displacement, leaving the bore stock at 84mm but using the S52/M54 crank.

[shftr8]

yea that is true. since the S52 is basically a bored out M52 boring the aluminum block may be a bit to thin

[jakermac]

You'll likely bore right through the iron sleeve liners in the Z3 block if you went that big. My motor is exactly as pbonsalb suggested (though not M54B30 rods or pistons, aftermarket parts). S52 crank and rods (same as M54B30) and M54B30 pistons will work quite well with the Z3 block. The alternative is to go nuts $$$ and sleeve the Z3 block so the S52 pistons can be used. That thought has crossed my mind on more than 1 occasions.

[shftr8]

Not really worth it to go through all that work just to have a aluminum S52. not to me anyways but yes it would be cool if money wasn't an issue. Looking for a motor swap for my E30 and I have a core M54B30 I got for free and I payed $240 shipped for the block. So by the time Im all said and done I think maybe $1500 in a rebuilt S52B30 aluminum block. I have nearly everything else needed to complete it so its just gaskets and machine shop

[jakermac]

Not really worth it to go through all that work just to have a aluminum S52. not to me anyways but yes it would be cool if money wasn't an issue. Looking for a motor swap for my E30 and I have a core M54B30 I got for free and I payed $240 shipped for the block. So by the time Im all said and done I think maybe $1500 in a rebuilt S52B30 aluminum block. I have nearly everything else needed to complete it so its just gaskets and machine shop

If you ever don't go through with the Z3 aluminum build, I'd b interested in taking that block off your hands. I've been searching for a spare for a while now.