Bmw E36 m52b28 engine build help

[JonathanPR]

Hey Guys, I’m got a bmw e36 325i 1993 with a m52b28 swap, i have de head in the machine shop and I buy a cometic .140 head gasket but I buy that without turbo, I lost compression? And I can run it normally? I go to put this gasket without turbo it, because I don’t got too much money for a good turbo kit, thanks!

[Brady7B]

The gasket Is supposed to lift the head enough to give you lower compression from 10.5 -1 down to around 9-1. I don't know how well it would run. If you're not going to put the turbo on the anytime soon. I wouldn't put it back together without the original style head gasket. And if it does run you're not going to have any power whatsoever.

[pbonsalb]

That is not true. Dropping from 10.5 to 9.0 will cost a few percent in power. It will run fine. A tune will optimize the lower compression. Timing can be added. I ran my turbo S52 with the turbo disconnected for months and it ran great. I was using the turbo tune at the time. I agree that if it will be years before you turbo the motor, use a stock headgasket. If it will be months, use the lower compression gasket. The thick MLS don’t seal that well. The longest I have read of one lasting on an S52 is 60k miles. The better solution is a spacer plate and cut ring gasket.

If you have E85 and will run only that with boost, you don’t need to lower compression. You can use a cutting gasket or put o rings in the block and use a stock gasket.