FAST BMW E36 Engine Teardown [Pt1]: How to Remove VANOS and Cylinder Head (m50 m52 s50 applications)

[@thepcmrtim]

Don't even own a car but you're doing Gods work. This video documentation will help a ton of folks around the BMW community

[@Pawinning]

+Peter Soboyejo thanks for the support!

[@smylonas3125]

It's refreshing to see the "younger" generation actually working so in-depth on an engine AND with such enthusiasm and professionalism. I truly hope you consider enrolling in BMW's STEP program...... oh by the way.....great videos.

[@Pawinning]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for your support! I've considered that program in the past, but now that I've found a stable job in another field these DIY videos/automotive content remain a passion and hobby of mine :).

[@noisdeaf]

@@PawinningI need your help man, I’m in position when I can lock my camshaft and work with vanos but my top to dead center doesn’t match up so I’m stuck now, can I spinn wheel couple rounds and it will get line up after couple laps, thanks ! Need some advice dude

[@noisdeaf]

@@PawinningI need your help man, I’m in position when I can lock my camshaft and work with vanos but my top to dead center doesn’t match up so I’m stuck now, can I spinn wheel couple rounds and it will get line up after couple laps, thanks ! Need some advice dude

[@thatgamertho227]

As a 15 year old that plans to get an e36, this video is a lifesaver! When I get enough money to mod it, I’m definitely going to use your videos for help.

[@Pawinning]

Hey man I'm stoked that my videos are inspiring you to pursue an E36 build! Good luck and thank you for your support 🙏

[@kaelenknopp5515]

YEEEES! This series is a dream come true. Ive been looking for a m50b25 teardown vid that is explained well for so long. Love the vids and how you explain the steps. One of my new favorite channels!

[@Pawinning]

Kaelen Knopp thank you! I'm glad my video was clear! More videos to come :)

[@cya3651]

Thank you. You’ve motivated me to attempt my 1st time ever rebuild and successfully rebuild my 98 S52 with new piston rings & bearings, new crank bearings, head gasket, oil pan gasket, all new bolts. Honed the cylinders. Found a damaged steering coupling and replaced it too. All done with engine inside the car. It was easier than I expected. Hardest part was removing the subframe to get access under the engine. I also learned that there is a process to follow for 1st time engine rebuild start ( Good thing I came across that video). I’ve learned a lot from this experience. Thank you 😊

[@tubehead357]

Great video! I have an M50 with over 230K miles that needs a head gasket. After watching your video, I went from "I think I can" to "I know I can".

[@samcyphert860]

I was taking mine off today for a head gasket. Had to rotate the cams to reach the head bolts then I forgot how they were oriented in TDC. This video saved my project. I was able to use it as a reference to set everything back up correctly

[@Jasongy827]

Learning to be a mechanical engineer. I have a deep appreciation for toyota, honda, and bmw engine. Great video.

[@Pawinning]

Good luck on your studies! Best advice I can give after graduating from my ME program is take advantage of any internships that teach you a skill and/or is aligned with your ideal career path. Thanks for the love on my videos!

[@Jasongy827]

@@Pawinning ill keep that in mind. I want to work on hydrogen fuel car cell

[@autotexgarage3949]

This video is great, all business. I’m doing a head gasket replacement on my 98 single Vanos 328i. Thanks for all the tips. I’m rebuilding my Vanos, upgrading the cooling system, converting to electric fan, and replacing my heater control valve while I’m there.

[@garfieldlover6662]

5 years later best video I can find thank you bro

[@photojnt]

You have no idea how much you're helping me right now. I JUST started to teardown an s50b30 to put into my e30 and this video is saving me so much time!! Keep the videos coming. My plan is to replace some parts to be turbo ready.

[@Pawinning]

+photojnt I'm happy to help! Further tear down vids coming soon!

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

y put an e36 motor into an e30

[@photojnt]

Bmw M3 e46 Good question. It's simple really. E30s are sexy af and the s50 has more pony power. :)

[@jasongochez1140]

I know this is old but this is exactly what I needed to figure out how to get my cylinder head off my 1997 2.8 Z3. Thank you for this video. Great job at explaining what you are doing.

[@NickleJ]

I love this car and engine so much. It's such a pleasure to daily drive. Mechanical issues secretly make me happy that I get an excuse to start taking it a part.

[@FrancisFurtak]

Dude one of the best videos I've ever seen. Great understandable explanation ( thank god somebody still knows how to speak english!) great visuals. Keep up the good work! Thank you.

[@Airtrooper719]

your an inspiration to all younger men out there wanting to get into DIY mechanics

[@zoobear02]

Currently building an M52B28. Hopefully should be done tomorrow! Video sure helped me with getting the head prepared to be removed tomorrow. Not my first time but I always refer here for refreshers 🤝🏼

[@thekiid9164]

This video is so informative I wish I seen it 4 years ago when I was 16 and got my first m50 e36 coupe with a blown head gasket. Back then there was only 1 person that had a video of his speeding through a top end break down and I did the rest reading forums and what not. I didn’t use any special tools at all but I did take a shit load of pictures and notes. This video is the one good shit

[@Pawinning]

I feel you! I made this video because I was on a similar boat. There were limited resources at the time (mostly forums for me too) when I built my turbo e36. I did similar things as well with endless hours of research, pics, and notes to make sure the first time around it went back together and ran 😂. after the build was complete I regretted not documenting things on video, and I just wanted to give back in a way, so I found that creating something that's useful using my old engine for the next guy was the next best thing. Thanks for the love, happy modding 🤘

[@benharper3555]

This is one of the best videos I’ve come across you deserve way more subscribers thanks for the good content🤘🏼

[@jongwoo]

At Step 8 - 6:15 - When you turn the crank CCW to create the ~16mm of clearance, I noticed your cam lock tool is still installed. Should it be installed at this step? I kept mine installed and when I removed the head I noticed that valves in cyl 2 & 3 were partially open. Unfortunately, I assumed that all the valves would be closed (forgot I turned the crank for clearance) and laid the head down on the table, valve side for like 15-20 minutes. Hopefully, I didn't damage anything. Anyway, I was under the impression that at TDC, all the valves would be closed. Does it make sense to disconnect the cam locking tool prior to turning the crank for clearnace?

[@craig_ramjet990]

Teaching an old retired man new tricks. Thank you!

[@Pawinning]

You're very welcome! I'm glad my video is helpful for you 🙏

[@jamesgriffin1697]

Seriously did a great job on this video. I really like the lack of bs. Excellent job. Cheers

[@Pawinning]

+james griffin thanks man!! I appreciate the support and feedback

[@nigelscott1677]

Thumbs up...all the way from Jamaica. ..love bmws..bought my third one..e36 325i..going to do the timing chain eventually. .thanks for the vid

[@florianschlager8146]

Thank you so much for this video, was my entire guide to dissaseble the engine. This is also the first time im ever working on a car so this helped a lot

[@bpg9359]

Great work, we appreciate it dude. You keeping it very mellow.

[@Pawinning]

Thanks man! I appreciate the love 🙏

[@AJIMPORTS]

Just picked up a e36 and will be doing a head gasket. This video will come in handy. Very good process.

[@Pawinning]

Thank you! Good luck with your build!

[@StuartMurchie]

I think I'll just take my e36 to a mechanic,but well done you certainly know your stuff

[@DamonFeyOutdoors]

This and others of your videos were very helpful in guiding me on tearing down the top end of my 92 325is to replace the head gasket. Not sure if you're willing to answer some questions, but now that it's back together, I'm trying to figure out why the temp gague rises to the red after only a few minutes from a cold start. New thermostat, new water pump, ne temp sensor, new overflow tank.

[@maikeru01]

you the man. gonna give it a shot this winter. wish me luck.

[@stuartmacaskill9500]

when unfastening head bolts it's recommended that you loosen the outer bolts first and work inward to avoid war-page while loosening

[@stuartmacaskill9500]

it's vice versa when installing but opposite (inner bolts to outer bolts switching from side to side)

[@Pawinning]

Thank you for your feedback 👍

[@davet.5493]

zip tie to hold the timing chain in place wow amazing

[@IgnitionTube]

Awesome!!! This video is gonna help me so much building my Audi S4!!!! Thanks Pawinning!!!

[@emiliojosueoficial3821]

Bro you just inspired me to rebuild my M54 engine ...love the detail in you video..

[@Pawinning]

Thank you! I’m glad I can inspire you to pursue your own projects :)

[@emiliojosueoficial3821]

Pawinning I'm really considering boost this rebuild tho

[@alexsoler2671]

you just made my day young dog. you are very smart and very detailed. Thank u for doing this. you the m"fing MAN

[@anpredictable]

Very organize thanks for the video. Much credit goes to your work

[@7beast298]

Very informative sir 👏! Have you made a video putting everything back together?

[@rogervonschleusingen4603]

WONDERFULL WORK MATE, LOVE THAT ENTHUSIASUM......SMART KID !!....JUST LIKE MY YOUNGER SON ERIK !!

[@avramnicorici245]

Amazing explanation Thank you Mr.real mechanic

[@SuperSpeakerz]

Gonna say that this will help me alot, first time tearing down a bmw engine so thos guide will be awesome!

[@Pawinning]

Hope your tear down goes well 🙏

[@a914freak]

So without using the special cam removal tool I was told to loosen each nut on the cam caps by alternating from top to bottom going from front to back until they were all loose and it was unsprung. So what you just showed by putting the cam in that position changes all of that and allows me to loosen them all except for the very end?

[@Pawinning]

Yes, that method also works fine (it is a safer method in my opinion), my method is just an alternative if you want a quicker process than slowly loosening all the caps little by little. If you want a more detailed video about the process I recommend checking out the channel mybimmerspace. I learned a lot of what I understand with e36 engines from him

[@haidarao3634]

Keep goin and you will be hitting millions of views and subs ❤

[@bryantmatthews93]

I have a e36 328i 5spd these m50s are like the m30s very strong

[@Pawinning]

I agree 😎🤘

[@lakimakromedia]

this 6 min tip is genius in simplicity :D !!

[@mossmon]

awesome!! will you make a video on how to service it?

[@Pawinning]

+mossmon that's the plan. The rebuild will be long term

[@NarutoUzumaki5678]

Keep it up man! Cant wait to see more!

[@Pawinning]

Isaac Caraballo thank you!!

[@alexatha3561]

Love the vids man. This is a real help with rebuilding my m52! The detail is awesome. I will rebuild my Vanos now also. Cheers 🤙

[@Shas4Ever]

Good explanation and work!

[@Pawinning]

Thank you!

[@richardschofield2201]

Hi, based on your knowledge of this engine, can you see any reason why oil wouldn't flow correctly if the engine was mounted vertically. I understand that the sump and pickup would need modifying. Just not sure if the head or cam carriers would create a barrier in the vertical position. Thanks

[@Pawinning]

Woah that's a great question. Off the top of my head, I wouldn't think the orientation would effect flow much since I'd imagine the engine design would focus on consistent internal oil pressure under operation no matter the orientation (within reason, of course). Not an expert on the design choices, but part of me thinks they also chose to tilt the engine so that it fits within the vertical space of the engine bay. I don't see anything in the design of the parts that be effected (besides the sump and pickup you mentioned) if it were mounted vertically. I'd check out Bimmerforums to see if anyone's done an engine swap with a vertically oriented inline six. I would also be aware that the shifter linkages would also need modifying as the trans would be rotated as well

[@richardschofield2201]

@@Pawinning thanks for your answer. My main concern was oil pooling and being agitated by thinking hitting it. I did find on the bimmer forum someone who mounted the engine at 10 Deg instead of 30 degrees. I think they stopped at 10 because of clearance on the inlet manifold. I have a similar issues in my kit car and plan on switching to itbs to get it to all fit. I figured for the gearbox I would just chop the stick and reweld. This is all a bit experimental so not 100% sure what the unknown issues will be yet.

[@Pawinning]

@@richardschofield2201 no problem! Happy to try and help as I can 👍. I'm glad you found a similar build that you can reference. Your build sounds really cool and I wish you good luck with the engine swap fitment! Yeah the shifter modification idea should work, and you might need to rig up something for the trans mounts too 👍

[@corrvetto7374]

With all your litle tricks to get it done easier you must have been a big fan of MacGyver 👍

[@johntaylor779]

You're an amazing mechanic.

[@Pawinning]

Thank you :)!

[@jamiejones857]

Im getting a bmw 04 325i it needs a head gasket going to do it myself and comments? Good video

[@Pawinning]

the e46 3 series engines are different from e36's, but not by much. I would look into getting the bentley manual for your car first. It'll give you an idea of what tools you need. Research which parts of your engine can and cannot be reused (ex. the head bolts need to be replaced). And get quotes on resurfacing services for your cylinder head upon its removal. I think its possible for you successfully tackling this for the first time, if you are already comfortable with servicing brakes and cooling systems in these cars

[@jamiejones857]

Pawinning Thanx dude. I had and 1992 bmw 325i I did the fuel pump and throttle body 1998 infinit i30t Intake intake manifold

[@bimmerdan1091]

Also I believe the cylinder head bolts are stretch type bolts which should be changed. Is this the case for all M50s do you know?

[@Unfortunate_Outsliderz]

Thank you so much man! This was extremely helpful

[@DS_CIVIC]

Do you think trying to put the head back in the car with the exhaust header installed is not worth the trouble? Or just struggle with the exhaust header bolts with them in place?

[@liamq1973]

Great information on your videos. I’m changing head gasket on my M52B28. Any tips on how to remove a stripped etorx bolt? I believe it’s an E8. It’s the one near the front of the engine.

[@Pawinning]

Thank you! Unfortunately I'm not skilled with stripped bolt extraction. I do know which bolt your referring to and that sucks it's stripped (tight location right?). Do you think you could hammer on a slightly smaller sized bit? Ive never tried this with a female etorx socket, but when removing the pressure plate on my clutch I stripped the hex screws and had to hammer a larger torx bit into each screw just to get enough bite to break them loose.

[@pbmig]

Is there a specific order to loosen the head bolts?

[@Pawinning]

Yes, don’t remember it off the top of my head but the bmw Bentley maintenance manual has the order. And any aftermarket stud/bolt kit should come with them as well

[@jelam9120]

awesome video and channel loving it

[@Pawinning]

Thank you for watching!

[@DAME_AL]

What’s the best block for BIG BOOST?!!

[@Pawinning]

I've only worked on an m50 block, so I'm biased to say m50 😂.

[@daviddebuhr8995]

Very nicely done tutorial. Thanks!

[@Pawinning]

Thank you! And no problem, happy to help as I can 😎

[@liudas5377]

Thank you so much for this video. Great job passing on your knowledge.

[@Pawinning]

Happy to help as I can 😊. Thank you for your support!

[@smd824nz6]

Just subbed to your channel. Love your infomation you have given. Im new to the bmw family. Ive just brought an awesome 98 328i four door. Currently living in New Zealand

[@Pawinning]

+SMD824 Nz thank you :)!

[@JS-kq9iw]

did you do a bottom end video?

[@Pawinning]

+josh shultz not yet! Plan to do so in the next few weeks

[@JS-kq9iw]

Pawinning ok cool I am looking forward to it. Thanks for the great vids!

[@dasmiley]

What bolts did you use to mount the engine to the engine stand? (length, size, pitch)

[@sanjinred]

Great video, the only wrong you did is when removing the cam, you've probably bent it! You have to loosen the guides evenly, every bolt quarter evenly across all cylinders when you are not using the special tool 11 3 260

[@Pawinning]

Thank you for your feedback! I agree that these cams are fragile, and yes you can loosen every guide slowly and evenly when doing this without the BMW cam removal tool, but I've used this alternative method twice before with no issues with re-installation nor did I experience any bent cams. I learned this technique from this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYPRoqxjbMmHaJo (in the video he talks about the same technique at 7: 30) In the video, the host states that there is only one position you can rotate the camshaft to that relieves pressure on all the lifters except for the ones for cylinder #1. This allows you to safely remove all the other guides and then work on the last guide nuts a quarter turn at a time (as long has you hold the camshaft still, if it rotates on you with the other guides removed the camshaft will definitely snap/bend).

[@noisdeaf]

Is it normal that lockpin goes in raffly 40mm before got contact with flexplate?

[@jayelectic8017]

Im looking to pick up an e36 and it comes with vanos m50 that the guy said he pulled from the junkyard any tips and advice! Thanks for these videos!!

[@gmdude2541]

Checking out a 02 325ci has over heating issues any thoughts?

[@Pawinning]

Ask about the service history! If there aren't any leaks, it could be a failed water pump, clogged coolant passages, or a bad cooling fan.

[@gmdude2541]

Yeah the person told me they have reason to believe that its a block radiator. Thinking about just rebuilding the whole cooling system

[@lncrhulk]

is that a mass plate???

[@Pawinning]

yessss

[@lncrhulk]

NICE, me too. just started a headgasket on my 95 525. have the head ready to come off, another shop is going to let me use their vanos tool

[@Pawinning]

Hope ur headgasket service goes well!

[@lncrhulk]

thanks

[@_m.a-x]

What a great video! It helped me understand the operation of Vanos altogether with overall timing. One question that bothers me is why the holes on the timing gear are slotted, allowing potential rotational movement if the 4 bolts get loose? Wouldn't that compromise the timing between the crank, exhaust cam and intake cam? I can agree that slotted holes on the exhaust sprocket allow to remove/install the Vanos while maintaining proper timing but why we need slots on the timing gear?

[@Pawinning]

Hey man! Great question and I too used to be pretty confused about the slots on both intake and exhaust cam gears and how it operates with the vanos system. My best explanation is in this video I made that discussed how to maintain the vanos unit itself. Hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Clg3yslN2kg8k

[@gerardguglielmo1644]

Great video!!! Do you do one that shows how to time vanos when installing?

[@Latinoboi04]

What is the dimension on the headbolts? And is it torks? Reparing a blown headgasket on my M50B20, still haven't taken the top of yet

[@noisdeaf]

Is it safe to remove flywheel lock to drop down pistons 16’mm? Its part about timing

[@nathen.afilms558]

Very informative video, thank you very much, gonna help me a lot.

[@Sibsko21]

Hey pawin, what are you gunna do with the block your taking apart? Are you gunna build it?

[@Pawinning]

Killjoy593 hopefully! Need to start a full time job first 😂

[@waroncrime4017]

Question, Is the m50 block the same for vanos and non-vanos?

[@bassboosted_rdz2269]

thanks for these videos man!! youre the best

[@diakonfrost6686]

bro ur great!!!!! its more ore less the same in all motors ore just e36 models?

[@Pawinning]

+Diakon Frost yes! Thanks man!

[@DamonFeyOutdoors]

I'm asking everywhere i can before taking to much apart on my 92 325is and hope you might be able to answer a question. To replace worn and brittle timing chain guide rails (the one operated by the plunger type tensioner on the side of the cylinder head), do you need to take off the tmobile chain front cover?

[@ukkomies100]

I have a similar project right now. I have pulled out the engine and i am about to begin rebuilding it. I was wondering how would putting in 2.8 liter crankshaft and s52 2.8 liter camshafts affect the vanos system. Am i good if i just change the DME. My final destination is to put in a big ass turbo so i am reinforcing the whole thing

[@Nadsam-p1]

Good job!!support from ITALY!!

[@Pawinning]

+sami nadif thank you 😌

[@stupidexclusivefishing2695]

How do you learn all this stuff. Thank you.

[@Pawinning]

By diving straight into it. Learned by doing 😌

[@markosbiggavel8841]

where did you purchase the tools from? did they come as a kit? @pawinning

[@Pawinning]

Markos Biggavel the timing blocks, vanos tool, and flywheel lock pin should come in a single kit. The head bolt socket can be bought separately. These can be found on eBay, bimmertools, and many websites!

[@dpdus3549]

you changed the 318ti magicaly

[@Pawinning]

Haven’t touched the 318ti. This was or my 325i

[@carlosorozco4786]

Great video Pawinn! That was hilarious calling for help! Lol!

[@Pawinning]

Carlos Orozco thank you!

[@TrailVapor]

I'm doing should be reverse of the torque up pattern. It does matter but like a lot of things does not manifest a problem for so long that culpability is naturally vague.

[@noisdeaf]

All my lifters are facing up without any gap when intake camshaft was removed

[@isaiahchandra6396]

Such a good video. Thank you!!

[@11mrc11]

i've got an m50b25tu with some head gasket problems, this video helps me a lot ! if i only change the head gasket can i skip step 8.1?? in the part two do you gonna change the head gasket and make the reassembly of the engine? thanks!!

[@Pawinning]

+11mrc11 yes, if ur only changing the headgasket all you need to do is lock the cams, remove the vanos unit/timing chains and take the head off! The process then is the reverse of the steps pretty much. As long as everything is marked and at TDC it's straightforward! I do not expect to make a reassembly video any time soon because I plan to have a long term motor build with this m50! But it will come eventually. Got some cool projects coming up in the mean time :). Good luck with your headgasket!

[@metalslug2776]

I have a 328I from 1998 with a slightly warped cylinder head (got some white smoke and overheating issues but not the insane amount I see from videos) and was thinking of buying a replacement head and swapping it myself. Only problem is that I don't own half the tools you do and would be working on it in the car and mostly by myself. Is it possible for me to do this or should I just take it in to a professional shop?

[@Pawinning]

I believe as long as you invest in the tools needed (check out my toolset video 👍), the job is fairly easy. Just take the replacement head for a good resurface and valve job (price varies) and the rest is pretty straightforward in terms of takin it apart. Then the reassembly is reverse order of the procedure. Torque it down all the bolts to spec with a fresh gasket and head bolts and make sure the timing blocks are flush with the head and the rest is easier (the channel M3nace has great content to check timing when you put it back together as well for further references.

[@TheOfficialTLM]

Hey man. I have the same car with the same problems, exactly. 1998 328i E36 with over heating issues and white smoke. It's going to need a new cylinder head. Im suspecting a cracked cylinder head.. so my plan is to replace the cracked cylinder head with a good cylinder head from another 1998 E36 from the junk yard. Crazy how we have the exact same issue down to the word. How did you project go?

[@396este]

Did you change your eco when you motor swapped?

[@Pawinning]

Do you mean ecu? If so, I didn’t not change anything. Used the same harness as well since the engine was the same

[@aarondavidsmith208]

Song at 12 minutes?? Good video. Thanks.

[@bimmerdan1091]

Great video. Is it still advisable to rotate the crank off TDC for the 16mm clearance if you are removing the head to work on the CAMs?

[@k55rxn12]

I’m wondering the same, I rotated mine for clearance before removing my head, but I’ve had the cams out now, wondering what my best way is to re-time the engine back up to tdc. With cams back in

[@DuBHard]

Can i make IT without spesial tool?

[@Pawinning]

I've never done it without the special tools, but I've seen people tear down these engines without the special tools. Idk if that statement holds true with the reassembly, but it will be difficult to time the engine properly without them

[@youssefali8002]

I have problems with vanos it's always give me misfire but if I unblock the cable of vanos care is working fine please advise.. what's the problem

[@J03lzz]

Question? I'm going to swap my vanos out for a Dr.vanos stage 1. Do I need to remove the thrust washer plates and the timing chain/sprockets as well?

[@Pawinning]

No vanos should come off independent of the timing chain assembly, but you need the lollipop shaped sprocket tool to move the sprockets for vanos removal and installation

[@raceuk2011]

Do you have 341 whp or flywheel hp?

[@Pawinning]

+raceuk2011 341whp

[@chrisfontanez2450]

Finaly i found a interesting video but why you dint put a non vanos head to that block????

[@Pawinning]

Haven’t quit my day job yet 😂. Saving and waiting for more time to make moves on parts

[@chrisfontanez2450]

Hope you get better $$$ for that car man 👏👏👏 knew sub

[@ThemenschMusic]

you are absolutely amazing! Thank you for that video!

[@a914freak]

Have you done a dyno of you're S50 clone yet? I'd like to compare HP and T curves with my clone.

[@Pawinning]

I didn't clone my e36 drivetrain. It's just a stock m50 with an aspiration conversion. 350whp is the last reading I got on the Dyno.

[@gabriels3106]

Is it absolutely necessary to rotate the crank pulley CCW for the 16mm of extra clearance with the pistons? I currently have the flywheel lock pin installed on my M52 and I don't want to remove that if possible. I want to remove my cams to replace my lifters. Also, curious why it's necessary to pull all the lifters out at once. Can you replace each of 24 lifters individually with a single magnet?

[@ukkomies100]

Is that the cast iron, nikasil or sleeved aluminium block. I am currently turbocharging my bmw and the thing is that here in finland you cant get your hands on sleeved aluminium cylinders easily. The m50 block is too heavy. Do you have any experience in sleeving aluminium blocks. Or would you recommend just running with the nikasil as its in good shape. AFAIK you can ofcource make power with nikasil but when shit goes sideways you are in much more trouble than you would be were you running with the sleeved or cast iron blocks