m42 head w a m44 block?

[silverm3bmw]

So, I have a car whos vin says it has a M42 engine. I go to eblay and buy a M42 head. I pull the block to rebuild and I see a tag on it so something in my mind says to double check. Sure as F, its a 96 M44 block out of a vert, well, I have a coupe! So, since there was no head with the car to begin with, now what do I do? Do I buy a M44 timing set and throw that on the head? Are the head and cam's the same, just the gears diff? I know the gears are diff, but is that all I need to change it over? Anyone know of a M44/M42 guru.
:confused:

[Cristian G in Oz]

The cams are different and the M44 has roller rockers in place of the standard items.  Also the rocker covers are different.  I think you could use the M44 cover on the M42 head but not the other way around.  The M44 has oil squirter's in it to lube the cams.
The M42 timing gear has an idler cog at the bottom of the exhaust side of the engine and the M44 has a "solid" guide.
The cam gears are interchangeable, but make sure you get the right ones for the EMS that is installed on the car, as they are different designs and trigger at different times in the cycle.
The position and speed sensors are different between the engines, so, again depending on which EMS is fitted, will determine which timing covers and sensors you fit.
 
Long story short, you should be able to do it physically.  Just take your time and double, no triple check everything before you commit.

I hope this helps.

Regards

[silverm3bmw]

I have head, cams, lifters and complete valve train.

Still, sounds like I should just throw the car in the trash!  This is too much BS and $$ to get fixed!  :confused:

Thanks for the answer though, I appreciate it.

[romkasponka]

Are you sure the block is M44? It should have crankshaft sensor below starter motor and not in front engine part?