M52 Head VS. M50 Head?

[jc43089]

Is anything different besides the 3 ports on the side for temp sensors/tb heater?  Reason I ask is because the reman head I was sent is a 3 port head from a 93 rather than a 2 port head (going on  98).  From the research I've done it appears that although the cams are different, the cam specs are not different.  The only difference is that they are thicker and better balanced on the obd2 heads.  Long story short am I going to run into anything after I get it installed that won't work?

[E36M3#215]

only difference is the ports on the intake side for temp sensor and throttle body coolant hoses, like you stated, and the M52 should have ports on the exhaust side for the secondary air injection for the lovely EPA

[E36M3#215]

I was wrong there the same all around they didn't do the ports in the head until late e46 e60 cars, so yes that head will work just fine

[jc43089]

Excellent, thanks.  So if replacing a head it would be best to always get the early head because then you have an available port for aftermarket water temp gauge.  This car won't be getting one though as it's an older guy's daily driver.

[jc43089]

Update, just to further clarify.  Head is on and car is running like a champ.  M50 cams and trays are slightly different than m52 but the profile is the same.  The later cams are fatter for less vibration or something like that.  And the trays have material removed to accommodate the thicker cams.  Long story short, run an early head and get an extra temp sender port.