A UK E46 M3 with a LS3
10-17-2016, 06:52 AM
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A UK E46 M3 with a LS3 Hello everyone. Wanted to sign up here and have a read around to learn what I can and hopefully make some internet friends!
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So, here's how it all started. An immaculate E46 M3 in the best colour; imola red. Manual, just as god would want and with nigh on every option ticked:
First thing was first. Some grippy Federal 595 RSRs, Black grilles, Depo indicators, to modernize the look a touch, and Schirmer spec KW V3s. I actually bought the dampers about a year before I bought the car haha!
Then I decided I needed some CSL bits...
I then I finally decided on the wheels I needed to get the look I want and the lightness/strength for track work. 18x10J et25 Enkei NT03s in conjunction with 265/35s all round for ludicrous turn in and grip.
Once these were on it was time for proper geo and full corner waiting with my fat *** in the seat and a full tank...
Not bad.
I really splurged on the OEM boot but the fitment on other parts I've seen is pretty poor and the added lift reduction is probably something I'll need.
So that's basically how it sat around a year ago. I then got the following bits to go on. Geoff Steel carbon wings, Yellow 8 pot monoblock Ksports with Pagid RS29s and PF discs, Stud conversion and pretty bolts and 20mm rear spacers(More camber when new GS arms go on):
The car went in with Craig at Dynotorque for a decent chassis refresh/upgrade! Everything was going great and the car felt sweet as a nut.
Bits included:
Replace all bushes with Powerflex poly gear.
Repair and strengthen diff mounting points on the chassis.
Fit 2 new driveshafts and ABS sensors.
Re-bush gear shifter.
Fit CSL steering rack and tie rods and fit new castor bushes to bottom arms.
Replace front and rear brake hardlines.
Remove and rebuild/revalve dampers.
Vibratecnic engine mounts.
Alloy camber arms.
Then the proper test:
Ultimately the plan was always to strip and cage it, do proper aero and fit a V8. E9x V8 with FI or a LS I didn't know. I love the car but it does need more power ultimately. I want to be able to chase 458s and GT3s without too much bother. It's a lofty goal obviously, but I'd rather aim high and fail than settle for the boring.
So here's how it sat after that bout of work and a little jaunt into Wales...
Some inspiration I got sent somewhere along the way:
Then I went to the Nurburgring.
Here is my lap video.
Obviously I would have liked to go quicker in trip 1 but I am happy being into mid 9s. Starting to put together more and more of the track and hopefully will click next time.
Damp conditions and lack of knowledge were incredibly intimidating. I think I did go faster on a lap afterwards but not filmed so ignore.
Saw some insane other bits and pieces out there. Got merked by a Gumpert out of the karrousel one lap which was awesome.
Also got to do a bunch of laps with this fella in a Schirmer E92. 7s all day long. Overtaking literally everything. Bonkers bonkers cars. Guy daily drives a Speciale and said this is different league.
Then I did a few more track days in the UK and this happened...
A rod got upset and decided it wanted to see the world hahaha.
This was chasing a 458 challenge for about 5 laps. So at least it was an amazing way to go!
I also added seats, harnesses and a nice wheel for the last track day.
But then since it blew up I went fully mental and ordered the following parts...
So, that's all sat at the insanely talented Craig's waiting to go in. And that brings us to today...
She's gone to join all of her new parts and become a ridiculous, phenomenal Frankenstein of a car... Stay tuned! I tried to keep it as brief as possible, but realise this is quite long, haha!
You can also check out some of Craig's work here:
http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/03/...treet-fighter/
That was his daily. Hahaha.
And the latest project, which is sure to divide opinion. A 997 with a turbo LS3:
Hahaha I love cars!
-----------------------------------------------------------
So, here's how it all started. An immaculate E46 M3 in the best colour; imola red. Manual, just as god would want and with nigh on every option ticked:
First thing was first. Some grippy Federal 595 RSRs, Black grilles, Depo indicators, to modernize the look a touch, and Schirmer spec KW V3s. I actually bought the dampers about a year before I bought the car haha!
Then I decided I needed some CSL bits...
I then I finally decided on the wheels I needed to get the look I want and the lightness/strength for track work. 18x10J et25 Enkei NT03s in conjunction with 265/35s all round for ludicrous turn in and grip.
Once these were on it was time for proper geo and full corner waiting with my fat *** in the seat and a full tank...
Not bad.
I really splurged on the OEM boot but the fitment on other parts I've seen is pretty poor and the added lift reduction is probably something I'll need.
So that's basically how it sat around a year ago. I then got the following bits to go on. Geoff Steel carbon wings, Yellow 8 pot monoblock Ksports with Pagid RS29s and PF discs, Stud conversion and pretty bolts and 20mm rear spacers(More camber when new GS arms go on):
The car went in with Craig at Dynotorque for a decent chassis refresh/upgrade! Everything was going great and the car felt sweet as a nut.
Bits included:
Replace all bushes with Powerflex poly gear.
Repair and strengthen diff mounting points on the chassis.
Fit 2 new driveshafts and ABS sensors.
Re-bush gear shifter.
Fit CSL steering rack and tie rods and fit new castor bushes to bottom arms.
Replace front and rear brake hardlines.
Remove and rebuild/revalve dampers.
Vibratecnic engine mounts.
Alloy camber arms.
Then the proper test:
Ultimately the plan was always to strip and cage it, do proper aero and fit a V8. E9x V8 with FI or a LS I didn't know. I love the car but it does need more power ultimately. I want to be able to chase 458s and GT3s without too much bother. It's a lofty goal obviously, but I'd rather aim high and fail than settle for the boring.
So here's how it sat after that bout of work and a little jaunt into Wales...
Some inspiration I got sent somewhere along the way:
Then I went to the Nurburgring.
Here is my lap video.
Obviously I would have liked to go quicker in trip 1 but I am happy being into mid 9s. Starting to put together more and more of the track and hopefully will click next time.
Damp conditions and lack of knowledge were incredibly intimidating. I think I did go faster on a lap afterwards but not filmed so ignore.
Saw some insane other bits and pieces out there. Got merked by a Gumpert out of the karrousel one lap which was awesome.
Also got to do a bunch of laps with this fella in a Schirmer E92. 7s all day long. Overtaking literally everything. Bonkers bonkers cars. Guy daily drives a Speciale and said this is different league.
Then I did a few more track days in the UK and this happened...
A rod got upset and decided it wanted to see the world hahaha.
This was chasing a 458 challenge for about 5 laps. So at least it was an amazing way to go!
I also added seats, harnesses and a nice wheel for the last track day.
But then since it blew up I went fully mental and ordered the following parts...
So, that's all sat at the insanely talented Craig's waiting to go in. And that brings us to today...
She's gone to join all of her new parts and become a ridiculous, phenomenal Frankenstein of a car... Stay tuned! I tried to keep it as brief as possible, but realise this is quite long, haha!
You can also check out some of Craig's work here:
http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/03/...treet-fighter/
That was his daily. Hahaha.
And the latest project, which is sure to divide opinion. A 997 with a turbo LS3:
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Hahaha I love cars!
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Homer_Simpson (08-19-2023)
10-18-2016, 06:30 AM
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I'll probably need to do half shafts at some point. But hopefully not a huge deal!
10-18-2016, 08:08 AM
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Apparently the standard diff should be okay. Craig has used it on some other conversions. He also built this, which I believed used a stock diff: http://www.speedhunters.com/2011/10/...ulture_v10_m3/
I'll probably need to do half shafts at some point. But hopefully not a huge deal!
I'll probably need to do half shafts at some point. But hopefully not a huge deal!
Absolute beautiful car! The rear-end will live a long life as long as you don't visit the drag strip. Nice road course action! I foresee traction/hooking issues in your future with that powerful new engine and light chassis lol
Eddie
10-31-2016, 09:10 AM
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Fingers crossed! I must admit, I am curious what sort of 1/4 mile time it could achieve.
Ultimately it's my Nurburgring toy though so I shouldn't obsess over drag times and keep blowing up diffs! Haha.
Hoping for 1200KG eventually. And will run slicks once I get used to the setup!
Ultimately it's my Nurburgring toy though so I shouldn't obsess over drag times and keep blowing up diffs! Haha.
Hoping for 1200KG eventually. And will run slicks once I get used to the setup!
10-31-2016, 11:09 AM
#7
Welcome to LS1Tech,
Looks to be a great start.
Looks to be a great start.
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11-07-2016, 03:14 AM
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Morning chaps. Popped over to DT on Friday and had a look at the engine. We took the head off and...
Was quietly hoping the head would be okay so I could have recouped some money. But hey ho. Also I even managed to destroy my manifolds haha.
Does anyone know if the OEM supplied crank is blued from the factory? We noted this when it came out, and if it's not like that as standard, it looks like I've had some extremely serious oiling issues and heat going on. Annoying as the dash temp gauge never exceeded about 115!
On the bright side, Craig showed me round this 350Z he's just finished. Absolutely amazing! Looks like it was meant to be. I'm still incredibly excited despite the gutting feeling of seeing the old S54!
Was quietly hoping the head would be okay so I could have recouped some money. But hey ho. Also I even managed to destroy my manifolds haha.
Does anyone know if the OEM supplied crank is blued from the factory? We noted this when it came out, and if it's not like that as standard, it looks like I've had some extremely serious oiling issues and heat going on. Annoying as the dash temp gauge never exceeded about 115!
On the bright side, Craig showed me round this 350Z he's just finished. Absolutely amazing! Looks like it was meant to be. I'm still incredibly excited despite the gutting feeling of seeing the old S54!
11-07-2016, 09:31 AM
#12
I'm sure that I'm not the only one who read this & thought "WTH??"... 
11-08-2016, 09:56 PM
#13
Staging Lane
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No, the S54 crank is definitely not supposed to be Blue on the end. Had you ever had the rod bearings changed? Did you ever have an oil analysis done? Probably you spun a bearing and at 7000+ it doesn't take long to seize and well you know the result!
Now, since engine is toast, I like your idea of LS swap. I have an E36 with a custom LS 418ci engine. No track though but it is fun but loud. I also have 3 E46 M3's and have been considering an LS swap there. Much more muffler space. As well, now all the wiring problems have been worked out by others making the E46 a great candidate.
Let us know the updates
Now, since engine is toast, I like your idea of LS swap. I have an E36 with a custom LS 418ci engine. No track though but it is fun but loud. I also have 3 E46 M3's and have been considering an LS swap there. Much more muffler space. As well, now all the wiring problems have been worked out by others making the E46 a great candidate.
Let us know the updates
11-11-2016, 04:20 AM
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No, the S54 crank is definitely not supposed to be Blue on the end. Had you ever had the rod bearings changed? Did you ever have an oil analysis done? Probably you spun a bearing and at 7000+ it doesn't take long to seize and well you know the result!
Now, since engine is toast, I like your idea of LS swap. I have an E36 with a custom LS 418ci engine. No track though but it is fun but loud. I also have 3 E46 M3's and have been considering an LS swap there. Much more muffler space. As well, now all the wiring problems have been worked out by others making the E46 a great candidate.
Let us know the updates
Now, since engine is toast, I like your idea of LS swap. I have an E36 with a custom LS 418ci engine. No track though but it is fun but loud. I also have 3 E46 M3's and have been considering an LS swap there. Much more muffler space. As well, now all the wiring problems have been worked out by others making the E46 a great candidate.
Let us know the updates
I never did, no. Annoyingly I was sat around 6k at the top of 4th so hardly crazy!
Do it man! It'll be great! Plus then you can help me if I run into issues haha!
Anyway.
Mocked up a dummy engine!
Sits very very very far back.
Am I technically mid engined now? Hehe.
Aaaaaaaaaaaa im so excited!!!
PS: Can anyone recommend somewhere that can help me with a cam setup and will ship to the UK and help me out with declared value? Pound is so weak I really need to pinch where I can!
02-17-2017, 05:01 AM
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Right! Serious updates have occurred!
Motor is BUILT!
So that's a new insane cam, new race spec push rods, springs, retainers etc. Yay titanium! New baffled sump and all sealed up with ARP hardware. Exciting times!
Right, we're getting achingly close now. Exhaust is all run and the entire oil system is primed. Wiring done. Gearbox linkage for the CAE setup done. Just waiting on a couple of sensors and gauges to arrive. You'll notice the CAE is mounted backwards compared to everyone else with a 46M. This is because of the Tremec box and it seems to integrate better this way!
Decided to send my dampers off for a rebuild while everything was up in the air.
So literally all that is left OE is the dashboard and shell, and even that's been modified haha.
Looking a bit sorry for itself, but more like a car than it has in 3 months!!
Excitement levels; Critical.
The bay is, for all intents and purposes, complete.
Bloody hell it looks so at home! I'm so excited I might vomit.
MOT today and then I can collect tomorrow! Cheeky little detail for me as well
Also decided to treat her to some new shoes! The best!
Motor is BUILT!
So that's a new insane cam, new race spec push rods, springs, retainers etc. Yay titanium! New baffled sump and all sealed up with ARP hardware. Exciting times!
Right, we're getting achingly close now. Exhaust is all run and the entire oil system is primed. Wiring done. Gearbox linkage for the CAE setup done. Just waiting on a couple of sensors and gauges to arrive. You'll notice the CAE is mounted backwards compared to everyone else with a 46M. This is because of the Tremec box and it seems to integrate better this way!
Decided to send my dampers off for a rebuild while everything was up in the air.
So literally all that is left OE is the dashboard and shell, and even that's been modified haha.
Looking a bit sorry for itself, but more like a car than it has in 3 months!!
Excitement levels; Critical.
The bay is, for all intents and purposes, complete.
Bloody hell it looks so at home! I'm so excited I might vomit.
MOT today and then I can collect tomorrow! Cheeky little detail for me as well
Also decided to treat her to some new shoes! The best!
02-18-2017, 08:32 AM
#18
Great swap, looks very suatable!
BTW some crankshafts were blue on BMW - I've personally took off about 3 or 4 of them from BMW's V8s, wondered just as you, but then looked into textbook - it's okay.
Not sure about S54 but hell - it's dead anyway ))
BTW some crankshafts were blue on BMW - I've personally took off about 3 or 4 of them from BMW's V8s, wondered just as you, but then looked into textbook - it's okay.
Not sure about S54 but hell - it's dead anyway ))
02-27-2017, 10:05 AM
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Quick question,
Are you using all of the factory gauges and switches?
I am in the process of gathering intel on my E46 sedan LSx swap. I want everything on the inside to appear factory and work correctly.
I have all the hardware tracked down but now I am onto the electrical. A custom made harness is going to run me $1800 USD or there about.
Is this what you did?
Are you using all of the factory gauges and switches?
I am in the process of gathering intel on my E46 sedan LSx swap. I want everything on the inside to appear factory and work correctly.
I have all the hardware tracked down but now I am onto the electrical. A custom made harness is going to run me $1800 USD or there about.
Is this what you did?
02-27-2017, 11:13 AM
#20
