LS1 versus 350 Ram Jet
#1
LS1 versus 350 Ram Jet
I am a bit of a noob when it comes to engines but am working with a friend of mine on doing the LS1 conversion for my BMW E36 over the summer, he is experienced and his dad owns an autoshop.
I have seen some LS1 E36s and read writeups by a couple different sources, but when asking the friend's dad if he would help us out with the conversion over the summer - he was stoked but suggested the 350 Ram Jet... my friend says the dad has a bias towards using the Ram Jet, but since its my car and my money thats financing of coures its my choice.
Why would most of the conversions have been done with the LS1 and not the 350 Ram Jet?
I have seen some LS1 E36s and read writeups by a couple different sources, but when asking the friend's dad if he would help us out with the conversion over the summer - he was stoked but suggested the 350 Ram Jet... my friend says the dad has a bias towards using the Ram Jet, but since its my car and my money thats financing of coures its my choice.
Why would most of the conversions have been done with the LS1 and not the 350 Ram Jet?
#2
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I wanted to put a 350RJ in my 91 RS, but sold it and bought a 98 Trans am instead. 350RJ is a good motor, and has plenty of low end torque, but I think the LS1 will be easier to find mods for, and they have tons of potential and are lighter. If you want to mod and keep the handling properties of your bimmer intact, go LS1. If you don't wanna mod and you just wanna go fast in a straight line, go 350RJ.
#3
ramjets are better for older cars because they come with a computer thats made specifially for the motor and can go with any car. Ls1's i would think would be a bit more complicated, but the added power and lost weight would make it all worth while. either way, thats gonna be a badass beemer.
#4
thanks a lot for the replys guys - yeah, I'm not to worried about chipping it so I will continue with the LS1 instead of the 350RJ. Thanks a lot! And of course I will post pics and track reports when I'm done at the end of the summer.
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the ls1 can use parts from almost any lsx engine with the exception of a few new ones like the ls7.. but ls1, ls6, 5.3, 6.0, ls4, ls2 parts are for the most part, interchangeable.. Although with some block work, ls7 parts (intake manifold and heads) would work...
Parts are easy to come buy... the 1500 and 2500 trucks could have the 5.3, 6.0, or 4.8 for that matter... and the engines can be had pretty cheap from salvage yards..
The ls1 was in the corvette from 97-04, camaro and firebird 98-02, gto in 04 gives you a lot of vehicles to get the ls1/4l80e or 6sp combo... Also different computers, k-members etc so you can find what fits best for your project...
The market is still growing rapidly.
They make great power.
They have great potential.
Parts are easy to come buy... the 1500 and 2500 trucks could have the 5.3, 6.0, or 4.8 for that matter... and the engines can be had pretty cheap from salvage yards..
The ls1 was in the corvette from 97-04, camaro and firebird 98-02, gto in 04 gives you a lot of vehicles to get the ls1/4l80e or 6sp combo... Also different computers, k-members etc so you can find what fits best for your project...
The market is still growing rapidly.
They make great power.
They have great potential.