speedyhawk101

iTrader: (1)

I've decided to commit to doing this swap to my 87 325e

I rescently lived in Germany and developed quite a liking for the E30's. I owned one and drove it for a year. It was an 87 320 5p 4dr. That car was a blast the way it was. Carved corners like it was nothing. I couldn't help the whole time though wondering what it would be like with an LS1. I had my 01 WS6 in Germany as well and it was alot of fun, but it was just a lil bit of a slob when it came to the corners. It just didn't compare to that lil BMW. Now I know there will be some trade off in handling due to weight but I figure it will be minimal given the Iron I-6 trade off for the Aluminum LS1

Anyway enough BS-ing

I have this 2dr 87 325e that I bought solely for the purpose of doing the LS1/T-56 swap.

Have any of you guys done this swap or know anyone that has done this swap?

I could use any and all the help I can get.

I also need to know what BMW suspension components will work best, as I'm going to convert it all to 5-lug

Thanks

mattmartindrift

i'm under the impression that E30 M3 5 lug will work.

ALSO!!! the iron I-6 is much heavier than the LS1. I'm losing 50lbs. from my iron turbo 4cyl. to the aluminum ls1

Derek 357i

iTrader: (1)

There are a couple people out there that have completed this project and at least few more that are currently working on it. I made it about 80% into the project before I called it. I went too extreme and my budget for an 84 318i got out of control. I went dry sump with a custom pan which allowed the engine to be placed really low and far back in the chassis. The ones that are out on the road use a slightly modified GTO or Holden pan which is front sump.

5 lug conversions are cashy, but likely necessary for the V8 power. I used full M Roadster suspension, but it is big $$. You can also use 318ti rear suspension and e36 front suspension, as well as e30 M3. None of these are cheap options. Also, you should use the e36 M3 diff cover and weld a second mounting tab to the chassis. With just one mounting tab, it is quite likely to tear out of the chassis.

speedyhawk101

iTrader: (1)

What did you end up doing with your project?

I'm debating on selling my 01 WS6 just to help fund this. Is it possible to get it done with $10,000? Or am I seeing visions of grandure?

You guys know of any sites that have documented any E30/LS1 conversions?

Finally.... Is it possible to have a operational BMW gauge cluster with the LS1 or does all that have to go?

Derek 357i

iTrader: (1)

I ended up selling all of the conversion specific stuff as a kit to a guy wanting to do the same project. I parted out all of the BMW stuff. By buying right on all of the BMW stuff, I ended up getting out of the car all of the money I had in it. Hours were free of course

I don't think it is possible on 10K, especially if you are planning a 5 lug conversion. When I quit I had around 16-18 in it, and had yet to start on the body. I figured by the time I did the M3 widebody (1" wider than regular M3) + M3 rear window conversion, I would have had a 25K+ 84 318i.

I bought an RX7 convertible which will be receiving the engine and trans, everything else is gone...

speedyhawk101

iTrader: (1)

Hummmmm.........That's discouraging. I'm not made of money and I'm debating on selling my 01 WS6 in order to get this thing going. It would suck to sell the WS6 and still come up shy on the 357.

Schitzo

iTrader: (6)

cummon now!! how can you give up before you even started. shop smart,plan,sell smart do most of the work yourself and you'll end with a very potent car. A E30 LS1 would be pure Kama Sutra on wheels.

Ask this guy
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...ght=bmw+driver

speedyhawk101

iTrader: (1)

Thanks man!! I sent him a PM.

93Polo

iTrader: (5)

Bimmerforums have some guys that have swapped over to 5 lugs using E36 parts.

Derek 357i

iTrader: (1)

I am not saying it can't be done for a reasonable amount of money, but I don't think $10K will get it done. There are just too many things that nickle dick you to death. Plus all the things that get swapped out "while I am in there" & "oh man that is a great deal on that."

Best of luck on the swap. Don't forget, e36 suspension swap means new wheels with e36 offsets too.

Here is a pic of mine with M Roadster suspension and 18X8.5 & 18X10 BBS CHs

speedyhawk101

iTrader: (1)

That's the look that I'm talking about.

I've got a BBS body kit that was on my car when I got it. It will look good with the right rims.

I'm going for it!

I'm getting the WS6 prepared to be sold and then it's time for LS1 swapage

mmmchickenboy

search 'geezers garage' on you tube. he had 6 or 7 videos the last time i checked, about putting a LQ4/T56 (i think) into a E30. A couple of the videos are just basic info about the LSx/Lqx family and SBC history, but the later ones have some useful info.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=699289

REALLY good thread, lots of pics:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=699289

There are quite a few more threads about this topic on bimmerforums.com and r3vlimited.com

TwistedSS

iTrader: (3)

Was looking at doing a five lug conversion on my project 89 325i. No LS1 swap, but we are doing the turbo M20-b25...i have a GT35r turbo and other parts going on soon! The five lug swap- see e30tech.com for all details, but if you find a wrecked 318ti, its the same rear suspension as the E30 M3. The front spindles and control arms and stuff work as well.

93Polo

iTrader: (5)

The MZ3 rear suspension is supposed to swap into an E30 as well and be stronger. I am not sure about the front.

speedyhawk101

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the help guys. I've got some good info and contacts as well.

I'm pulling the motor and trans tonight.

FU_I_AM_UltraZ

iTrader: (20)

do you already have the LS1/t56 donor package? if not, save yourself some $$$ and get a LT1/T56. for a lighter car, that'll be fast enough for a toy.

raven_450

iTrader: (3)

Since u like your ws6 aswell why not save yourself the trouble and just do suspension work to the TA to make it handle like the bimmer? seems much cheaper and easier in my opinion.

Derek 357i

iTrader: (1)

I disagree. It will be fast enough, but the lighter all alum powerplant is where it is at.

The MZ3 stuff does fit front and rear, that is what is mounted on the car pictured above. It goes for some pretty good cash though. For the rear complete trailing arms (brakes & halfshafts) & the rear crossmember, mine sold for $1800 (no diff). I got $500 for front spindles and brakes.

speedyhawk101

iTrader: (1)

I'm sick of my T/A

I've had it for over 5 years and I'm done with it. I love the car but I'm ready to move on to something else. I've always like the E30, ever since I drove my uncles 91 318is way back in the day.

The T/A is fun but it's played out for me. I can always get another down the road.

speedyhawk101

iTrader: (1)

Is the MZ3 subframe a must have or is this do-able with just the trailing arm assemblies?

I've got a 3.73 LSD