Just Listen to This LT4-Swapped BMW M3!
The first of its kind in Europe, it’s a Corvette Z06 in a nice suit and tie.
BMWs have a lot of things going for them. Impressive handling, nice interiors, and those understated Bavarian good looks that age like fine wine. Reliability, however, is not one of their strong suits.
While the previous-generation (E90/E92/E93) M3 came equipped with V8 power — four liters making an impressive 420 naturally-aspirated horsepower — there’s simply no replacement for displacement (and a power adder).
Craig at Dyno Torque has taken the bold step of swapping the still-fresh GM LT4 into his E92 M3. The Corvette Z06 powerplant fits nicely into the BMW’s engine bay, almost like it belongs there, despite displacing over one and a half times the stock S65 V8. When you add in all of the requisite plumbing and support for the supercharger, it’s even more impressive that it all fits like it belongs in there.
That’s equal parts Craig’s ingenuity, taking experience he’s gained building top-tier drift cars at Dyno Torque, and Chevrolet packaging wizardry. Remember, all of this stuff fits in a Corvette, and those engine bays aren’t exactly cavernous, either.
Any way you look at it, it’s a worthwhile upgrade. As delivered, the LT4 is good for 650 horsepower, and is capable of much more with some simple modifications — you’ve got to love forced induction for that reason alone. Craig claims 680 horsepower with the intake & exhaust upgrades he’s installed.
Even with direct injection, the LT4 is as easy to modify as previous LS engines. It’s all the same bag of tricks: cam, head work, tune, and bolt-ons are all that separates a mortal LT4 from a mind-bending 700 wheel horsepower.
Craig cites the powerband of the LT4 as another reason for swapping out the S65. Unlike the peaky BMW V8, the LT4 has a more linear power delivery. Take into account the Chevrolet small block’s reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance, the swap seems like a no-brainer.
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