LS-Swapped BMW E36 Looks like One Seriously Fun Track Toy
Take a legendary chassis, lightweight platform, add some serious power, and you’ve got this track-ready BMW.
The recipe for speed is incredibly simple. Add power and increase lightness. This has been true since the very first engine swap took place decades ago, and it’s still true today. Of course, things get a little more complicated from there. But if you want to go fast for cheap, LS-swapping something like the lightweight BMW E36 platform is a safe bet. Especially if you’re looking for a budget track toy, which is the premise of this particular car up for grabs in the LS1 Tech Marketplace.
The seller started with a 1993 BMW 325is coupe and a plan to go road racing. Thus, he soon located a suitable engine and shipped it off for some machine work. The block was bored out and fitted with CP LS1 pistons, h-beam rods, race bearings, and a Howard Cams hydraulic roller camshaft. A set of 243 heads were sourced from a Corvette, then upgraded with some BTR valve springs. An LS2 intake and throttle body round out the tasty package.
To put the power to the pavement, the seller went with a T56 transmission and 3.91-geared limited slip differential. Additionally, a laundry list of suspension upgrades are included. Bilstein shocks, lowering springs, poly bushings, and subframe reinforcements, just to name a few. But pretty much all the wear items were replaced as well. Including the tie rods, control arms, and ball joints.
The owner also stripped the interior and refitted it with all the stuff you need to go racing. That includes a 6-point cage, racing seat with 6-point harness, and a slew of additional gauges. Outside of needing a transmission rebuild, this BMW is truly ready to go racing. And for just shy of $10k, we can’t think of a cheaper way to have some serious fun at the track!
Join the LS1tech forums today!
