95 BMW M3 Katech LS3 swap
05-19-2013, 10:40 AM
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95 BMW M3 Katech LS3 swap (56k can die, does anyone list that anymore? I'm getting old....)
Hey guys,
Long time! Considering I find the conversions and hybrids section to be my home, I figured I'd post my build here. It's covered on my site Blog of Speed also.
A little background,
I've had this 95 M3 for about a year, maybe a little more. I love these E36s. They're so pure and awesome, communicative, amazing, but a bit underpowered. The car made 239whp with bolt ons etc. Nice, but not what I wanted. I had a 2003 Mach 1, it hooked me on V8s. So it was natural the M3 needed one. European handling and American torque? Yes please.
Purists are always saying "Aww why are you doing that," well, 1) It's my car and 2) the iron inline 6 is a big turd compared to the LS3. Oh and I turned to Jason @ Katech to build my motor- He didn't disappoint. Torquer LS3, delivered RIGHT on time. And it made a little more power! (was promised 530, got 541/498, not bad!)
The next issue was transmission. I turned to Jason @ Texas Drivetrain Performance. Jason and his crew were GREAT. I got my T56 magnum, modified for F body fitment (good shifter location for M3) for a great price, along with a stage 2 Diamond Racing clutch from Jason also. I can't wait to use them, both look perfect and amazing. Expect more updates. Hopefully it'll be fired in the next week or so.
THanks for tuning in!
And try to spread the word about Blog of Speed, I don't make money from it but I want to reach as many people as possible
Hey guys,
Long time! Considering I find the conversions and hybrids section to be my home, I figured I'd post my build here. It's covered on my site Blog of Speed also.
A little background,
I've had this 95 M3 for about a year, maybe a little more. I love these E36s. They're so pure and awesome, communicative, amazing, but a bit underpowered. The car made 239whp with bolt ons etc. Nice, but not what I wanted. I had a 2003 Mach 1, it hooked me on V8s. So it was natural the M3 needed one. European handling and American torque? Yes please.
Purists are always saying "Aww why are you doing that," well, 1) It's my car and 2) the iron inline 6 is a big turd compared to the LS3. Oh and I turned to Jason @ Katech to build my motor- He didn't disappoint. Torquer LS3, delivered RIGHT on time. And it made a little more power! (was promised 530, got 541/498, not bad!)
The next issue was transmission. I turned to Jason @ Texas Drivetrain Performance. Jason and his crew were GREAT. I got my T56 magnum, modified for F body fitment (good shifter location for M3) for a great price, along with a stage 2 Diamond Racing clutch from Jason also. I can't wait to use them, both look perfect and amazing. Expect more updates. Hopefully it'll be fired in the next week or so.
THanks for tuning in!
And try to spread the word about Blog of Speed, I don't make money from it but I want to reach as many people as possible
05-20-2013, 06:52 PM
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I need to work on it more tomorrow. Had a bonehead moment (or series of hours). Katech put in a vette TOB (I guess I didn't specify Jason!!! lol). I need to pull it and put the camaro one in. Figured this out after scratching my head and wondering why the f**king transmission wouldn't pull up to the bellhousing. Might need to tap the threads again. Oh well live and learn right?
Also had to go help make some decisions in the truck (pinto rack etc) and pick up a 2000hp intercooler (don't build two projects at once.)
And the car is Daytona Violet, 95 only. A little darker than techno, but I appreciate the purple love!
Suspension is already very very well set up. Only needs a 3 or 4 clutch diff asap. Staying 3.15, lazy gear should help the car almost hook with no flares (although I know i'll need them.)I still can't say enough about Jason and Katech. He answered my questions, stayed right on track time wise, motor was on point and made more power than expected. (So powerful it broke the dyno ;-)) When you're done dealing with everyone else, go to these guys. Jason, can we talk about a 5.3 build? LOL
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05-21-2013, 10:54 AM
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Vorshlag mounts, they fit really well. Got the abs relocation, slave with bleeder, etc etc. Everything has fit really well so far, very well thought out.
And the car is Daytona Violet, 95 only. A little darker than techno, but I appreciate the purple love! Suspension is already very very well set up. Only needs a 3 or 4 clutch diff asap. Staying 3.15, lazy gear should help the car almost hook with no flares (although I know i'll need them.)
I still can't say enough about Jason and Katech. He answered my questions, stayed right on track time wise, motor was on point and made more power than expected. (So powerful it broke the dyno ;-)) When you're done dealing with everyone else, go to these guys. Jason, can we talk about a 5.3 build? LOL
And the car is Daytona Violet, 95 only. A little darker than techno, but I appreciate the purple love!
Suspension is already very very well set up. Only needs a 3 or 4 clutch diff asap. Staying 3.15, lazy gear should help the car almost hook with no flares (although I know i'll need them.)I still can't say enough about Jason and Katech. He answered my questions, stayed right on track time wise, motor was on point and made more power than expected. (So powerful it broke the dyno ;-)) When you're done dealing with everyone else, go to these guys. Jason, can we talk about a 5.3 build? LOL
My car with a 17x9.5 +35 255/40/17 BFG R1 (r-compound tires run larger, this is 10.2 inches wide). No need for flares if you can stomache -3.5 camber and -2 in the rear. (zero out the toe for even wear on the street).
05-21-2013, 09:42 PM
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Nice, I am still deciding on mounts for myself. You can fit a 10.2 inch wide tire in the front/rear with a serious rolling (just borrow someone's eastwood roller). And argh, Daytona, I tried looking for one for a while that I would pick up for my swap.
My car with a 17x9.5 +35 255/40/17 BFG R1 (r-compound tires run larger, this is 10.2 inches wide). No need for flares if you can stomache -3.5 camber and -2 in the rear. (zero out the toe for even wear on the street).
My car with a 17x9.5 +35 255/40/17 BFG R1 (r-compound tires run larger, this is 10.2 inches wide). No need for flares if you can stomache -3.5 camber and -2 in the rear. (zero out the toe for even wear on the street).
Update. Pilot bearing out, swapped, new trans in, motor mounted, trans mounted. Everything fits. Shifter is going to work nicely with a little finagling. I'll be back on in the morning with pics. Rather tired.
05-22-2013, 06:56 AM
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The vorshlag mounts get my vote of approval, and the headers are made by American Racing headers. Quite good quality.
We're getting close! Going to lay the wiring harness out today and put the spindles back on, add the brakes, etc.
We're getting close! Going to lay the wiring harness out today and put the spindles back on, add the brakes, etc.
06-12-2013, 01:24 PM
#16
Daytona Violet '95 with an LSx. Nice combo, but I'm biased.
Just recently got it going. FWIW I get traction for the most part with stock sized RE11's. Mine's an LS2, should be 450-500 hp at the crank.
Just recently got it going. FWIW I get traction for the most part with stock sized RE11's. Mine's an LS2, should be 450-500 hp at the crank.
06-12-2013, 05:12 PM
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Just recently got it going. FWIW I get traction for the most part with stock sized RE11's. Mine's an LS2, should be 450-500 hp at the crank.
