LS1 into a BMW?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
LS1 into a BMW? Alright don't laugh but I am really looking into dropping an LS1 into my 95 M3.
I am not really worried about the mechanical part as I know it will fit, its the electronics that scare me.
There are a few un answered questions that maybe you guys could give me some pointers for.
I would first start off buying an LS1 and T-56 Trans but from there i'm not sure. I would need a custom wiring harness and LS1 Edit for starters. Find a pair of LT headers that clear the subframe and go into a single 3" exhaust. I would also need a custom driveshaft to bolt to my current Diff.
How would I go about getting the ABS to work?
What about the clutch master and slave cylinders?
Ive been reading this website http://www.vorshlag.com/index.asp and continue to wait to see their progress.
Any information you guys could provide to aid me with this project would be greatly appreciated!
I am not really worried about the mechanical part as I know it will fit, its the electronics that scare me.
There are a few un answered questions that maybe you guys could give me some pointers for.
I would first start off buying an LS1 and T-56 Trans but from there i'm not sure. I would need a custom wiring harness and LS1 Edit for starters. Find a pair of LT headers that clear the subframe and go into a single 3" exhaust. I would also need a custom driveshaft to bolt to my current Diff.
How would I go about getting the ABS to work?
What about the clutch master and slave cylinders?
Ive been reading this website http://www.vorshlag.com/index.asp and continue to wait to see their progress.
Any information you guys could provide to aid me with this project would be greatly appreciated!
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: NH
Start by getting the Helms manual for your donor LS1/T56. And a similar one for your BMW.
The LS1 PCM controls the motor. It talks to the BCM(body control module) very little. Just for starting/ theft deterent stuff. Which can be eliminated with LS1 or a VATS box.
The BCM controls body stuff, door locks, keyless entry, air bags, etc. There is also an ABS controller. Without digging into the schematics, I can't say how it works.
But, I would think that your BMW has a similar setup. I would keep all of your Bimmers controls and wiring in tact to control the ABS/Airbags, etc, and only use the LS1 PCM to control the engine.
Without schematics, you can forget about figuring it out yourself.
The LS1 PCM controls the motor. It talks to the BCM(body control module) very little. Just for starting/ theft deterent stuff. Which can be eliminated with LS1 or a VATS box.
The BCM controls body stuff, door locks, keyless entry, air bags, etc. There is also an ABS controller. Without digging into the schematics, I can't say how it works.
But, I would think that your BMW has a similar setup. I would keep all of your Bimmers controls and wiring in tact to control the ABS/Airbags, etc, and only use the LS1 PCM to control the engine.
Without schematics, you can forget about figuring it out yourself.
Did you check the sticky thread above, someone has been talking about putting an LS1 into a former 318ci car, I think it's Derek something.
I think the big stuff is obvious, it's the wiring stuff that will be a challenge.
A bit of a tangent but how much slower are the older M3's, like 95, vs a newer 99?
I think the big stuff is obvious, it's the wiring stuff that will be a challenge.
A bit of a tangent but how much slower are the older M3's, like 95, vs a newer 99?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Thanks 67ls1camaroprojcet, I will definatly start to look into the schematics on my bimmer manual and see what I can come up with.
I have talked to derek before, hes putting an ls1 into an older model 3 series but has given me some really good info. That linked website is also very helpful in that once they get their ls1 3 series running, they will be selling the parts needed for the conversion.
95-99 have the same performance in a straight line. With an average driver they will run a 14.0 flat.
2001 is the first year of the newer body style M3's. These will run 13.1's with an average driver.
I have talked to derek before, hes putting an ls1 into an older model 3 series but has given me some really good info. That linked website is also very helpful in that once they get their ls1 3 series running, they will be selling the parts needed for the conversion.
95-99 have the same performance in a straight line. With an average driver they will run a 14.0 flat.
2001 is the first year of the newer body style M3's. These will run 13.1's with an average driver.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Originally Posted by Gen3Benz
wow, those bmw's would really move with some low-end torque, the late model m3's need 7500 rpm to make peak power with that 3.6 liter. where's the torque?
The newest M3 e46 from 2001+ has a 3.2l. Also it makes 80% of its torque at just 2000rpm. Check out this 2001 M3 on a mustang dynohttp://www.activeautowerke.com/dyno/...1_M3_AAExh.asp
Trending Topics
yeah your right 3.2 liter
wow, its weaker than they tell you it is
i guess the 333hp@7900 they rated wasn't at the rear wheels.
does bmw have any boosted m5's coming out?
mercedes is eating them right now.
wow, its weaker than they tell you it is
i guess the 333hp@7900 they rated wasn't at the rear wheels.
does bmw have any boosted m5's coming out?
mercedes is eating them right now.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Originally Posted by Gen3Benz
yeah your right 3.2 liter
wow, its weaker than they tell you it is
i guess the 333hp@7900 they rated wasn't at the rear wheels.
does bmw have any boosted m5's coming out?
mercedes is eating them right now.
wow, its weaker than they tell you it is
i guess the 333hp@7900 they rated wasn't at the rear wheels.
does bmw have any boosted m5's coming out?
mercedes is eating them right now.
Of course 333hp isn't at the wheels, no car manufacuter gives HP ratings at the wheels, unless they underrate their figures. I would definatly not call the car weak. The new m3 isn't made for drag racing, as with all bmws, with its IRS suspension and high revving 6. It still pulls high 12's(street tires) with a good driver which is very respectable.
well then, why not stick an e46 motor in your beloved e36 bmx? too much money?
just boost your e36 with a supercharger.
why basterdize it?
allthough id be happy to install the LS1 into your car for a fee. just drive it to phoenix, AZ
just boost your e36 with a supercharger.
why basterdize it?
allthough id be happy to install the LS1 into your car for a fee. just drive it to phoenix, AZ
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Originally Posted by Gen3Benz
well then, why not stick an e46 motor in your beloved e36 bmx? too much money?
just boost your e36 with a supercharger.
why basterdize it?
allthough id be happy to install the LS1 into your car for a fee. just drive it to phoenix, AZ
just boost your e36 with a supercharger.
why basterdize it?
allthough id be happy to install the LS1 into your car for a fee. just drive it to phoenix, AZ
Theres nothing like a small block v8 under the hood.
All the superchargers currently out are centrifical and build boost quadratically. Don't build any boost until about 4000rpm. Also they sport a price tag of $5k-8k! Turbo kits, 10k+!
The e46 m3 motor would be an awsome upgrade, but it would take 5 years to sort out all the electronics. Electronic throttle and more sensors than anyone could imagine running that engine. Getting a hold of an e46 m3 engine/trans/computer would run a good 10k.
You just can't beat an LS1 for the performance/price ratio, let alone the wide support for aftermarket performance parts.
well, you CAN beat it for performance/price.
but it wont have the driveability and mpg like the ls1.
i dont know which i would rather have....boosted inline six
or gen III v8, they both haul ***.
building your own turbo kit would cost less than 10k though, even running aftermarket efi.
turbo'd car are damn fun to drive, just hearing the whistle is bad ***.
but it wont have the driveability and mpg like the ls1.
i dont know which i would rather have....boosted inline six
or gen III v8, they both haul ***.
building your own turbo kit would cost less than 10k though, even running aftermarket efi.
turbo'd car are damn fun to drive, just hearing the whistle is bad ***.