LS1 vs. M62 in BMW E38/E39
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3
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From: Warsaw, Poland
LS1 vs. M62 in BMW E38/E39 Hi everyone,
I live in Poland, and have been studying LS1tech for some time (tons of information here).
I'm loosely considering swapping LS1 into BMW E38 7-series (740i with M62 V8), but first trying to get some more idea of "how worth of doing" it could be.
From all what I heard/read, LS-series engines seem to be great platform to build decent power in moderate $$$ - and I don't doubt it.
But putting that aside - what initial impressions I might expect?
M62 has 286 hp and 440 Nm according to BMW specs (which are said to be very conservative, and some people report stock M62 to put 300+ hp).
Providing the LS engine being a stock F-body/Vette LS1 (with no further mods, at least initially) - would there be any noticeable difference in how the car drives/accelerates?
My personal guess is that there might be little to no difference. I have a friend with LS1 powered '93 Caprice and we had a chance to race a few times. It was no sooner than at about 160 kph when he really started to leave me behind (however he had 2.57 diff ratio, compared to my 3.15).
But as I said - it is just my guess.
Since 740i shares the engine (M62 V8) with E39 540i, I would really appreciate any feedback from guys who put LS-series into E39 (I noticed a few such projects around here).
I live in Poland, and have been studying LS1tech for some time (tons of information here).
I'm loosely considering swapping LS1 into BMW E38 7-series (740i with M62 V8), but first trying to get some more idea of "how worth of doing" it could be.
From all what I heard/read, LS-series engines seem to be great platform to build decent power in moderate $$$ - and I don't doubt it.
But putting that aside - what initial impressions I might expect?
M62 has 286 hp and 440 Nm according to BMW specs (which are said to be very conservative, and some people report stock M62 to put 300+ hp).
Providing the LS engine being a stock F-body/Vette LS1 (with no further mods, at least initially) - would there be any noticeable difference in how the car drives/accelerates?
My personal guess is that there might be little to no difference. I have a friend with LS1 powered '93 Caprice and we had a chance to race a few times. It was no sooner than at about 160 kph when he really started to leave me behind (however he had 2.57 diff ratio, compared to my 3.15).
But as I said - it is just my guess.
Since 740i shares the engine (M62 V8) with E39 540i, I would really appreciate any feedback from guys who put LS-series into E39 (I noticed a few such projects around here).
ive worked on several 740 and 540i cars and i think it would be pretty close. id say the ls1 would run better its underated as well.
but obviously if you were going to mod it LS1 would be the way to go
but obviously if you were going to mod it LS1 would be the way to go
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Warsaw, Poland
Well, things are a bit different on this side of the pond - I mean, we do not have anything similar to your market for LS parts, etc., so one would need to have everything shipped from States. But despite that, I still agree with you. M62 can be real PITA just to maintain, not to mention cost of any performance mods. Also a BMW transmission (5hp24 made by ZF) would be a weak point in case of increased power.
would shipping be a big expense. pardon my ignorance but i have No idea. i ve done alot of maintnance on those cars and it is expensive and i could only imagine what aftermaket stuff is like as far as cost
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Warsaw, Poland
But there are still quite a few folks who own american cars here so it is not something unachieveable
The difference is, that BMW parts in my part of the world are usually readily available (I refer to usual/maintenance parts now, not the high performance). You'll find stock for stock, the LS1 will surpass the M62 significantly in power and torque. It's more on par with the M5 motor (S62?). LS1 has slightly less hp and slightly more tq. LS2 will surpass the M5 motor in all respects. LS3 is more on par with the V10 M5, with similar HP and way more torque.
Cost of mods, even after shipping and duties, and it's no contest. Besides, availability of parts for the LS will be less of an issue as you'll likely find ANY of the LS motors far less likely to need them (i.e. more reliable). Strap in a good cooling system, do your wiring properly and off you go.
BTW, any updates on this?
Cost of mods, even after shipping and duties, and it's no contest. Besides, availability of parts for the LS will be less of an issue as you'll likely find ANY of the LS motors far less likely to need them (i.e. more reliable). Strap in a good cooling system, do your wiring properly and off you go.
BTW, any updates on this?
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