Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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E36 M3 - LS3/TR6060 Swap

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Old 02-10-2013, 09:11 PM
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Bolt on reinforcement plates yes...strut bar more than likely as well in the rear.
Old 02-11-2013, 07:51 AM
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OP, Let me know how you install the dbw pedal. I've seen a few post on bimmerforums, and youtube videos, but im still up in the air if im going with DBW or switching back to DBC. Are you going to use the ls3 ac compressor aswell?
Old 02-11-2013, 08:40 AM
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Yeah I am hoping to use the LS3 AC compressor. Do you know what people use if switching the LS3 to a DBC? Which throttle body and what is done with the PCM? Using a DBC would be a plus to then be able to use the e36 cruise accuator and not have to use something different to get cruise to work.
Old 02-11-2013, 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by jakeb
Yeah I am hoping to use the LS3 AC compressor. Do you know what people use if switching the LS3 to a DBC? Which throttle body and what is done with the PCM? Using a DBC would be a plus to then be able to use the e36 cruise accuator and not have to use something different to get cruise to work.

I think im going with the holley throttle body, because it comes with a bracket. If I go DBC, I will use a Ls1 PCM and Harness, custom built by Bill at BP Automotive. Not sure about your Ls3, I think you have a 58x reluctor wheel, but my LS2 is out of a 06 GTO, so I have a 24x reluctor already, so I just have to switch the knock sensors. My other reason to go back to ls1 is for cruise and AC. The LS2 ac compressor is controlled through the BCM Module, and I don't know if it's possible to make the ac work without the bcm module, along with not knowing if it will even fit yet. I think I could wire the ac on a seperate switch using a rpm window, but haven't really done my homework on that yet.

Last edited by bmwhybrid; 02-12-2013 at 09:41 AM.
Old 02-11-2013, 07:02 PM
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Yes the LS3 has the 58x wheel so I would have to use an adapter to use the LS1 411 PCM. I would rather use the LS3 stuff because I have it all. I think some people just have the e36 turn the AC on and the engine will adjust to the added load.

I haven't done a ton of research on this front yet.
Old 02-13-2013, 08:47 PM
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Picked up the brakes yesterday from rallyroad.net

They are big....14" front rotor and a 13" rear. VERY nice stuff



Old 02-17-2013, 10:07 AM
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Backing plates have to be trimmed a little bit to clear the new brakes.

You can see here how the fronts have to be trimmed.


I forgot to take pictures as I did the back but here is how they look after the changes.



Rear brakes just sitting on...I wanted to make sure the lip of the backing plate didn't need to be trimmed.



Reinforced the front subframe. Plates from rallyroad.net




Pile ready to go to the powder coater tomorrow
Old 02-25-2013, 07:49 PM
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Got the batch of stuff back from the coater. More will be going in a week or so...







Been spending some time cleaning the bottom off...mostly lots of dirt.






Front...passenger side before


drivers side after the first cleaning
Old 02-27-2013, 04:28 PM
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Installed the reinforcement plates around the rear trailing arm mounting points. The body was in good shape here but adding just just becasue everything is apart.

Cleaned up...


Before the plate went on it was painted with weld through zinc paint (sorry no picture)

Plate welded in place...I really dislike welding upside down. It's hard to tell from the picture but the openings in the plate are just about filled with weld. Also welded around the outside and inside perimeter. Tacked at the landing points for the trailing arm bracket. Had to use the flap disc to make sure everything was smooth.



Rear sway bar reinforcement installed

Before


After


Also pushed all the bushings out of the rear subframe so it is ready to be coated.

More cleaning on the bottom...this is after wire brushing and then washing with soap and water and a rinse.



Started painting the wheel wells



Old 02-28-2013, 07:22 AM
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Great job! I'm sure you will learn some great things for mine. Keep up the great work, wish I had the tools, skills, knowledge and time to try the conversion myself......never happen!
Old 02-28-2013, 07:44 AM
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thanks man!
Old 02-28-2013, 08:54 AM
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Gotta love the tedious work... atleast its cheaper lol
Old 02-28-2013, 07:15 PM
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Hard to get very good pictures but the bottom is just about half painted. Paint will end up a stain black.





From the back


Old 03-02-2013, 04:03 AM
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what a great car to get a ls3/t6060! I love e36's, good work!
Old 03-02-2013, 08:59 PM
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More done on the bottom....only one picture right now as the battery went dead right as I was taking the picture.

Might need a little touching up here and there once it is all dry. Bottom of the frame rails up front still need to be cleaned.



Can't wait to stat hanging new parts. Its going to be so nice with everything clean.
Old 03-05-2013, 04:58 PM
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Took the top off the engine crate. Going to start fitting it on Friday.

Man this thing is clean...it does only have 27k on it so pretty much brand new.







Old 03-08-2013, 04:52 PM
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Started fitting the engine today...

First of all the LS3 oil pan does not fit.
I happened to have an LS1 oil pan on hand (I knew it was a good idea to hang onto it).

Here is the difference between the two pans


Sitting in the bay






underside




Old 03-08-2013, 05:31 PM
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Damn, looks like it was meant to be there. lol
Old 03-14-2013, 08:39 PM
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hehe...yup. Like it came from the factory that way
Old 03-14-2013, 08:39 PM
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It sure is nice working with new parts....everything is so clean.

Gas tank is cleaned and about ready to go back in. Once the new fuel pump is installed.




Before...



Front Spindles
Before the bearings went on..new dust shields, etc


All put together (full torque once they are on the car)




Upper rear control arms, bushings pressed in


Rear Trailing arms, new bushings and wheel bearing. Just need to press the hubs in




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