When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
This is my first go around with an engine swap (into my 1987 BMW e30). I have gotten relatively far but need some help as this is some uncharted territory and I don’t necessarily know the landscape all that well.
Thus far I have bolted up the the 5.3 LM7 (with 862 cathedral port heads) and mated it to an AR5 transmission with an adapter plate. I bought a Holley terminator X Maxx and wiring harness that seems pretty plug and play (wiring isn’t my strong suit as I am colorblind lol).
I have read some of the complications with the E30 and am prepared for them (brake booster, radiator, etc.) but where I mainly need help is figuring out what I could bolt up to this engine.
What I am looking for help on precisely is:
- what intake can I run? If I choose a factory intake (as they are cheaper) like one from an LS1/LS3 (with fuel rails, throttle bottle, injectors) will it bolt up to the 862 heads?
- will I need to swap out the front accessories as well? If so, is there a reference anywhere that shows what intakes match up with what accessories?
- this engine has a valley play with what I think are knock sensors on embedded on them - can I remove those and swap to a flat valley plate? Also there is a pipe that runs along top this (I think it may be called a “steam pipe”) should this be swapped out?
- and lastly, since tearing into this engine I have moved around quite a bit and may have lost some bolts to these accessories on the engine itself - is there a resource for getting these if I have lost some?
Thank you so much for any help, expertise or guidance!
I did a LS6/T56 combo into a 99 E36.
Here's what I did.
1. LS6/LS1 intake, fuel rails, throttle, mass air sensor and injectors. I don't believe the LS3 intake would work due it's rectangular ports.
2.I used 2002 Camaro front accessories. ICT makes some brackets that work well.
3. I built my motor/trans mount.
4. Because I'm cheap I fabbed my headers.
5.. Leave the knock sensors where they are.
6. There has to be a steam line that runs one head to the other and then connects to the radiator.
7. Bolts if want a stock look visit a GM parts place I think you can get still get them.
Pic of my 99.
For my E36 build I'm using this ebay intake, as the factory ones have gotten ridiculously expensive. Probably slightly lower low RPM torque, but you're driving an E30o with a truck engine. If you go this way, make sure you're getting the low one and the cathedral port, not the rectangular ones.
I'm keeping the truck spacing ( have not test fit engine yet, but I suspect it's shorter than the 6 cyl used to be. I'm using the LS3 water pump because the outlet is on the drivers side and it supports the truck spacing.
Accessory brackets are home made.
I'm using this ebay kit for Steam vents, plummed into the back of the water pump outlet.
I'll be adapting the Knock sensors to BMW/Merceded style ones (because I'm using a MaxxEcu), but keeping them in the setup. Knock sensors are your friends.
For spare bolts that you may have misplaced, these are common metric sizes that are available most hardware stores. Also most mechanics have bins of extra bolts. Some of the BMW bolts may also fit. I've got lots of BMW and Dodge bolts in my build.
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...
First LM7 Build, need some help 
