LS1-powered Z3?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 44
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From: California
LS1-powered Z3? The wife picked up a 98 Z3 with the 2.8 recently, and surprisingly, its a peppy little car. It has the 2.8L, long engine for a car with a 96" wheelbase, and I cant help but ponder how it would drive with an LS1. I have been poking around it, but the wife always sneers at me when I do lol. I was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts, that means you John B, lol. Also if I were to do such a swap, how might I get weight distribution to near 50/50? Its currently something like 51/49, and something tells me the LS1 weighs more than the 6.
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Durham, NC
Re: LS1-powered Z3? Going from an L6 to a V8 will almost always move the weight distro back a sconch. And I would not be surprised if the bimmer and the LS1 were within 50lbs of each other. Is the 2.8 an aluminum block?
At any rate, one or two precentage points of weight distribution either way won't make much of a noticeable difference in handling.
At any rate, one or two precentage points of weight distribution either way won't make much of a noticeable difference in handling.
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Re: LS1-powered Z3? Sounds like a combo that would haul a$$!!! I like the look of the Z-3, it would be nice to see one with some REAL power!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
-Gordon
-Gordon
Re: LS1-powered Z3? 98c1500:
I am building a LS1/T56 powered 84 318i. The Z3 and the e30 share suspension components, and you can upgrade to MZ3 parts to handle the extra HP. I am not very familiar with the Z3 front crossmember layout, but there are different pans available to suit your needs. The Holden pan has a front drop, the camaro has a rear drop and there is also a dry sump pan available.
Like jeromio said, a v8 is going to move the weight dist rearward versus an L6. I know some of the Z3s have aluminum blocks, but I am not sure if the 98 2.8 did or not. TC Kline sells a Z3 carbon fiber hood which is 55 pounds lighter than the factory stamped steel piece. It's not cheap, but nothing good ever is. http://www.tckline.com/OPC/TCKROPC.html
I am building a LS1/T56 powered 84 318i. The Z3 and the e30 share suspension components, and you can upgrade to MZ3 parts to handle the extra HP. I am not very familiar with the Z3 front crossmember layout, but there are different pans available to suit your needs. The Holden pan has a front drop, the camaro has a rear drop and there is also a dry sump pan available.
Like jeromio said, a v8 is going to move the weight dist rearward versus an L6. I know some of the Z3s have aluminum blocks, but I am not sure if the 98 2.8 did or not. TC Kline sells a Z3 carbon fiber hood which is 55 pounds lighter than the factory stamped steel piece. It's not cheap, but nothing good ever is. http://www.tckline.com/OPC/TCKROPC.html
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 38
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From: Jackson, MS
Re: LS1-powered Z3? That would be a good combination. I bet the guy that provoked a race with me Sunday wish he would have had one. Minding my own business the Z3 pulls up next to me and revs up, down shifts and takes off. I guess he thought I was a fellow straight 6er he could pick on. I played with him a bit then made sure he could see my 33/12.5s spin when I shifted.
Larry
Larry
Re: LS1-powered Z3? 98c1500, do you know if the 2.8L is iron or aluminum? I would think that you could set the LS1 engine back a ways and also place the rear crossmember in such a way to put the rearward weight as far back as posssible to help with the weight distribution. Personally I don't think you'd notice a heck of a lot of difference if you're talking in the neighborhood of 100 pounds. Minor upgrades to the suspension, tires and wheels would certainly overcome this.
And besides......you won't have to worry about the handling....you'll be needing to worry about the traction <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
And besides......you won't have to worry about the handling....you'll be needing to worry about the traction <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
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TECH Addict
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,556
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From: Nawf Carolina
Re: LS1-powered Z3? I think its badass!
But you'd probably be best to find one with an engine fire or theft recovery or blown motor or something instead of waiting for the wife to take a week long vacation and trying to surprise her when she gets back
J.
But you'd probably be best to find one with an engine fire or theft recovery or blown motor or something instead of waiting for the wife to take a week long vacation and trying to surprise her when she gets back
J.
