BMW E36 or E46 Chassis
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: PA, USA
BMW E36 or E46 Chassis I like the looks of the E46 but heard the E36 is 200 lbs lighter. I am also not sure the swap can be done in an E46. Thoughts or opinions on any of the logistics of this? Also, I was toying with using the motor/charger/tranny combo from a 2003 cobra instead. What do you think?
Last edited by blkta00; Nov 9, 2006 at 11:54 PM. Reason: Typo
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by blkta00
I like the looks of the E46 but heard the E36 is 200 lbs lighter. I am also not sure the swap can be done in an E46. Thoughts or opinions on any of the logistics of this? Also, I was toying with using the motor/charger/tranny combo from a 2003 cobra instead. What do you think?
E46 would be easier fit as the engine bay is wider, electronics might be a problem. Brief look at the an E46 wiring diagram suggests ABS/ASC are on the CAN bus network. Tach and speedo signal's look to be still hardwired as are the water temp/oil pressure and alt. charging.
No idea on the Ford swap.
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Drivers rear exhaust port location on the LS1 swap is very close the upper steering shaft u-joint. Stock location of the steering shaft will make this, I believe, impossible with the wider Mod motor. You will also have issues with the brake booster. I had to move mine 3/4" outboard to retain it. That is the limit you can move it. If you do the MOD motor you will probably have to use a remote power booster assembly like the older 540's used. LS1 with a magnacharger should work. I can take some measurements of the hood clearance at the TB which should be the only area of concern.
I have headers for sale in the LS1Tech classifieds
https://ls1tech.com/forums/lsx-parts-sale/605891-headers-ls1-bmw-e36-conversion.html
I have headers for sale in the LS1Tech classifieds
https://ls1tech.com/forums/lsx-parts-sale/605891-headers-ls1-bmw-e36-conversion.html
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: PA, USA
I hate to sound like an idiot, but when you say "Mod motor," you mean the Cobra motor right? If I go with the LS1, I'll probably leave it N/A. Weight is a big concern of mine so it seems like LS1 will be the direction I'm headed.
In terms of not being able to hook up the ABS / ASC, what is the CAN bus network. Also, the ASC is just the traction control right? I was looking for a way to delete the traction control function anyways, so that's fine by me. Also, do any of you guys that track race your cars still use the ABS? If I am using it for high end handling and track use, would there be any problem with just not hooking up those two things other than the warning lights that would probably come up on the dash? Also, how do you get rid of those dash lights if I decide not to hook it up? I know it's alot of questions, thanks for your help.
In terms of not being able to hook up the ABS / ASC, what is the CAN bus network. Also, the ASC is just the traction control right? I was looking for a way to delete the traction control function anyways, so that's fine by me. Also, do any of you guys that track race your cars still use the ABS? If I am using it for high end handling and track use, would there be any problem with just not hooking up those two things other than the warning lights that would probably come up on the dash? Also, how do you get rid of those dash lights if I decide not to hook it up? I know it's alot of questions, thanks for your help.
Last edited by blkta00; Nov 10, 2006 at 06:44 PM.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by blkta00
I hate to sound like an idiot, but what do you mean by a "MOD" motor
In terms of not being able to hook up the ABS / ASC, what is the CAN bus network. Also, the ASC is just the traction control right? I was looking for a way to delete the traction control function anyways, so that's fine by me. Also, do any of you guys that track race your cars still use the ABS? If I am using it for high end handling and track use, would there be any problem with just not hooking up those two things other than the warning lights that would probably come up on the dash? Also, how do you get rid of those dash lights if I decide not to hook it up? I know it's alot of questions, thanks for your help.
In terms of not being able to hook up the ABS / ASC, what is the CAN bus network. Also, the ASC is just the traction control right? I was looking for a way to delete the traction control function anyways, so that's fine by me. Also, do any of you guys that track race your cars still use the ABS? If I am using it for high end handling and track use, would there be any problem with just not hooking up those two things other than the warning lights that would probably come up on the dash? Also, how do you get rid of those dash lights if I decide not to hook it up? I know it's alot of questions, thanks for your help.
I only looked briefly at the wiring diagram for a 2000 e46, not sure the reason the ABS would not work as it should be a stand alone system, I think the CAN bus connection would be for the ASC to work as it runs between the ABS system and the DME.
As you have stated the ASC would be nice to loose anyways, but the factory ABS is something you want to keep, very high end. I run my car at the track and love the ABS, especially in the pouring rain.
Last edited by LS1 Swapper; Nov 11, 2006 at 12:01 PM.
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Everything is possible with enough money and equipment !
Here's my Car:
03 Cobra Motor into AC Cobra Replica:
Videos here:
http://www.cobra4me.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=320#320
and here's a FORD FOCUS also with an 03 Cobra engine:
but yes, the Modular Motor is HUGE compared against a SBF or SBC.
here's a picture of me next to my engine:
Here's my Car:
03 Cobra Motor into AC Cobra Replica:
Videos here:
http://www.cobra4me.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=320#320
and here's a FORD FOCUS also with an 03 Cobra engine:
but yes, the Modular Motor is HUGE compared against a SBF or SBC.
here's a picture of me next to my engine:
Trending Topics
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
Make sure you get a 1995 or newer BMW E36 if you still want to use the ABS. I did my swap in a 1992 and there are a couple of overflow hoses that come from the ABS unit that can't hook up to the brake booster. Other than that I have a Bosch Hydroboost unit that can lock up all 4 tires at any speed if I wanted and have excellent braking even without changing the calipers or rotors!
As for the warning lights, LS1 Edit is a helpful tool to delete those unwanted emissions equipment, like Evap canister and Secondary Air control unit. I still need to get LS1 Edit, but it can tell your computer to virtually look for only what you want, and is also very helpful if any aftermarket parts are used!
I would buy an e36 or an e30 before an e46. I love the looks of the e46 (we have one), but quality on them sucks. Each new model seems to be worse than the last in terms of quality.
On the positive side, if you really want an e46 and you keep an eye out, you might be able to pick up a 2000 with a shelled auto transmission for a song. The dealer wants 5K for a repair on a 10K car. You would have to swap over pedals if you want to do T56.
On the positive side, if you really want an e46 and you keep an eye out, you might be able to pick up a 2000 with a shelled auto transmission for a song. The dealer wants 5K for a repair on a 10K car. You would have to swap over pedals if you want to do T56.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Domesticated Euro
Make sure you get a 1995 or newer BMW E36 if you still want to use the ABS. I did my swap in a 1992 and there are a couple of overflow hoses that come from the ABS unit that can't hook up to the brake booster. Other than that I have a Bosch Hydroboost unit that can lock up all 4 tires at any speed if I wanted and have excellent braking even without changing the calipers or rotors!
Originally Posted by LS1 Swapper
Did this swap on a '92, '93 and a '94 never lost the stock ABS or Brake booster. The Ford Mod engine would be way to wide for an E36, the LSx Barely fits. Don't see how money would change that unless you cut the car down the middle and widened it...
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Domesticated Euro
How did you do the swap? I got my kit from Mike Collins at Nash Motorsports and it came with the Bosch brake booster. The original booster was too big and wouldn't allow room for the engine the way it was without being relocated. Anyways, the reason I said that was because in '95 they took out the overflow hoses from the ABS unit and deleted a sensor in the booster.
