M3 Muscle

I have been waiting for Voshlag's LS T-56 swap in an E36. I am going to drop a LS2 in my '98 M3. I was wondering who here has done this swap (any LS motor)? What are you impressions of it? Did it an any way affect the handling? Tell me everything!!!

jfman

iTrader: (6)

Do a search the is one or two that have done it.

M3 Muscle

I have...I am wanting more info than I found. In particular the handling balance and over/understeer compared to stock.

jfman

iTrader: (6)

I read that the ls1 is actualy a little bit lighter than the 3.2 I-6

Thaniel

iTrader: (2)

From my limited searching on this site I have found
LS1 Swapper
Domesticated Euro
MattP

JoeZ did a Z3

There are probably others but since I'm on dail-up right now my search is probably not too detailed.

Thaniel

iTrader: (2)

Oh forgot
jcarp - beautiful job. However the car wrecked and was parted out.

M3 Muscle

It is close to the same weight...I think about 10-20 lbs heavier minus the tranny.

redmist

I could see (and encourage) putting one in a 325 but an M3?
I would just do a 1st class turbo install.

Thaniel

iTrader: (2)

Here is another:

nash8503 - Mike collins. He's done a few E36 swaps and sells kits.

M3 Muscle

Why not an M3? Better suspension, stronger rear end, stronger axles, and when I sell the motor it is worth more than a 325...plus it looks better. But most of all...I already own one. I did consider a Boost Logic kit. It took me about a year to decide between the two, but in the end I love the American V8 and bullet proof T56. The other factor is that my friends own a '06 GTO and the other a '04 CTS-V.

E36LUVA

There are a bunch of guys doing these swaps but they all appear to be one offs. No real kits exist I guess cuz of the wiring differences between the years 95-99. Everyone who's done em appear to be thrilled by the results as the LS1 doesn't upset the balance of that wonderfull chassis. You're also starting with a great car. It has all the goodies already including the reinforced chassis. Are you going to do it your self or is someone else going to do the work for you. Be prepared to spend big bucks if someone else is doing the work. Go for it man. Good luck.

Thaniel

iTrader: (2)

[QUOTE=E36LUVA]Tired of being blown away by moms in thier minivans. Future LSX swap candidate..... [QUOTE] (from signature)

rao

iTrader: (18)

Mine is in process.

M3 Muscle

I don't have the time to do the fab work, but I will be installing it. I want to buy the Vorshlag kit once it is available. They are estimating mid 2007. To me it looks first rate.

E36LUVA

The Nash kit looks pretty good also especially those headers and he also started out with a 318 and he uses alot of good used parts from different manfacturers like the Mustang Hydraboost and the Ebay bought Explorer rear end. The guy overcame a great lose with death of his son and appears to be doing well with his kit. I'm surprised he's not on here talking about the work he's done.

93Polo

iTrader: (5)

I would like to see the E36 conversions become as easy as the Rx7 conversions.

I have read that some of the E36 V8 swaps using 5 series V8s shift the motor to the side to clear steering llinkage. Do the LSx swaps do this? Does anyone offer all the needed wiring for a 95 M3?

philntx

iTrader: (8)

http://www.nash8503.com/

erikerikerik

the nash kit dose, but its still with in running tolerance of the LS1 engine. the biggest problem.

I've seen the other kits, and there is suposibly 1 in the works in the 3~5k rang.
as for stand alone electrical kits, depends on what engine the E36 was packing before the swap. but general price I've been quoted by builders is $800!!!!

M3 Muscle

The only major problem that I have found with the Nash kit is that the motor is offset to clear the steering shaft. I'm not a big fan of that. The Vorshlag kit will include a new steering shaft that is a smaller OD so that the motor can be centered.

Thaniel

iTrader: (2)

If I understand the steering shaft design the OEM BMW shaft is designed to be collapsible for crash protection. Replacing it with a solid shaft makes me nervous.

What are your concerns with offsetting the engine? (Don't say weight balance since most cars only have one occupant that shifts the weight to the driverside )