Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Thinking about putting an LS7 into my e46 M3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 07:39 PM
  #21  
Obioban's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by E36LUVA
The LS7 swap would be awesome and it would work great with a Speartech harness but the rest of the car will not like it at all because of the CAN system. Your ABS, Tranction, HVAC system would be so confused that they probably wont work at all. You'll end up messing up the whole car. It'll make a great race car where all those items wont matter but as a street car forget it.
Those are not sacrifices I'm willing to make.

I'm contacting some BMW specific tuning shops to see if they have interest in dealing with that end of things...
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 07:40 PM
  #22  
Sabre002's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
Default

Originally Posted by Obioban
why would i need to change the speedo at all? I would think it's wheel speed based, not engine based?
Because I'm more then sure that the pulses per min from a BMW are not the same as a GM sensor. You will not have to chnage the speedo you just need a dakota digital box to convert the signal for you. Wheel speed sensors are more for ABS and traction control operation not the speedo.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 07:45 PM
  #23  
Sabre002's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
Default

And guys you are letting this CAN data bus system scare you. I'm a Audi tech and its not that big of a deal once you know what it does... the car still uses very similar controllers, and actuators it just use this CAN system to get information to them much faster. I'm sure there is a way to over lap the ECM from the BWM to keep all the systems working as normal and turn off the engine controls, just like in tuning a LS1 when you delete functions the read as ready
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 07:58 PM
  #24  
MattP's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Default

LS2 based engine ECM's are CAN compliant. You will need to do a lot of research to see if the protocol is robust enough to allow the GM ECM to talk to all the BMW modules.

In regards to wheel speed the sensor is located in the diff. On my E36 I didn't have to change anything. The GM ECM already outputs the appropriate pulse train for the Tach on a 6 cyl. For your sake, I hope the same is true of the E46.

Apparently LS2Edit has some ability to modify the CAN portion of the GM ECM. Maybe with a lot of research you can make it work.

Matt
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 08:08 PM
  #25  
Obioban's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by MattP
LS2 based engine ECM's are CAN compliant. You will need to do a lot of research to see if the protocol is robust enough to allow the GM ECM to talk to all the BMW modules.

In regards to wheel speed the sensor is located in the diff. On my E36 I didn't have to change anything. The GM ECM already outputs the appropriate pulse train for the Tach on a 6 cyl. For your sake, I hope the same is true of the E46.

Apparently LS2Edit has some ability to modify the CAN portion of the GM ECM. Maybe with a lot of research you can make it work.

Matt
do you have a link to LS2edit? when I search for it I get lots of people talking about it on forums but I'd like a company page. Thanks
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 08:11 PM
  #26  
Sabre002's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
Default

LSX Edit
http://carputing.tripod.com/

I would also talk to the guys at HP tunners as well they might have something as well.
http://www.hptuners.com/

EFI live
http://www.efilive.com/
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 08:15 PM
  #27  
Obioban's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Default

Those are all for engine tuning... I don't understand how they will help the car talk to the engine?
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 08:18 PM
  #28  
Sabre002's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
Default

You need to talk to them, that is what they are there for. They will have that answer not me.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 08:27 PM
  #29  
Obioban's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks, will call them tomorrow
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 08:30 PM
  #30  
Cam72aro's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land, Tx
Default wheel speed

Originally Posted by Sabre002
Because I'm more then sure that the pulses per min from a BMW are not the same as a GM sensor. You will not have to chnage the speedo you just need a dakota digital box to convert the signal for you. Wheel speed sensors are more for ABS and traction control operation not the speedo.
Sorry buddy, but you are wrong on this one. I am a MASTER BMW tech as I stated above and the left rear wheel speed is what is used for the speedo. Not just for the abs and dsc, ie traction control. Can networks for audi are not the same thing as bmw. We sent massive amounts of data over a 2 wire can bus consisting of can high and can low. It isnt just one set of info, it is many, many, many different signals from many contorl units. That e46 m3 has more control units than most people think. It is not sofisticated as an e65, 745 but still pretty complex for the normal person. THe e65 is called that because it has 65 control unit, or computers on it. I agree with the post about it being a race car. If it was then all this would be ok, but I dont think that is what he wants. I wouldnt do it. I would put a turbo kit on it. You can easily put down 500hp to the wheels and still have everything working properly. My 2 cents, hope it helps, Josh
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 08:37 PM
  #31  
MattP's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Default

CAN is a serial protocol for control modules to relay information back and forth. If the brake module or DCS module needs to know the position of the throttle and which gear the transmission is in, for example, to make decisions appropriate for its job it can get the information from the other modules on the CAN. If GM and BMW are both CAN compliant and requesting the same information, they should be able to talk to each other. I can't promise anything, but this was the purpose of the protocol in the first place.

Matt
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 08:58 PM
  #32  
LS1 Swapper's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Default

I've wondered this myself, my understanding though is that the protocol is a standard format but the identifiers, which can be different sizes, are manufacturer specific. As are data speeds. I would be very concerned about things like air-bags and creating faults by trying to interface the can buses. Future will be aftermarket interface modules that allow the two systems to talk. I set these up for industry for a living and I can tell you it would be a real challenge without intimate knowledge from both manufacturers(good luck).

You would have to ensure that the BMW ECU remains in the car and it is still hooked up to the critical signals from the engine/car(tricking the ecu and chassis into thinking the S54 is still running the show). This would be a major undertaking to attempt with the real possibility that it would never work completely. Race car, sure easy, street car with all working features, doubtful.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 09:00 PM
  #33  
Sabre002's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
Default

Originally Posted by Cam72aro
Sorry buddy, but you are wrong on this one. I am a MASTER BMW tech as I stated above and the left rear wheel speed is what is used for the speedo. Not just for the abs and dsc, ie traction control. Can networks for audi are not the same thing as bmw. We sent massive amounts of data over a 2 wire can bus consisting of can high and can low. It isnt just one set of info, it is many, many, many different signals from many contorl units. That e46 m3 has more control units than most people think. It is not sofisticated as an e65, 745 but still pretty complex for the normal person. THe e65 is called that because it has 65 control unit, or computers on it. I agree with the post about it being a race car. If it was then all this would be ok, but I dont think that is what he wants. I wouldnt do it. I would put a turbo kit on it. You can easily put down 500hp to the wheels and still have everything working properly. My 2 cents, hope it helps, Josh
Ok but my info still applies here it will need something to convert the signal IF they are not the same. We don’t need to get into a pissing contest on who remembers the most from training; that is what the books are for. I'm just giving words of encouragement.


Does BMW not use a bosch based CAN system?

Here are just somethings I have pulled on Bosch
http://researchinfo.bosch.com/conten.../html/5197.htm

I want to say that GM use Delphi, this might casue some issues.
Here is some Delphi info as well
http://www.delphi.com/pdf/techpapers/1999-01-1277.PDF

Josh

Last edited by Sabre002; Feb 5, 2007 at 09:12 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 09:17 PM
  #34  
slick1851's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,265
Likes: 1
From: CHITOWN
Default

The 6cyc in your car is great....why wouldnt you just mod that???
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 06:26 AM
  #35  
Cam72aro's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land, Tx
Default not turning this into a contest

I dont feel that you see the reality of what is involved in this swap. You are giving false hope. Bmw does use Bosch, but like above posts, transfer rates vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The best way would be to leave the stock s54 dme in place, but making it think that the engine is running when it isnt there is going to be strange. FOr the fifth time, mod the stock engine and be happier. Leave the ls7 for something that would be realistic. I dont know an easier way to put this, the swap isnt going to happen. Let it rest!!!! Give up.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 07:36 AM
  #36  
Sabre002's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
Default

So if finally comes out. I think it just pisses you off being a BMW tech and someone taking about removing the legendary BMW strait 6 from this M3. You don’t even want someone to attempt this. Sounds just like all the guys over on RX7 Club to me don’t put a LS1 in a RX7 it was not meant for it.


I still think if some real homework is done on this it can be done just because a BWM tech thinks it will never happen does not mean it can't. Now I'm not going to lie and say it will be easy or strait forward and you might be on you own for most of the wiring and electrics. I would talk to the people that really know what they are doing with this type of thing talk to the companies that do this everyday I'm sure someone will have the answers you a looking for.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 08:20 AM
  #37  
Cam72aro's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 1
From: Sugar Land, Tx
Default bmw

Originally Posted by Sabre002
So if finally comes out. I think it just pisses you off being a BMW tech and someone taking about removing the legendary BMW strait 6 from this M3. You don’t even want someone to attempt this. Sounds just like all the guys over on RX7 Club to me don’t put a LS1 in a RX7 it was not meant for it.


I still think if some real homework is done on this it can be done just because a BWM tech thinks it will never happen does not mean it can't. Now I'm not going to lie and say it will be easy or strait forward and you might be on you own for most of the wiring and electrics. I would talk to the people that really know what they are doing with this type of thing talk to the companies that do this everyday I'm sure someone will have the answers you a looking for.
It doesnt **** me off. I dont own a bmw, I own chevys. I just work on bmws for the money. I just didnt want a misperception of the difficulty of this project. The problem is that no one has done this swap and for someone without alot of bmw experience it would be difficult. Please dont compare me to the rx7 guys. If you look in my sig I have a camaro. Was a 72 camaro meant for an Ls1???? Answer, no. I am not trying to argue with you about this subject, just trying to debate the downsides of doing it, that all. I enjoy this type of technical discussion. Josh
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 05:01 PM
  #38  
Sabre002's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, SC
Default

Sweet then I'm all for this is just sounded like you were so one sided on this becasue you work on BMW's.

I still think this would be a great undertaking and I would love to do one my self, I life for doing stuff like this. This is going to take some real home work, You will more then likely need a BMW service book or I'm sure you have a program similar to what I have audi Aesis. It is full of all the info you would need on how everything works on that M3. Also you will need to talk with someone like the guys from LS1 EDIT or HP Tunners to see how to go about getting the electronics to all work together.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 05:46 PM
  #39  
LS1 Swapper's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Sabre002
Sweet then I'm all for this is just sounded like you were so one sided on this becasue you work on BMW's.

I still think this would be a great undertaking and I would love to do one my self, I life for doing stuff like this. This is going to take some real home work, You will more then likely need a BMW service book or I'm sure you have a program similar to what I have audi Aesis. It is full of all the info you would need on how everything works on that M3. Also you will need to talk with someone like the guys from LS1 EDIT or HP Tunners to see how to go about getting the electronics to all work together.
Josh is just being honest and realistic, this swap with full working E46 chassis components isn't going to happen without spending tons of money with experts or having close factory ties that allow access to this sort of information. The BMW factory information available to a BMW Tech or Dealership isn't going to get indepth enough to help.

These electronic systems are very complex and the integration is immense, as I've said above, tricking the setup is the simplest path, I think it could be done as the LS1 PCM is stand alone. The key would be finding out what signals the BMW ECU has to receive, a corvette PCM with drive by wire TB could be made to work with the BMW pedal.

Also there are much better/cheaper paths then starting with an LS7
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 06:28 PM
  #40  
super_fro_daddy's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
20 Year Member
iTrader: (29)
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: 906 (Sault Ste. Marie MI)
Default

Dinan M5

I'm not sure how/if this helps any but look at what Dinan (arguably one of the top BMW tuners around) had to go through to get the electronics sorted out. I'm not here to say whether you should or shouldn't do this, just maybe trying to calm the waters a bit.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:41 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
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.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
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...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE