My 5.3 E36 Turbo Build

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Jul 4, 2012 | 09:14 PM

ircflorida

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My 5.3 E36 Turbo Build

Hello all, I recently was able to accomplish one of my long time goals. My goal to one day own an ls1. I have had nothing but imports my entire driving life mainly Europeans, but have always respected and loved my domestic vehicles. The LS being my motor of choice and BMW my car of choice, i choose to combine the two to create my ultimate driving machine.

I picked up an 06 silverado 5.3 and a th400 with mods and decided to swap it into my e36 318 bmw. I am no stranger to turbocharging or performance, but i am very new to this world and would love all and any input anyone may have to give. My power goal is 800-900whp using a pair of precision 6262 turbos or a single 88mm.
All advice welcomed. Thanks.

My list so far:
precision turbo/turbos
areomotive a1000 eliminator or twin bosch.
2000cc injectors
precision 46mm wastegates
tial 50mm bov
custom air/water
ls6 cam
accufab 90mm throttle body
Not sure about pistons/ rods, intake manifold,torque converter or ecu/tune.
I do have factory harness and computer. Will update as i go.

PICS:

Apr 7, 2013 | 10:38 PM

Mateo M3

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Nice!! I have a 95 m3 with a 6.0 ltr & t56 running for over 3 years now, and the t56 fit tight in the tunel, how tight does that tranny fit? Also i want boost my car aswell, so please keep posting.. (let me know if i can help)

Apr 7, 2013 | 10:41 PM

denmah

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nice, i have heard the steering rack is a bitch with the drivers manifold clearance wise, cant tell how yours is,

Apr 8, 2013 | 11:03 PM

Mateo M3

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Quote:

Originally Posted by denmah

nice, i have heard the steering rack is a bitch with the drivers manifold clearance wise, cant tell how yours is,

Thats the hardness part of the swap, but since you are doing turbo might not be a big deal, i did a three joint steering colum, and it work great

Apr 9, 2013 | 12:00 AM

denmah

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what about facing the manifold backwards and doing a truck style merged kit and loop back around

Apr 9, 2013 | 12:05 AM

denmah

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i am looking forward to this!

where do you live, can i come over this weekend and finish it with you hahahah

Apr 9, 2013 | 09:26 AM

HRHohio

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Quote:

Originally Posted by denmah

i am looking forward to this!

where do you live, can i come over this weekend and finish it with you hahahah

Too funny! Love it. Hahaha.

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Aug 10, 2013 | 01:35 AM

Anti_Venom99

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Subscribed!

Aug 12, 2013 | 05:35 PM

#10

unnatrl

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo M3

Thats the hardness part of the swap, but since you are doing turbo might not be a big deal, i did a three joint steering colum, and it work great

^ This was the key to making a very similar setup fit in my car.

Any updates on progress? I'm curious to see if you we're able to make this work with the turbo mounted up high.

Aug 12, 2013 | 08:50 PM

#11

gnx7

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Samberg Fabrication makes a pretty trick e36 LSx swap steering shaft solution... not sure how it will work for your turbo setup though.

Oct 15, 2013 | 01:48 PM

#12

unnatrl

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Updates?

Dec 5, 2018 | 11:03 AM

#13

C_hoff

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98 325is 350 t56

Just subscribed I’ve got an e36 with a carborated 350 small ball an t56 that I want to swap a turbo 5.3 and I was just wondering what intercooler you used I plan on using a garret hx35 (Stock second gen Cummins turbo) any parts list or tips would be great