Colin Christiansen

Hello everybody, so I am planning on doing a future build of an e30 325i with an ls based engine (probably the 5.3) and turbo it (only run about 8 psi) and im hoping to get 450-550 hp. I am wanting to build the e30 with an lsd so i can drift it but also street drive it. I am very good at fabricating and coming up with weird ways to get through things, so most things thrown at me I will figure out. this car will be my first major build and its going to be my learning process. i currently have an '03 330ci that i will be selling in the summer (friend of mine said he will give 6000 for it) and i will be working all summer for a friend of mine and ill make about $6000 or so. My budget will be about 7-8 grand for the LS/transmission/driveshaft/differential and anything else needed. i plan on doing a slow build. I am thinking about getting the t56 magnum, but im not sure what ls engine to get (lm7?) they are super cheap in my area. I dont need a ton of power, but i am hoping for the build to last a decent amount of time, and to be as cost effective as possible, but i will pay higher bucks for quality parts. (no im not going to stroke the engine as that is not good for turbo builds)

silvea

iTrader: (1)

If it’s a drift car save yourself the money. Go lq9 with 243 heads a nice high revving cam make 450+ rwhp na and enjoy it. No need to turbo for that power level

Colin Christiansen

I completely understand what youre saying, and although n/a would be cheaper, I am really stuck on boosting the engine because i want to have a longer lasting project and learn how to make turbo manifolds, exhaust systems, all of the lubrication pieces and everything. I have tons of free time and I want to make use of it. also, turbos are fun!

Colin Christiansen

also, where i live there is e85 readily available and 91 octane... no 93

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

I can certainly respect all that...with that said, why not consider a Gen IV 4.8L...like the L20? They have the good Gen IV internals...love to rev...and can be found relatively cheap. They also don't have VVT or AFM to deal with...Combine that with a BW S366 or S366sxe (maybe even smaller...say a S364sxe)...have fun...[insert turbo noises]...

Andrew

Colin Christiansen

the only issue with the 4.8 is its double the price where i am at... there is a 5.3 with only 108k on it for $500 whereas the 4.8's are hard to find... I can see one for 800 but it doesnt come with injectors, ecu, or harness. But if i did get the 4.8 should i be changing the pistons/camshaft/rods (pretty much anything in the bottom end) and what would i have to do to the 5.3 for around a 500 hp goal with a turbo?

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

For your power goals a totally stock engine with good valve springs will get the job done. Either a 4.8 or a 5.3...use whatever is available. Keep the turbo on the smaller side for instant boost and big skids...LOL

Andrew

Colin Christiansen

awesome, thank you very much! should i be running my car on e85 or 91? I want it to be a street legal badass drift car pretty much haha, will be driving it on weekends other than winter. I may also buy a second 5.3 to build up for ***** and giggles

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

**** if I know...is e85 available in your area? If so...then I would be inclined to use it...keeping in mind that it will have an effect on fuel pump and injector size requirements...

Andrew

Colin Christiansen

LOL... i can drive 2 min to get e85 because kwik trip is every 2 blocks where I live ill have to do research on fuel pump and fuel lines and injectors... I dont know much about running e85 vs regular gas

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

I used to live in Oshkosh, WI...so I know about Kwik Trips...

Sounds like you have a lot of reading to do with regard to a lot of things...

Andrew

Rudy72

iTrader: (2)

A build like this is simple and with some fabrication skills you can easily make 500 to the wheels and have the cam designed to get boost early to keep the tires spinning and limit your boost to say 6-8psi and make killer power without needing to over rev the engine, just keep your cooling system solid since actual ground speed usually suffers and fans don't always keep up with demands... enjoy

Colin Christiansen

do you know where you could buy a cam like you brought up?

Colin Christiansen

should i go aluminum or iron block? theres an aluminum ls4 on craigslist that had bearings and rings refreshed 20k ago with no ecu gasket or injectors

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

Aluminum blocks are good because you obviously save weight. The LS4 is not going to work because it has a different bolt pattern for the transmission.

Andrew

Colin Christiansen

didnt think of that! thanks for the info!

Colin Christiansen

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/h...347207257.html
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/a...320228767.html
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/a...358739665.html
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/h...370518549.html

these are the 4 main engines im looking at... might go with the "gm-block-cleaned-magged" (bottom link) because it looks really fresh... would probably buy 799 heads with it and then have to buy all new rods pistons crank shaft ecu and everything... just scared of the price adding up too quick

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

I wouldn't buy anything but a complete assembled engine.

Www.car-parts.com

Colin Christiansen

https://stcloud.craigslist.org/pts/d...340629077.html

this is in the city i live in so i may choose this... scary cuz 200k miles, do you think it could be decent?

Colin Christiansen

https://eauclaire.craigslist.org/pts...367576116.html

also found this crazy deal on "fast" parts... may need different injectors for e85 though