I have some ideas as to why, but would like hear it from the guys who have already done it or who plan to.

Thanks

well for me its the best bang for the buck out there. my M just happened to be automatic, I bought it with the intention of swapping in a 6-speed. after pricing out a 6-speed @ $2500, clutch/flywheel kit that I wanted was $1000, miscellaneous parts a couple hundred more. I'm looking at 4k for jsut hte transmission parts. Then, I know I'm going to want more power....supercharger / turbo options even if you build your own we're talking a few grand there. I bought my LS1 engine / trans / harness for $4000. I have my six speed, and about an extra 100 hp....for less than the price of the BMW parts I was going to buy. for me, it was a no brainer.

Stupid fun :)

Stupid fun :)

Ha ha ha, exactly. Hey Roa how much power you puttn down with that 408 anyway. Its sounds pretty tame at idle, I'm used to hearing 408's with sweet lopey cams.....

Who knows 200 hp or so :lol:

I haven't had it on a dyno. The cam is pretty small because I wanted a nice driver.

Because it does not sound anything like an M20 anymore .....:alright

Monger, thanks for the reply. What are the gear ratios for the transmission?

well for me its the best bang for the buck out there. my M just happened to be automatic, I bought it with the intention of swapping in a 6-speed. after pricing out a 6-speed @ $2500, clutch/flywheel kit that I wanted was $1000, miscellaneous parts a couple hundred more. I'm looking at 4k for jsut hte transmission parts. Then, I know I'm going to want more power....supercharger / turbo options even if you build your own we're talking a few grand there. I bought my LS1 engine / trans / harness for $4000. I have my six speed, and about an extra 100 hp....for less than the price of the BMW parts I was going to buy. for me, it was a no brainer.


$4k for an engine/trans is one thing but what about total cost (swap complete and running) all the misc parts, motor mounts, headers etc
The couple of kits out there are priced ridiculously. Are you using a kit or building that stuff yourself ?

I thought it was common knowledge that we do this because all the women love it?!?

After reading some of the Vorshlag LS1 swap that would be a great reason to do it. In fact, that would be the only reason. What a sleeper that car would be for the money. Great idea.

$4k for an engine/trans is one thing but what about total cost (swap complete and running) all the misc parts, motor mounts, headers etc
The couple of kits out there are priced ridiculously. Are you using a kit or building that stuff yourself ?

I'm not using a "kit", I managed to get a set of block hugger headers to work so that eliminates a major expense. everthing else is off the shelf or slighlty modified

I would never drop an american engine in a german, even if it is a million times better. It doesnt make it a BMW anymore. It ruins it. I would personally never do it, but thats my opinion. BTW i hate american cars, so thats where this comes from...

:lol

I don't think anyone is asking you to tarnish the greatness of any BMW.

I know my car was ruined forever...:alright

For the E30 guys who have swapped in the LS1 or similar, how difficult is it? I know it is not easy, but as far as mounting the motor getting things to fit in what is it like?

Bottomline
















LSx swaps FTW.

I would never drop an american engine in a german, even if it is a million times better. It doesnt make it a BMW anymore. It ruins it. I would personally never do it, but thats my opinion. BTW i hate american cars, so thats where this comes from...

You must be well loved in Detroit dude! I will ruin my 318i with American LS muscle as soon as I get the chance thank you and I work on European cars all day long. Only fellas like roa ruin perfectly good authentic M3's, right roa, LOL!

You must be well loved in Detroit dude! I will ruin my 318i with American LS muscle as soon as I get the chance thank you and I work on European cars all day long. Only fellas like roa ruin perfectly good authentic M3's, right roa, LOL!

I actually know a bunch of people that hate american cars here too, but for the most part, yeah im hated cause i drive foreign. Every car has those stickers, "Out of a job yet, keep buying foreign!" American cars can look nice, I just had bad experiences.

Actually the only American cars I've owned are a Ford van and Expedition for the family cuz there are no foreign vehicles that size so I tend to agree with you but I'm talking about the LS1, no one makes a V8 that compares with it dollar for dollar hands down! I used to be a Dodge tech years ago and I freaking hated it so I switched to European and haven't looked back since.

Actually the only American cars I've owned are a Ford van and Expedition for the family cuz there are no foreign vehicles that size so I tend to agree with you but I'm talking about the LS1, no one makes a V8 that compares with it dollar for dollar hand down! I used to be a Dodge tech years ago and I freaking hated it so I switched to European and haven't looked back since.

I totally agree with you on the SUVs. They make decent SUVs, and the LS1 is a really good engine for the money. As a matter of fact, Corvette is one of the best cars you can get for the money, just i dont like them, and thats my opinion. I like to keep a BMW what it is, a BMW. And you guys are all serious about making your cars very fast, so why not? I just like everything about BMWs, thats why i am on here, and thats why i am going to leave mine as it is. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and thats mine.

For the E30 guys who have swapped in the LS1 or similar, how difficult is it? I know it is not easy, but as far as mounting the motor getting things to fit in what is it like?


Difficulty: 9/10. Civette's swap is more a 10/11 difficulty. Plugs, oil and filter changes are easier than the M20. Otherwise, there is no room left in the engine bay. The crank pulley is 1/4" aft of the back face of the cooling fan (Spal 16"; at 2.05" thick). The upper radiator hose clears the PS pump pulley by 3/16" etc etc The T56 shifter is centered in the tunnel hole. Do an E36 if you want to swap -- much easier, more robust chassis (E30 is a bit of a tin box)

You must be well loved in Detroit dude! I will ruin my 318i with American LS muscle as soon as I get the chance thank you and I work on European cars all day long. Only fellas like roa ruin perfectly good authentic M3's, right roa, LOL!

My M3 is so ruined too!

I'd rather have a lsx'd m3 then a FI'd 1. (way less issues, and alot better mpg's) Vettes get about 30mpg's, and they put 400+bhp. Its like having a e92 m3, but with 100tq more to work with. I wouldn't do the swap to a e30 m3, but to a e36 us model m3 without question yes i would........:devillook

The LS1 is I believe around 385 bhp, while the LS6 is 405 bhp (or C5)? Either way it's a killer deal.

Well my m3 is hitting 200,000 miles here soon. And I have been looking at doing this. Just because I want more power. And to turbo my motor I would need a new one with lower miles at least. And a built motor. We wont even go there. Then to turbo it were talking some money. But drop in 400hp N/A. With A huge aftermarket. And cheaper parts. Now were talking. Plus you would be the talk of the town. :stickoutt

The only thing I worry about are the chassis, they aren't the stongest. BUT, you can do the usual things to beef them up. How many miles are they good for???

Maybe this will help.
http://www.vorshlag.com/ls1bmw0.php

I would never drop an american engine in a german, even if it is a million times better. It doesnt make it a BMW anymore. It ruins it. I would personally never do it, but thats my opinion. BTW i hate american cars, so thats where this comes from...
I'm having trouble envisioning something a "million times better, ruining it"?

I will also say I'm not a big fan of American cars, though some of the old Mustangs and Corvettes (including the new Z06) are still great cars IMO. There is a reason we BMW owners went German, because they're better than most, in our opinions. So, putting aside who made the car and going for what you want is how we ended up with a German car. BUT, think about the reason for the LS1 swap and why. If what you want in a motor is not what BMW can deliver at the price, then why not consider the LS1 swap? You get the best of both worlds, a nice BMW but with the motor/trans you want. Hell, it's a sleeper and cheaper!

Bottom line, get what you want regardless of who makes it. Again, that is what drove us to German cars vs. American cars in the first place. I'm just investigating this whole LS1 swap but have yet to make any moves. I just bought my first BMW 6 months ago. Be open minded, though I can understand not wanting to put an American made V8 in a German car.

I will also say I'm not a big fan of American cars, though some of the old Mustangs and Corvettes (including the new Z06) are still great cars IMO. There is a reason we BMW owners went German, because they're better than most, in our opinions. So, putting aside who made the car and going for what you want is how we ended up with a German car. BUT, think about the reason for the LS1 swap and why. If what you want in a motor is not what BMW can deliver at the price, then why not consider the LS1 swap? You get the best of both worlds, a nice BMW but with the motor/trans you want. Hell, it's a sleeper and cheaper!

Bottom line, get what you want regardless of who makes it. Again, that is what drove us to German cars vs. American cars in the first place. I'm just investigating this whole LS1 swap but have yet to make any moves. I just bought my first BMW 6 months ago. Be open minded, though I can understand not wanting to put an American made V8 in a German car.

I understand, and that would be sweet to have in your car, but theres just something about it that bugs me. Hopefully i will eventually get over it. For the price, it is an amazing swap, but again, something just bothers me about it...

http://www.vorshlag.com/ls1bmw1.php

Heart pumping, jaw dropping fun with a reliable v8 engine roar and great handling on top of it.

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=16944068

How much power are LSX BMW guys putting out? What are the typical additional mods you can do to get more power for the engine, with it in a BMW.

How much are built engines, that put out like 500hp or so.

Yes, I have a lot of questions :)

Has anyone done this swap into an E39? I have been considering this for some time - I am really in love with the idea since doing a VFE stage I would be $6k for parts, and depending on if I do the work or pay someone to do it, another $1k or so.
I would love to drop in an LSx and then S/C or turbo it.

I have some ideas as to why, but would like hear it from the guys who have already done it or who plan to.

Thanks
Seemed like a good idea at the time, and the "wine and cheese" set get apoplectic when I pull up next to them.

Anyone swapped a LS1 into an E31? Where can I find a kit? Thanks!
MIKE

What is the usual course that swappers take in regards to tuning?

Tuning for most GM engines is easy because there are several very powerful tools available and a wide range of place s to learn or vendors to buy off the shelf tunes or custom ones.

I did the BMW LS1 swap because I wanted a good handling light 4 door with a lot of HP for cheap to use as a daily driver. In my analysis the LS1 BMW was the best deal for the money. I've put 4,000+ miles since the swap so far and I have not been disapointed.

I'm not a BMW fan though I'm liking my car a lot. I bought the BMW just to put this combination together. I don't give a crap about mixing brands or if I "ruined" a car. It's my car and I'll do what I want with it.

These baby's are crashed everday and more are made by the thousands. There is nothing special about a production car. I also am not a fan of GM motors. I am still not but I push on the gas pedal and it is wicked fast so it makes up for it.

On another note I may consider making an electric E36 in the future.... Now that'd be a different project :stickoutt

I did the BMW LS1 swap because I wanted a good handling light 4 door with a lot of HP for cheap to use as a daily driver. In my analysis the LS1 BMW was the best deal for the money. I've put 4,000+ miles since the swap so far and I have not been disapointed.

I'm not a BMW fan though I'm liking my car a lot. I bought the BMW just to put this combination together. I don't give a crap about mixing brands or if I "ruined" a car. It's my car and I'll do what I want with it.

These baby's are crashed everday and more are made by the thousands. There is nothing special about a production car. I also am not a fan of GM motors. I am still not but I push on the gas pedal and it is wicked fast so it makes up for it.

On another note I may consider making an electric E36 in the future.... Now that'd be a different project :stickoutt

You live in the same city Bimmerworld is located.

Glad to hear your reason for the swap. What about an LS6 swap? Much different?

I think an electric conversion for an E36 would be a killer project.

You live in the same city Bimmerworld is located.

Glad to hear your reason for the swap. What about an LS6 swap? Much different?

I think an electric conversion for an E36 would be a killer project.

I don't think an LS6 would be much different (just more HP). My LS1 engine (from a 2002 comaro SS) came from the factory with a LS6 intake and block (and ZO6 clutch if I remember right).

Yah bimmerworld is in Radford. I went by once but they don't really have a storefront. Just offices. Lots of nice BMW's in the parking lot though :D

Yah and electric E36 would be neat. I'll do an electric car it's just what chassis I use. I had such trouble finding the E36 I got for the LS1 swap (there aren't that many BMW's in this town) that I'm not sure I'll bother with it for the electric swap. Would be a nice car for my commute though.

Reason I ask about the LS6 is simply because it has 405hp vs. LS1 @385hp.

I guess a full electric swap might be better for a different chassis. Something someone will have to reasearch more about. Either way this thread is about the reasons for the LS1 swap.

The Ls1, Ls6, Ls3 and all of the other variants are dimensionally identical so for purposes of fitting the engine in to the car they are the same.

Aren't there crate engines out there, that are built for like 500hp, for a fairly decent price?

Where do you guys usually search/buy your LS engines?

Aren't there crate engines out there, that are built for like 500hp, for a fairly decent price?

Where do you guys usually search/buy your LS engines?

Local salvage yards and e-bay are the 2 places I look. (mine came from a salvage yard that sold it on e-bay)
"decent price" I guess that depends on the person. even with a crate engine would still need wire harness, computer, accesories, transmission etc. Buying a whole "drop out" assy seemed more cost effective to me. Some times good deals can be had on salvage commaro's take the drivetrain and part the rest.