E30-LS1 (357): Beach Photoshoot, Short Vid, and Finished Buildup CD Info!

**garretvs** · 11-20-2009, 10:10 AM

Hi everyone. Finally got around to making this thread

First some pics and short vid (it was rainy and we only had an iPhone) then info on our build guide. I'll see about making another vid sometime in the near future

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMeujC-e1Uc[/ame]

As many of you know, my dad and I put an LS1 (aka aluminum v8 used in the corvette, cts-v, etc) and t-56 6 speed transmission into our e30. The main reason for doing this was a jump to ~350hp with virtually no weight gain due to the aluminum block, as well as uniqueness and fun of it, among others. There are extensive buildup threads which can be viewed here:

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=94451

or

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=699289

Problem is those are ridiculously long and hard to sift through for information. We took extra effort to document every little detail of our swap and due to the interest we have compiled it into a 22 chapter, 194 page PDF that goes through everything you possibly need to know to complete the swap. In the CD are step by step instructions, parts lists, suppliers, cad models and drawings, sketches, wiring diagrams, etc. We detail how to make engine mounts, exhaust, wiring, A/C, fuel system, radiator, intake system, drive shaft, hydroboost system, etc.

To get ahold of the build guide, just go on PayPal, pick the send money tab, and when asked for the recipient's email put in E30LS1@gmail.com We are charging $99.00 shipped. When PayPal notifies us we will send out the CD via USPS, and email you the shipping info. Don't forget to include your mailing info when on PayPal!

Obviously some teaser photos are in order so here they are:

Step by step instructions

CATIA modeling

Drawings

Sketches

Stress Calculation

Wiring Diagrams/Layouts

etc! Don't wanna lift the skirt too high so there you go!

Hope you enjoy the car and have had fun following it on the threads, or maybe even building your own!

Cheers
-Garret

(p.s. Mods - I messaged VacMan explaining that we weren't a vendor, just a dad/son combo who want to help further the e30 community with what we learned from our swap. He approved for me to post this. Thanks!)

**mateo m3** · 11-20-2009, 11:28 AM

sick

**E36 328is** · 11-20-2009, 01:47 PM

Truly amazing work! How wide are those rear tires?

**hefftone** · 11-20-2009, 04:00 PM

What a sleeper. Only folks in the know would know whats up from the License Plate... otherwise, if I'd pulled up along side, I'd give you a run,....and then end up getting spanked!
Very nice manual! I just wish it were for a LS swap into an E46.

**BRAAP** · 11-20-2009, 06:30 PM

SAH-WEET! Love the video.

And thanks for the CD, it arrived couple days ago.

**turbo325ii** · 11-20-2009, 07:37 PM

very nice! Its auto right? What ls1 is that? There are many many versions.

**garretvs** · 11-20-2009, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by turbo325ii

very nice! Its auto right? What ls1 is that? There are many many versions.

haha no it's a 6 speed

**eightynine535** · 11-21-2009, 10:10 AM

Next you should document an LS1 E34 swap. :P

**Demon Speed** · 11-21-2009, 11:47 AM

Did you make your own models of the LS1 block in CATIA or get the files from somewhere?

I'd like to have those in Pro/E. I believe you can get some of them from the SEMA info exchange program, but that's not cheap.

**turbo325ii** · 11-21-2009, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by garretvs

haha no it's a 6 speed

Atta boy!

**garretvs** · 11-21-2009, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by Demon Speed

Did you make your own models of the LS1 block in CATIA or get the files from somewhere?

I'd like to have those in Pro/E. I believe you can get some of them from the SEMA info exchange program, but that's not cheap.

We measured-up the block and heads, and modeled it in Catia ourselves. We used some public-domain info like the deck dimension. Same for the GTO oil pan. We thought about modeling the T56, but did not get around to it.

**F1SportsFan** · 11-25-2009, 02:21 AM

I looked at the first pic and thought "Holy crap, that's Edmonds!" I can't believe how well you guys did with the documentation. That's so awesome. Thanks for sharing!

**douglee25** · 11-25-2009, 09:00 AM

Good job on the documentation. It appears to be a very well put together piece.

Doug

**salty** · 11-25-2009, 12:39 PM

Really well done work with the info package. I hope it pays for your car's build costs. What does it drive like as a car you would drive day in day out?

**garretvs** · 11-25-2009, 06:04 PM

Steve uses it as his DD when the weather is nice. A/C & cruise control work, did not overheat in traffic last summer in near 100deg afternoons.

**bojang** · 11-26-2009, 05:33 AM

That thing is so awesome....

**garretvs** · 12-01-2009, 06:28 PM

Too bad we didn't know about the E30 gathering at the XXX RootBeer place in October!

**mvancE30** · 12-01-2009, 07:09 PM

did i read that right? only 350hp? or a 350hp increase?

**rao** · 12-01-2009, 07:27 PM

Well everybody knows the ls engines are weak.

**garretvs** · 12-03-2009, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by MikeVance

did i read that right? only 350hp? or a 350hp increase?

We have not put it on a dyno. The sources on factory LS1 horsepower vary from 325 to 340hp. Ours has headers and a very free-flowing exhaust, so we're at the upper end of the stock hp range. Bottom line -- it has plenty of power!

**hefftone** · 12-03-2009, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by rao

Well everybody knows the ls engines are weak.

Yeah, low-tech "dumb-mestics!"

**garretvs** · 12-08-2009, 12:50 PM

The E30-LS1 was featured in the Monday 12-07-09 "Piston Slap" column:

www.TheTruthAboutCars.com

Nice props, but it was amazing how the comments went off into the weeds!