LS7 Into an M3...
 

There is a local car where the stock M3 V8 is ruined and needs replacement, and an LS7 (for those who don't know, it's the 505HP V8 from a Corvette Z06) is one possibility being considered.

Opinions? Should he do the swap?

Why shouldn't he? Go for it! Sounds like a neat swap! Good luck!

sure

It makes a lot of sense in the long run will probably save him a lot of money
. Go big or go home ls9 ftw :p
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LS9 FTW

http://www.motorator.com/uploads/blo...e_Engine_5.jpg

:fuckyea:

if you plan to keep the M3, makes sense, best way to get 500hp. However, resale will be poor.

You should only go for it if you're going to keep us posted with pics!

well he can always sell it to a chick and her brother who doesn't know anything about cars. Just don't mention about the engine swap. :haha:

LS7: 505 hp at 6300 rpm and 470 lb·ft at 4800 rpm 7000 rpm redline 460 lb

S65: 414 hp at 8300 rpm and 295 lb·ft at 3900 rpm 8400 rpm redline 445 lb

even with improved "old" technology engine, on paper the ls7 sets the example that the bigger it is, the better it should be, however have you driven a Z06 before? 427 cu inch engine does not rev easily even with its forged titanium internals. To me I don't believe total power is the answer to everything, but it is the balance of the engine that makes the character of the vehicle. swapping the LS7 in would not be cheap either. your not going to find a LS7 laying somewhere in the junk yard and if you do find one, it will cost you about a leg or about $13K just for the motor, not mentioning the labour involved for custom engine, tranny mounts, drive axles, harness, bodywork, etc. What can you build with $13K into your S65 motor? most likely it will meet your LS7 power goals.

http://www.bmwclubuae.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3901

hmmm I guess I'll go with the S65. also note your resale value will be horrible with a LS7 engine swap.

This is in a race car. An LS7 new with tranny would cost same as the M3 engine alone. Mounts are easy to weld up and making a driveshaft from the new tranny to mate with the diff would also be easy. Engine runs on a Pectel ECU so no problems making it work with the LS7. And the LS7 tuned would be 600HP whereas a tuned M3 barely makes more than a stock M3 since it's so highly tuned from the factory.

Then there's the reliability factor..
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stellar idea!

dangonay: should of stated in your first post that this is for a "race car".

As a race car, there shouldn't be thoughts about resale value or emissions. all you would care is if you will win and how fast per lap can you do. Even though the cost will be negligible however if you are really thinking of putting the LS7 in, I'll recommend you to reconsider a LS2 or LS3 engine. building the LS2 will significantly reduce your "race car" build cost and with some work will also meet your 600 hp goal and probably more. Then again the owner may not have budget ceilings. It's good that he'll save alot on the other stuff when you do fabrication in house.

but most importantly, (not understanding what kind of racing you do ) have you read your rule books and what class are you going to run in? are you sure LSx engine with M3 platform is the ideal car to run in the unlimited class? food for thought.

Also, the "tuned" 600 hp LS7, can you define that abit more? I would assume running in umlimited class, you can do alot more than mild cams and heads. also buying a $13K LS7 is additional cost where as the owner already has a M3 engine in his garage (he just need to rebuilt it).

$14k brand new from GM, complete. I've seen built ones go for $8k used and complete swaps, with the tranny, wiring, etc. for $6-9k.

Yeah. it is just estimated number. the problem is not the number, but finding $8-9K cdn used LS7 in a good running condition.

$13,625 usd for the new crate + shipping + tax.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...2397_large.jpg


I've seen used ls2 engine for $4-5K cdn. and it is available when you look around.

Can't rebuild an engine that has a piston through the block. ;)

This isn't my car, it's a customers. Just throwing around a few ideas right now and no decisions have been made.
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LS7/9 will NEVA LOSE!

P.S. do you still have your 400+hp B5 S4? I remember reading your build thread from like 5 years ago.. LOL

how is the engine ruined?

what about the large BMW motors, like an older 12 cylinder?
That would make a 3 series scream!

2 posts above yours. :speechless:

Swap sounds like a nice idea. Is the bmw V8 not covered under warranty?

If it's used in racing activity you are sol.:whistle:

I was going to say go with an m70, I've actually been researching swapping one into an E30 for a little while now. If budget isn't an issue though I say go with an s65 for the power, weight balance, availability of parts, technology.. and I saw one on craigslist for $10k not long ago.

Whenever someone swaps an engine from one manufacturer into a different manufacturers chassis it bugs me, it takes away from the cleanest and purity of the car.

I think the warranty would have been voided by whatever caused a piston to shoot through the block, thats not exactly possible under stock conditions lol

Looked at other motors. The guy who tuned this engine is the same guy who did the first ever BMW V10 aftermarket tune. That engine, some may remember, went into an E30. It's hella expensive and in the end makes the same HP as an LS7.
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I get a laugh at the "old technology" comments, I assume that is in respect to some perception that overhead camshafts are some sort of "new technology".

Overhead cam technology dates back to the 1920's...
The first modern pushrod V8 dates back to 1948.

One is not better than the other. It's not difficult to make pushrod motors rev to 9 grand. Strong block, light rotating assembly, solid lifters and strong valve springs.

Dont be shy now what are you really trying to say? German engineering isn't reliable?