Anyone done an LS swap in their BMW? Need some guidance!

BMW
1

I’ve been toying with the idea of doing an LS swap in my BMW, and I’d love to hear from anyone who has gone down this road. The thought of adding that V8 power is really enticing, but I have a ton of questions and could use some advice.

What I’m Looking For

  • Experiences: If you have done the swap, what model did you use and how did it go?
  • Practical Guides: Any comprehensive instructions or resources that I can follow?
  • Cost Analysis: How much should I budget for the entire project? I’m curious about the engine, transmission, and any additional parts needed.
  • Technical Insights: Any tips on wiring, ECU management, or any potential troubleshooting that I should be aware of?

Additional Thoughts

I’m particularly interested in knowing about:

  • Compatibility issues you encountered.
  • Whether you kept the original BMW drivetrain components or went full custom.
  • How the swap impacted the handling and driving feel of the car.

I’ve seen some videos and forums, but personal experiences can be invaluable, so I’m hoping to tap into the community’s knowledge.

Looking forward to hearing your stories and any suggestions you may have!

2

I’ve done a few LS swaps in BMWs. The LS1 is a popular choice for its balance of power and weight—around 350 hp and relatively light. The LS3 offers more power but adds some weight. What BMW model are you considering for your swap?

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3

I’m looking at an E30 for mine! I hear the LS2 can also be a good fit for those, but what do you think?

4

E30 is a solid choice! The LS2 has about 400 hp and can be a bit heavier, but it fits nicely with some modifications. Do you plan to keep the stock trans or switch to a different one?

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5

You might want to consider a T56 transmission for an LS1 or LS2. It can handle the power, and there are plenty of kits for E30s. Plus, it gives you better gearing options!

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6

What about the weight distribution? I heard adding an LS can mess that up in an E30. Anyone have experience with that?

7

Weight distribution will shift, but you can mitigate that with proper suspension setup and tuning. The performance gain is worth it!

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8

I was wondering how much wiring is involved. Is it a huge headache? I hate wiring!

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9

I feel you! The LS swap kits usually come with wiring harnesses that simplify things, but you still need to connect some parts. Just take your time!

10

Remember to consider which radiator you will use too! The LS engines run hot, and you may need an aftermarket solution.

11

You can also look into a Buick 215 for an alternative swap. Lightweight and can offer decent power too. Not as common, but it’s different!

12

Definitely interesting! But isn’t it harder to find parts for something like that?

13

True, parts for the Buick 215 can be more challenging. LS parts are everywhere! That’s a big reason why it’s the go-to swap. Stick with LS if you want smoother sailing.

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14

I’ve done an LS swap in my E30, and one of the biggest challenges is getting the transmission aligned properly. Custom mounts are a must! If you need specifics, I can share my setup.

15

For sure! Also, make sure to account for the weight distribution change. I had to tweak my suspension setup after the swap.

16

Wiring harness adaptation can be tricky! I recommend getting an LS harness from a reputable source and checking online for guides that can simplify the process.

17

Absolutely. I was overwhelmed at first, but taking it step-by-step really helped. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!

18

Has anyone managed to fit an LS3 in a Z4? I’m curious about the space issues. Any tips?

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19

I would think it would be tight, but with some custom modifications to the frame, it’s doable! Just gotta be creative.

20

For custom mounts, I ended up fabricating my own. It’s easier than it sounds and gives you more control over alignment and height.