So I’m going to build my old E36 M3 sedan over the winter. I need to decided the details… I’m not really into BMW engines and bimmerforum seems to be a pain in the ass to get info.
A) Use the aluminum block 5.3L I have, making a forged lsx something with a t-56 6 speed manual. Might do a 5.7 bore with a 4.8 crank and try for 7500 rpms daily with AC. Either way an easy 400-500whp all day.
B) Forged BMW engine with E46 6 speed swap. The first step would be a forged engine and 6 speed swap. I’m guessing this would be about 300whp… the plan here would be turbo in a year at 500+whp.
My issue is I don’t know a lot about BMW engines… Should I use my 3.2L? Can I keep the factory crank and go forged connecting rods and pistons with a fresh head and stock cams?
How is the S54 swap? Should I grab a S54 to build and swap in, selling off my 3.2?
Any reason for the m3 requirement? If you are ditching the engine wouldn’t it make more sense to start with a regular e30 and avoid the m tax where possible?
I vote LS all day. I can’t wait to get to LS swap something
Not really, both directions will probably end up costing me about the same at the end. The only kicker would be that the turbo forged BMW route might actually end up making more power… but might be less reliable.
Coyote is a cool motor but its huge next to a LSx which makes swapping it into shit expensive and the motor + PCM is $$$$ since its not in everything like the 4.8/5.3/6.0 is
