Engine Swapping? Start Here!

**M5Hunter** · 09-23-2011, 05:43 PM

Last updated: 10/23/2012

So your swapping a non BMW engine into your Bimmer?

This thread will focus on the three most common swaps:

LSx, 5.0L and 1/2jz

Here are some tips, links and info to help get you started and keep the clutter of constantly answered questions out of our section:

Budget:

Probably one of the most asked question is "how much will a ____ swap cost?" There are a pile of factors that greatly sway the cost of an engine swap. A junkyard 5.0 swap can be done for around $2,500, or less if you can sell your BMW driveline. On the other hand, having a shop install your LS1 could cost you closer to $15,000. You should figure on roughly $7,500-$10,000 if you do the install yourself and $9,000-$15,000 if you plan to pay someone. If you come in under that, congratulations. I did my entire LS1 swap for about $4,000. I made my mounts for free using angle steel I had laying around. I made my headers for around $500, but keep in mind that I had over 100 man hours in them. I also bought my LS1 before the prices went to the sky. Keep in mind that there are a hundred little pieces your going to need that you dont even know about yet. Set aside some money for random trips to the local parts store.

Engine Choice:

Power isn’t cheap, bottom line. You’re not only paying for power, you’re paying for power potential. In "stock" form, any of these motors installed in your BMW will make more power and torque than your stock motor (in most cases). Before you start your swap, you need to figure out your main goals for the car.

1A:
Ford 5.0L
These motors were in pretty much the entire ford full size vehicle lineup. Depending on the year they made between 180-225hp and most were around 300lb/ft. The best option is to get one that came in a fox body car 87-93. Also the 95-2000 explorers had a better flowing intake manifold and the iron GT40(or GT40P on 97+) heads from the factory(although they are 8.8:1 compression ratio rather than the fox 9:1). Worth noting, the 87-92 fox body 5.0L come with forged pistons, '93 use hyperutectic. I've seen these engines complete go for $200 on more than one occasion. T5's to put behind them are pretty cheap, as compared, but also lack the ability to handle over 350lb/ft(or so) in stock form.

Positive:
Millions of these motors floating around on the cheap
Still major aftermarket support
Maintenance parts are cheap and readily available

Negative:
All Iron(in stock form)
Limited tuning options
450hp limit on stock block

1B:
LSx
Chevrolet "LS" series
LSx is a reference to pretty much any Chevrolet gen3 or newer v8 engine. These range from an iron block/aluminum headed 4.8L up to the all aluminum 7.0L LS7 and everything in between. We will focus on the two most "common" swapped motors.

LM7 5.3L
These are the most available gen3 motor. They are a iron block with aluminum heads and came factory rated 305-315hp and 315lb/ft. They have been seen in most Pickups, Suburban’s and Tahoe’s for the better part of 12 years. These motors are a cheaper alternative the the all aluminum motors and don’t weigh that much more. All gen3 and up motors are externally the same dimensions, have the same mounting and accessory holes. To run a truck motor in your car, you will need, in most cases, and F-body oil pan and intake manifold. Also, the F-body accessory drive offers the tightest fitting package. They normally sell for around $700-$1000 less the transmission with the harness and ECU. I've seen them cheaper from time to time.

Positive:
Millions of these floating around
Any LS1 bolt-on will work on the 5.3
Extremely reliable
Parts cheap and readily available
Many tuning options

Negative:
Have to invest in parts to make it fit
Iron block

LS1 5.7L
The LS1 was introduced in the '97 corvette and then made its way into the '98 F-body cars. The motor came in those cars up to 2002. They were rated at 345-365hp and 350lb/ft. This motor exploded onto the engine swap scene. Small dimensions, light(ish) weight and big power made this a huge advancement for Chevrolet and V8 engines in general. The aftermarket is over run by performance parts for the LS1. Simple mild head and cam swaps will net 400+ whp. Worth noting, 2001-2002 LS1' came with LS6 style intake manifolds and a better oiling system. Also, 97-98 ECU and wire harnesses will not work together with 99-2002 ECU and wire harnesses. The popularity of this motor and the limited supply has caused it to skyrocket in price the last 2-3 years. It was normal the see a full pullout with transmission for $2400 2 years ago, these days figure on atleast $3500.

Positive:
All aluminum
Major aftermarket support
Parts cheap and readily available
Many tuning options

Negative:
Price going up, availability going down

1C:
1/2jz
Toyota's power house for the Supra's. Both inline 6's, both came in turbo and non turbo versions. 1jz was 2.5L, 200-280hp and 185-268lb/ft and the 2jz was 3.0L, 220-280hp and 209-310lb/ft. These engine can be found in the Toyota Supra and the Lexus GS and IS series, turbo versions only came in the supra. These motors also have a huge following and have a large aftermarket support. These engines can be picked up for around $2500, less the transmission. These motors have major power potential with the right part combinations.

Positive:
Major aftermarket support
FI available from the factory

Negative:
Costly to modify
Must run an aftermarket EMS

Kits:

Engine mount "kits" are a pretty good chunk of your investment. They seem a bit pricey, but remember, you are in a market that doesn’t have a million people doing these swaps. Because of that, these parts are manufactured in low quantity which costs much more than making thousands at a time. The 5.0L swap parts are by far the cheapest out there. $210 spent will get you the motor and trans mounts and you can have the motor bolted in. The LSx mounts can be found for $900-$1600. A few companies also offer "LSx Kits" which will have other parts needed for the swaps including headers, driveshaft and even a radiator in some cases.

These kits range from $3500-$5500 depending on where you get them and what components you want in your kit. 1/2jz mounts can be found from $200-$500 in quite a few different places. The 5.0 can use two pass side factory style fox body manifold/headers for best exhaust routing. The 1/2jz can also use factory/aftermarket Supra manifolds without issue. Read carefully, there are no factory or aftermarket LSx manifolds/headers that will fit the driver’s side of your car, period.

Current LSx Mounts:
http://nahrods.com/
http://vorshlag.com/
Samberg

5.0 Mounts:
http://e36v8.com/

1/2jz Mounts:
The best place I have found to find these kits is on eBay.

Not all BMW’s have mount kits available. Here are a couple of members here that made their own kits and are willing to reproduce them for you:

LSx E30:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1404978

LSx E39:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1685796
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1769076

Swaps:

Helpful Links:

Payoff Links:

**koble** · 01-07-2015, 09:27 PM

are there any actual build threads of a efi sbf swap? Also how different are the 5 series from 3 series. I'd love to do a early 00s m3 or m5 but not seeing anyone that has done a newer style with a 302.

long story short before I purchase a car I would like to see what's all involved been doing hours of research but no real solid answers thanks.

**LSxDreamer** · 01-08-2015, 09:40 AM

I haven't seen any E46 SBF builds (you're early 00's mention) but there are several E36 builds including turbo builds. Not so much on the 5 series front from what I've seen. The swaps in general tend to be less common because "LSx all the things!"

**koble** · 01-08-2015, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by LSxDreamer

I haven't seen any E46 SBF builds (you're early 00's mention) but there are several E36 builds including turbo builds. Not so much on the 5 series front from what I've seen. The swaps in general tend to be less common because "LSx all the things!"

Lsx swaps are huge around here always had small block fords in fox mustangs, just burned out on the headaches from mustangs and wanna stick with something I know. I've got a factory explorer motor with a e cam and a 150 shot I was going to put in for the first year of the swap then I've got a little baby 306 I was thinking about doing after the car gets going, pretty easily runs low 9 in the 1/4 in the bustang.

is most of the wiring the same in the e46?

**ticomrdiligent** · 10-24-2015, 09:10 PM

Has anyone successfully swap a RB into any Bimmer ever before

)

**Jaxchrisfla** · 10-25-2015, 01:23 AM

There's a build thread going on right now in here.

**Badasblkbmwx5** · 03-23-2016, 04:39 PM

I am looking to swap a LS motor into a BWM E34. I haven't seen any information regarding this configuration so far. Concerns I have are; motor mounts, wiring harness from GM to the factory BMW and if any information is available regarding 4L60 or 4L80 transmission and driveshaft and using the stock BMW rear end. I would appreciate any help regarding the information above. The E34 is a bigger car inside and out and I am looking for any help. Thanks

**bdkawey** · 05-20-2016, 02:47 PM

not a bimmerforum thread but im nearly complete with swapping a 5.0 in my e28. I am the second person as far as I know to do this.

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=118198

**YungLumberjack** · 07-28-2016, 03:09 AM

Just bought a 1987 BMW 325i and wanted a V8 in it. I want the mustang 5.0 but I noticed the newer mustang engines having more stock hp so I thought why not go big or go home. Does anyone have any knowledge if like a 2013 mustang GT engine would fit or is it only up to '93?

**Venom13132** · 07-28-2016, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by YungLumberjack

Just bought a 1987 BMW 325i and wanted a V8 in it. I want the mustang 5.0 but I noticed the newer mustang engines having more stock hp so I thought why not go big or go home. Does anyone have any knowledge if like a 2013 mustang GT engine would fit or is it only up to '93?

Try to do a search for the dimensions of the engines online. I have found a lot of info on the LS engines and even the viper engine as far as dimensions. Im sure there is info somewhere on the sizes of the mustang engines.

The 2nd link has dimensions for the 2010 SC Cobra Mustang that may help some.

http://bdturnkeyengines.com/engine-dimensions/

http://southernperformancesystems.co...imensions.html

**Jaxchrisfla** · 07-28-2016, 12:19 PM

There is a coyote swapped e36 out there.

Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

**unnatrl** · 07-28-2016, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by YungLumberjack

Just bought a 1987 BMW 325i and wanted a V8 in it. I want the mustang 5.0 but I noticed the newer mustang engines having more stock hp so I thought why not go big or go home. Does anyone have any knowledge if like a 2013 mustang GT engine would fit or is it only up to '93?

Yes it fits, but it's A LOT tighter than a pushrod 5.0. If you want easy, go pushrod or LS. Personally, I love the idea of the Coyote.

**Jaxchrisfla** · 07-28-2016, 03:38 PM

Coyote swap in an e36. I'm sure it's even tighter in an e30

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ghlight=Coyote

**Venom13132** · 01-25-2017, 02:47 PM

E66 LS swap 😳😳😳😳😳 I want this 4.4 gone!

**LSxDreamer** · 08-05-2017, 12:37 PM

I'm sure lots won't understand, but I'm lusting for an E46 something fierce. I'm also cheap and not as financially sounds as some (lots of) people on here. I'm really at a loss on what path to pursue. I don't really have a craving for crazy power, just a compact, RWD sedan/wagon that's enjoyable to drive and _reliable_. You can find E46s every day that "have an engine issue I can't figure out" or have blown head gaskets. My question is would it be better/cheaper/easier to get the cleanest "with issues" sample I can find and just fix it, or gut it out for a bare bones 4.8L/4l80e combo (when also factoring in long term maintenance)? I'm not afraid of the transplant itself but thinking about what the fuel/brake/AC systems need to work properly makes me hesitant because I don't know where to begin on a parts list/estimated cost.

Sorry for the tangent, didn't really know where to put this...

**SmokeLaFLexico** · 11-10-2017, 12:08 AM

Hey guys. This article is very descriptive and exactly what I was looking for. I have a 1994 BMW 530i E34 with the 3.0 M60 that I just blew up. It was my first car and the guy told me it was mint condition, of course a month later all the band aids wear off and it's leaking oil and the head gasket it toast. I think I am swapping a 5.3 vortec into it. I can find engine no problem, but I was going to run stock transmission because I am on a budge and don't want to buy a custom drive shaft or even have money for another transmission. Where can I find conversion kits for the 5.3 to my 5 speed bmw tranny? Also does anyone know exactly what I need to get this done? Engine mounts, tranny conversion, stand alone ECU, anything else? Please help.

**Venom13132** · 11-10-2017, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by SmokeLaFLexico

Hey guys. This article is very descriptive and exactly what I was looking for. I have a 1994 BMW 530i E34 with the 3.0 M60 that I just blew up. It was my first car and the guy told me it was mint condition, of course a month later all the band aids wear off and it's leaking oil and the head gasket it toast. I think I am swapping a 5.3 vortec into it. I can find engine no problem, but I was going to run stock transmission because I am on a budge and don't want to buy a custom drive shaft or even have money for another transmission. Where can I find conversion kits for the 5.3 to my 5 speed bmw tranny? Also does anyone know exactly what I need to get this done? Engine mounts, tranny conversion, stand alone ECU, anything else? Please help.

you are going to spend a lot more money getting the bmw trans to mount up to the 5.3 block over getting a driveshaft made. I really think it will be more difficult to not us a GM trans.

You need engine mounts (trans mount, driveshaft). Engine computer and wiring harness. larger Fuel pump, c5 corvette fuel filter. full exhaust from engine back (or a hybrid of engine to your current exhaust). Cooling system (either new radiator or hoses that make your current one work with the engine). There will be a host of small items you will need. Keep your oil pressure and temperature sensors from the BMW block. YOu will need adapters to connect them to the GM block, unless you dont care if your factory gauges work.

**SmokeLaFLexico** · 11-10-2017, 04:26 PM

this makes sense, after more research it is pretty unreasonable to run stock transmission. What do you think would be the best idea for me? I am defiantly on a budge and I plan on running stock motor. I just want something cool and reliable. What transmission should I look into getting?

**Tictac556** · 04-29-2018, 11:57 PM

Any one dome a e46 xdrive with a larger engine swap? I would assume the m3 engine would be a easy one but I always thought a R32 skyline engine or a 1jz would be interesting. And sorry if this has already a conversation I'm new.

**Venom13132** · 04-30-2018, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Tictac556

Any one dome a e46 xdrive with a larger engine swap? I would assume the m3 engine would be a easy one but I always thought a R32 skyline engine or a 1jz would be interesting. And sorry if this has already a conversation I'm new.

an S54 from an E46 M3 would be a pretty straight forward swap on an E46 Xdrive

**CoyotE46** · 03-18-2019, 08:24 AM

add me up please! E46 Coyote Swap https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...6-Build-Thread

**Merlocs** · 11-10-2023, 02:05 AM

Can i put a 2013 528i engine into a 2006 530i

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