E39 touring LS swap project

[RVAE34]

I figured I should start a build thread as my other thread is titled like I am still searching.

So as a recap, I sold my 92 E34 M52 turbo after 7 years of ownership. It was a great car and I will truly miss it but after it's completion, I found myself bored and with the desire for more power.

My good friend Clay (357i) had an S/C'd LS1 in his E36 and I became a convert I just love the sound and feel of the GM V8 in the BMW and knew that was the route I wanted to go. Unfortunately, he wrecked his E36 when the radiator hose blew on the track and so he chose the E39 for his next platform. Having always wanted to do an E39 touring, I felt I should join him on this journey.

The day I got funds for my E34, I found a FS ad for a clean 99 "individual car" E39 528it. I didn't want to rush into anything as I had really wanted an alpine/blk leather one but the Mojave brown was just too cool to pass up.

I bought it the next week.

I have since ordered the LSx I6 install brackets for engine and trans mount as well as ceramic coated headers from Jesus Freak.

The motor will be a brand new crate iron block LSX 427 making 550hp N/A!!! I plan on going with a new TR6060 if the budget will allow.

I also ordered a front set of Fortune Auto M5 coilovers and will go with lowering springs and Koni yellows in the rear.

My apologies for starting a new thread but I figure many might overlook the old as it seems like a noob post This thread shall have lots of photos and fun for all.

[Jason5driver]

Aw yes...
I remember you and your incredible E34...!
Love that car...!
Too bad you sold it...
That car was timeless IMO.

The Touring looks pretty cool, and I like the uniqueness too!
Should be pretty interesting to see the progress...!

Thanks!
Jason

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

Subscribed !

This will be a very interesting one to watch for sure and I wish you all the best in that things work and go smoothly for the conversion! I want to do 'something' with my Touring when funds allow and currently split 75% to S62 and 25% to LS something!

If there's any bits you come across you may need from over here in the UK, let me know as there's various BMW breakers I know aside from the larger known ones.

As per the Touring thread, I think classy, subtle yet suitably different aesthetics and modifications would be the way to go, unless you want the super sleeper type look?!

Cheers, Dennis!

[rancor]

subscribed love the color, im sure you will ens up with a very unique end product

Sent from my microwave using BF.com

[jp5Touring]

I saw the posts of the other cars you have done. Should turn out Nice
Loved the Datsun,

Looking foward to this build !!
good luck
subscribed

[rao]

You are ripping the soul out of this car I hope you are happy.

[RVAE34]

I like turtles.

[JimLev]

Nice project, I'm subscribed.
Make sure you leave the 528 emblem on the rear.
Smoking a few Vetts and M5s should be fun.

[MattG60]

I too am subscribed! Cant wait to see the progress

I decided to keep my car btw

[RVAE34]

Probably for the best Did you ever find out what the issue is?

With a 550hp motor, I am leaning towards creating my own 550it badge

[Johntee540]

Adding my .13 cents from the other thread. Keep it a sleeper and understated like you did the e34. Nothing too wild on the exterior. Just add mad power and the 5 speed. Do the suspension and nothing else. Well add M5 Bumpers and the new badge on the tailgate. But then that's it! That is all. - JT

[i318i]

Best color ever!
Good luck and subscribed

[RVAE34]

Awww yeah. So the motor has been ordered. He threw in a free F body new acc kit I also ordered a brand new TR6060 and clutch kit. This is exciting.

[Archhibb]

Subscribed! This is gonna be awesome.

[5mall5nail5]

Subscribed so I can criticize all the dirty parts that you should send to me for clean up :P

[MattG60]

Yes it was a faulty intake hose. Had a tear in it, $25 fix

[RVAE34]

That's terrific

[RVAE34]

Ordered this today

http://www.autokraft.org/products/

[TriniSpeC]

why you tearing apart a individual car?

[DennisCooper]

why you tearing apart a individual car?

Why not?!

The only Individual aspects seem to be the exterior colour and perhaps the interior dash trims. Else, it just seems to be a 12/13 year old Touring !

Even if it was a fully loaded up individual with perhaps power tailgate and full electric massaging sport seats etc etc, it'd still be cool to give it a new lease of fun by doing this conversion to it !

RVAE34 - keep up the good work ! please make a note of any specific knowledge and parts requirements which may need doing, so that if anyone else wants to do this conversion, they can do so !

Cheers, Dennis!

[KnudsonsM3]

why you tearing apart a individual car?

hes not lol

[DennisCooper]

FerM3,

He is, it's' an Individual car as evidenced on the build plaque - have a look at the pics above

Cheers, Dennis!

[RVAE34]

The only "individual" part is the color. I don't think many people will argue with my build once it's complete. This should be a one of the most awesome E39 tourings in the world when finished

[KnudsonsM3]

FerM3,

He is, it's' an Individual car as evidenced on the build plaque - have a look at the pics above

Cheers, Dennis!

I meant that he isnt wrecking the car.

[RVAE34]

Ordered the sway bar, arms and mounts as well.