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Thread: Feedback on e34 ls3/t56 swap

  1. #1
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    Feedback on e34 ls3/t56 swap

    So I'm working with a local engine/tranny swap specialist for my build. Its just way about my skill level to do.
    I found a gem of an e34 wagon imported directly from germany that was in amazing condition inside and out.
    1413dadcd9_400.jpg

    I'm looking for any feedback from experts on the quality / choice of parts my builder and I have made along the way. I'm spending quite a bit of money so if there's anyting I should do different I'm happy to take input.
    My goal is to have a fairly oem looking turn key car in the end.
    Attached is everything drivetrain related so far from my builder including costs (yes, I know I'm paying an arm and a leg not doing it myself, lets not debate that angle):
    build list and costs.pdf
    Not yet included cause we havent gotten that far is bbk, coilovers, etc

    thanks for any suggestions and thoughts!

  2. #2
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    1996 LS M3 2019 Mini JCW
    Congrats on the e34 Wagon I was lucky enough to drive an e34 wagon with an S62 swap. It was amazing. I am doing a CARB Legal Ls3 swap on an e36 M3 , I have a post here in the engine conversion sections. Do you know if you have any emissions issues with CT that the car will need to pass? California has the most rigid requirements . I went with a new EROD LS3 Connect and CruiseEngine plus T-56 SuperMagnum) from GM Performance and I think with rebate. It came out to around $15K No rebuild etc , just new . I'm guessing you need custom headers, does anyone make them for the e34 swap? Sikky, Vorschslag etc. This sounds like a fun project and I too spent a lot of time looking for a builder and shipped my car from California to Michigan Jake at Classic Daily. The fabrication to make the engine and accessories fit will be critical along with wiring and making the LS ECU and BMW PCM talk.
    My only question on the parts is why a new Tranny and used engine? Are you going to build the engine for more power?

    Good Luck and keep us updated.

  3. #3
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    thanks bud, your build sounds awesome. i was this close to giving up on finding an e34 wagon and went with an e36 m3 sedan instead but got lucky with an importer down in florida who had a decent invetory of them https://www.unitedimportscars.com/view-inventory

    regarding emissions, thats not a concern here at all in CT. after 25 years they dont bother testing any more. but perhaps I should keep CA in mind for eventually when it passes through my hands. what did you need to do differently to eventually pass carb/smog in ca?

    Reason for the used engine but new tranny was simply cost/longevity. We looked at buying a used tranny which was around $1000-$1500 and another $2000 to rebuild it which put us at the cost of a new T56 from the factory. The engine was a much bigger difference between rebuilding a used one and brand new from GM perf so we went that route instead. So much work went into tearing it down and rebuilding/replacing every component within the block that hopefully its not much of a compromise to a new engine.

  4. #4
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    Dinkman , you will be very happy and have something very unique. Thanks for sharing the importer because at some point I am going to want a wagon. The CARB stuff or making a car pass the requirements starts with the year . 95 or older (OBD1 Cars) have different requirements than 96 cars (OBD II). Mine is a 96 and the main difference is you literally need to bring over every piece of emissions equipment from the donor car/platform. In reality that is the gas tank,purge ,valves vapor canister. I have an exemption to use the e36 gas tank. If I bought a 95 M3 then I could have just used the EROD kit as is. Cats , air intake and charcoal canister included. Both require a signed copy that OEM/Stock S/w is running on the car. There are "no long tube headers that are CARB compliant "so you need to use the stock exhaust manifolds as well. I have an Instagram, Youtube series and Vlog at CarHabitGarage.com. My goal was to share my learnings with others that might want to do an engine swap and make it CARB legal. PM me if you want to share thoughts or have questions. Here are few pictures after paint /engine bay fabrication, test fit before paint #3
    Good LuckEC11F524-8528-4FED-80DA-9A68E78BA513.jpegIMG_4693.jpgIMG_7508.jpg
    Attached Images Attached Images

  5. #5
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    I didn't see anything that jumped out to me. Seems about right on price.

    I would get some clarifications where they are vague though. "Upgraded Radiator" etc.
    1997 E36 M3/4/5
    ASM - Slicktop
    My LS3 Build: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...9#post30117299

  6. #6
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    Depending on your goals, if you plan on autocrossing or taking it to the track, I would highly recommend an upgraded oil pump & a baffle.

    Does the used LS3 not come with an intake manifold, fuel rail, etc? Any sensors?
    What clutch?
    Which Holley system?
    What material for headers/exhaust?
    What kind of fuel lines? AN Braided?
    1997 E36 M3/4/5
    ASM - Slicktop
    My LS3 Build: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...9#post30117299

  7. #7
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    thanks man, appreciate the info. glad i lucked out and got a '95
    love the dakar yellow, good luck with your build

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by wbrentr View Post
    Depending on your goals, if you plan on autocrossing or taking it to the track, I would highly recommend an upgraded oil pump & a baffle.

    Does the used LS3 not come with an intake manifold, fuel rail, etc? Any sensors?
    What clutch?
    Which Holley system?
    What material for headers/exhaust?
    What kind of fuel lines? AN Braided?
    that's good point. i'll get more details and update the buildsheet with that info

  8. #8
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    clutch is a new oem c6 z06 clutch which are rated up to 700hp, I wont be anywhere near that. factory flywheel
    radiator is Afco unit, the largest one we could fit up front

  9. #9
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    You may want more detail how they will do the intake as well. Will it be in the bumper or boxed in in the engine bay.
    1997 E36 M3/4/5
    ASM - Slicktop
    My LS3 Build: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...9#post30117299

  10. #10
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    sadly 2.5 years in and the motor still hasnt fired up yet. we spent a lot of time on custom fabrication to get the engine and trans mounted. it was a royal pita and the fabricator wasnt the quickest during covid years
    now its been just chasing electrical and other gremlins getting the engine to turn over. we're close but its felt that way for a while now

    if its not running by end of the year this is likely going to turn into a for/fire sale for someone who wants a very clean imported e34 shell with a rebuilt ls3 and brand new t56 to finish it off and take the drivetrain out for another project.

  11. #11
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    It doesn't take that much to get an LS or an E34 to turn-over - what, exactly, is the issue? Or what have they told you? Let's figure this out, 2.5 years is way too long to wait!
    (O)(O)=[SIGS-OFF CREW]=(O)(O)

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by rocketsalad View Post
    It doesn't take that much to get an LS or an E34 to turn-over - what, exactly, is the issue? Or what have they told you? Let's figure this out, 2.5 years is way too long to wait!
    I appreciate the offer but I’m honestly done with it. Run out of patience, money and motivation. I told him I’m either towing or driving the car out of his shop on new years. Either way I’m done with this guy and someone else will hopefully see the potential and take it off my hands to finish it.

  13. #13
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    Bummer but I get it :/
    (O)(O)=[SIGS-OFF CREW]=(O)(O)

  14. #14
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    May I ask what oil pan you used? I have an E32 that has the same sub frame as the E34, and am looking for information. Thanks
    Black on Black 740i - 10/92 build date, 225,000 miles.
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  15. #15
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    arright so some positive developments... the fabrication is all done and the drivetrain is fully in. the engine started up and is just waiting for a proper tune now.
    i'm not trying to be overly optimistic but fingers crossed it might be on the road in the coming weeks. i am torn on my feelings towards the build at this point given all the headaches, unexpected costs, disappoints and how long its taken so there's a real chance after initial break in period I might just decide to put it up for sale anyway so if anyone is interested in a very clean rust free body properly imported e34 wagon with a running ls3/t56... one might be coming up for sale!

  16. #16
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    '99 LS-swapped 323i vert
    Very happy for you to hear the engine is running! Good luck with the refinements.
    Diving in at the shallow end!

  17. #17
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    idle/tune issues are just about sorted out. will be putting some pics and for sale ad up soon. if anyone is interested in a driving e34 wagon ls3/t56 feel free to reach out.

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