bimerok: Well, it is what it is-a project for fun. I think 375 CHP will be plenty for our application-glad to have the comparable LS6 heads nonetheless.
Tipsy: Many thanks for the visit today. Believe it sold us on the JTR pieces. Your 328 is very impressive-quality and cleanliness is second to none! We realize there are still some hurdles to overcome at our skill level, but all seem surmountable based on everyone's experience and postings.
I may update the FL tags to read..."TRK MTR" on this M3. Might be kind of fun at the track...especially the BMW autocross events. :-)
No worries whatsoever...I nearly ordered the JTR mounts/headers when I got home-bit enthused!
Projects are fun...otherwise it is work. I much prefer fun.
You certainly found a super clean model to start from-money ahead no doubt.
I don't know if the F-Body FEAD is available as a single part number but you can certainly piece it together. Buying all new components will get spendy quickly. This is why starting with a car drop-out helps to keep costs in-check.
I'd recommend keeping a daily eye on the parts classifieds on LS1Tech for the components you'll need. And/Or post WTB ads for individual components. There are aftermarket solutions available as well.
Also, keep an eye on CL for part-outs. Usually, the FEAD will go with the engine but if the engine experienced catastrophic failure, the seller will likely be willing to sell individual components.
Here's an older article with some good info.
Tipsy
Last edited by TipsyMcStagger; 06-23-2017 at 07:41 PM.
You've made a wonderful purchase
ericwudi0830: Thanks...believe me the car is a 20 footer-the pictures make is nicer than it is. Nonetheless, we are still quite excited for the project.
Tipsy: I've tried contacting the Nooks company, no response on email and phone number is out of service...hmm. I have no issue getting brackets used, but accessories I'm leaning toward new hence the full GM system/single part number. The CTSV setup is a bit more challenge on the AC. Otherwise no issue. AC is a big issue though... I certainly like OEM stuff better than aftermarket especially for scienced out FEAD's. I expect to put some miles on this car. Thanks for the post.
Well few boxes from ECS arrived today. Goodies included new front inner liners, brake ducts, and supports as well as fresh OEM style headlights.
Nearly all of the front end inner plastic is gone...likely ripped off during a parking curb encounter and never replaced...allowing the inner fenders to get chewed by the tires.
The current headlights are poor quality HID-like installs. If the AC is running, turning the lights on cuts the AC fan speed in half... I dislike aftermarket electrical stuff-I've never had much luck. I'll be happy with stock.
Last edited by Tim Mc; 07-07-2017 at 09:28 PM.
Laid the plastic out as installed...
17 06 25 M3 Front Plastic
Am I missing a center piece? Seems like this would be easy to ID...but mine is AWOL.
Also made headway on the engine. Took it down to a basic shortblock to view the rod bearings...at least one journal:
By the way, not my hands...my helper!
17 06 25 L33 and Helper Oil Pan Removal
The worst cylinder was #7...had some water intrusion-puddle. Cylinder wall didn't show damage. #5 had some small rust 'spots' that seemed to clean up with some simple green, oil, and turning the engine over few times. :-)
Cylinder heads were uniform as well...
17 06 25 L33 Cylinder Head Passenger
I hope to have my helper disassemble the remainder this week to confirm the bearing surfaces. Then off to the machine shop for cleaning, verifying condition, bottle hone the cylinders to break the glaze, and update the cylinder heads with valve seals and beehive springs. I'm hoping the guides and seats are usable. This iteration isn't to be set on kill, just a punchy V-8.
I'm intrigued by this cam test: http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ls-cam-test-comparison/
The Crane 210 cam is tough to argue with! Of course, have a friend with a take out LS7 that might let the cam go for cheap...definitely too much!
- - - Updated - - -
Also may have located an LS6 intake manifold 'take-off' complete with OEM 405 HP injectors, cable TB, and fuel rails. I think perfect for our application.
Makes up for hitting a large salvage yard and turned away because my helper isn't 16 years old. Bit surprised, but there are other options.
Last edited by Tim Mc; 07-12-2017 at 07:14 PM.
Luck shined on our side...CL add resulted in a near complete new Camaro FEAD minus the AC portion.
Included a Delco Alternator, PS, and balancer...some Camaro coils were thrown in to sweeten the deal.
$400 took it home.
Another big rock eliminated...
17 06 30 F Body FEAD
Last edited by Tim Mc; 07-12-2017 at 07:02 PM.
Nicely done!
always trying to make it lighter and faster
^^former build: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...-neglected-M3/
current build: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...car-build.html
instant grams: doktor_b
My new Australia sourced LS6 intake for $400 complete with 28.8 pounds injectors and cable TB:
17 07 05 LS6 Intake by T M, on Flickr
- - - Updated - - -
Shot of my shoddy aftermarket headlights...now replaced with OEM-like units:
17 06 30 M3 Old Headlights by T M, on Flickr
- - - Updated - - -
Hopefully these images come thru alright-using Google now instead of Photobucket.
Last edited by Tim Mc; 07-12-2017 at 07:00 PM.
Tonight we finally got a minute to pull the truck balancer off the shortblock. Next step is to pull the crank and make a trip to the machine shop for a thorough look see.
Hopefully just polish the journals, deglaze the cylinders, and jet wash the whole enchilada.
They do for me (intake and lights)
- 96 328is 6.0L. (LS1 to LS2 build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...ad.php?2098938)
- 96 328is 5.7L. (LS1 build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1289987)
- 95 ///M3 6.0L. (LS2 build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1619249)
- 97 ///M3. (e46 Fender Flares/track car build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1727098)
- 96 328is (Dual Fuel Pump to Surge Tank thread: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ad.php?1964025)
Nothing in Safari either.
always trying to make it lighter and faster
^^former build: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...-neglected-M3/
current build: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...car-build.html
instant grams: doktor_b
Thanks folks...I will try Flickr.
Finally, got to fully disassembling the L33.
By my untrained eye, it looks great...again with 119,000 miles.
My helper:
17 07 11 L33 Removing Crank
Close up of rear mains:
17 07 11 L33 Rear Main Caps
And my just arrived 1998 Volvo V70 Turbo fan from Rock Auto for $124 (VO3117104):
17 07 12 M3 Volvo Fan
Next opportunity it will be off to the machine shop for expert review/cleaning.
Well a marathon day...the M3 opened wide and accepted the L33 transplant...
17 07 18 L33 Loaded
In the trunk!
Off to the machine shop...and already returned a clean bill of health after cleaning, decking the heads, new cam bearings, deglazing of the bores, and a polished crank.
17 07 18 L33 Ready to Load
Great stuff to lift an engine block solo...could never do that into the trunk with Gen I cast iron hunk!
Last edited by Tim Mc; 07-19-2017 at 09:24 PM.
I had a hard time loading up my L33 to take it to the machine shop. Mine still had the crank in it mind you.
Got it in my car but it was awkward.
Which machine shop did you use? Anyone listed in this thread?
I walked into a couple of local machine shops a couple of years ago and prodded for LSx knowledge. It was almost as if they'd never heard of one.
Tipsy
Last edited by TipsyMcStagger; 07-20-2017 at 08:36 PM.
fallguy: Quite a difference between crank equipped block vice none...50 odd pounds. I'm only man enough for the block!
Tipsy: I used United Speed World. They worked my Subaru/Cosworth parts to my satisfaction and were familiar with the LS family. The 12-hour turn around is a bonus. I've been happy with Phil Senior's approach and it seems to be a cool very old speed shop.
Last edited by Tim Mc; 07-20-2017 at 09:40 PM.
Final bill was $604.
Disassembly/Reassemble: $60
Cylinder Head clean: 30
Pressure Test: 42
Resurface: 68
Block Clean: 100
Cylinder Hone: 120
Cam Bearings/Parts: 68
Crank Clean: 20
Polish and remove timing gear: 42
All bearings reflect standard sizes...awaiting decision on cam/spring package.
Love that aluminum!
I made 375rwhp on a stock LS6, I maxed out the stock injectors and went to GTP injectors (40#'s at 3bar).
Inflame: You have a successful project! 375 WHP is a great number...looking for a touch more conservative...again this is a tool for basic driving. Then again, I won't turn down over delivery on a plan.
Believe we will choose middle of the road Crane Direct Fit 210 duration camshaft:
http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ls-cam-test-comparison/
Thanks!
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