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Thread: 1997 M3 4 Door with LS/T56

  1. #126
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
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    kelowna
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    585
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    Z3 Coupe 3.0
    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Mc View Post
    fallguy: much appreciated!
    I posted up some pics in my build. The AC clears but lines will be really tight, frame will need to be dented in or notched out.

  2. #127
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
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    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    fallguy: Hmmm. Thanks a bunch for the images. It is such a nice setup and available all new GM. Will be interested in your solution to the frame rail conflict.

  3. #128
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
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    Stuttgart, Germany
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    577
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    1997 M3 / 5.3
    More parts arrived...

    One key component that looks like a work of art (or mind numbing 3D puzzle).

    Images to follow when I get a moment!

  4. #129
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    324
    My Cars
    BMW's

    I second the notion for FiTech; Ultimate LS Kit

    I procured FiTech Ultimate LS Kit to pair with my E36-LS2-LS3-MN12-blah build this year.
    My first go around with BMW/LS-hybrid... and fired right up.
    Sheetmetal Intake only netted 14wrtq loss - but added 27rwhp at 7krpm.
    Overall power up on ave over OE-Type Intake Mani.
    I too built/ing up a BMW for my kids (ages 4 and 6)...
    ... but those are other BMW’s - maybe I’ll start a post.

    Kuddos for the ‘sell’ to the Mrs’ that your effort/cost in this project is a family-based need!

    E4D75257-0287-45CB-A30C-1FDF4F99F3BC.jpg2BF0CB07-92A3-403C-9F12-BB417FED531F.jpg


    Quote Originally Posted by lloydjoe View Post
    If your thinking of aftermarket efi systems check out FItech. They have a decently priced system, comes with injectors, rails, throttlebody, harness, metal intake, map sensor And a few other goodies. It was designed to fit in the car applications so it is a low profile intake. In the F.A.Q. section on their website there is lots of info that people have asked about. Would probably be cheaper buying that system and not having to source out everything else that it comes with.

    Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk
    Kyle Denham
    Fundamental Motorsports
    "It's all about the fun"

  5. #130
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    kelowna
    Posts
    585
    My Cars
    Z3 Coupe 3.0
    Quote Originally Posted by Team FMS View Post
    I procured FiTech Ultimate LS Kit to pair with my E36-LS2-LS3-MN12-blah build this year.
    My first go around with BMW/LS-hybrid... and fired right up

    looks clean. i should paint my bay after i get all of this sorted

  6. #131
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
    Posts
    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    Team FMS: Extremely slick powerplant! I will have to review the FITECH product. I still favor the Holley HP and LS6 intake setup...nothing exciting, but something I'm familiar with. Love the kiddo shot-I just tell my assistant, "Think of it as a big Lego Technic set." :-)

    Finally, visited the real dyno - quarter mile dragstrip...year round Bradenton Dragway.

    3 Runs netted a smoking 15.40 @ 92 mph. I was surprised at the pace...but 224,000 miles likely has some impact. Don't believe the auto trans has a functional performance mode. Shifted consistently at 6400 rpm and 60 foot of 2.5.

    Should be able to improve that ET by ~3 seconds!

    17 12 07 M3 Drag Visit Lanes Front Angle

    17 12 07 M3 Drag Winner's Circle

    Quite fortunate with a strip 40 minutes away and all the runs for $20.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Transmission choice: Pick will be a new T56 Magnum with an OEM LS7 clutch package.

    Question is close ratio or wide ratio. We will be updating to a 3.91 rear gear.

    Any recommendations?

    Thanks.
    Last edited by Tim Mc; 12-08-2017 at 10:04 PM.

  7. #132
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
    Posts
    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    Finally some time to check out the new parts:

    Big Mishimotor radiator...took advantage of the Black Monday sale:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/EcNMTj]

    And long awaited Chuck's SS Super Tubes in 1 7/8 primary size (room for growth):

    Set outside:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/21fipPL]

    Set inside:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/21fiq6N]

    Hi tech collector merge with nice quality V-band:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/21fiqrY]

    Hi tech collector spike merge:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/21fiqS7]

    Only mod the car will require is a reduced diameter steering shaft. No steering column movement or brake booster conflict. Seems to be the best solution to include the OEM BMW rubber isolator mounts. Looking forward to putting everything together.

    Can't say enough about Chuck - works of art and delivered right on time...amazing for a custom part. Kudos to him!

  8. #133
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Lloydminster, Canada
    Posts
    93
    My Cars
    1992 BMW 325i
    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Mc View Post
    Transmission choice: Pick will be a new T56 Magnum with an OEM LS7 clutch package.

    Question is close ratio or wide ratio. We will be updating to a 3.91 rear gear.

    Any recommendations?

    Thanks.
    Mine is a t56 magnum with the ratio that has 6th gear at 0.5:1, I really enjoy it. I bought that one because I didn't want to do "mach chicken" down the highway just to be in 6th gear and not lug the engine lol. The down side is first gear is a bit shorter. Had problems with it not wanting to do high rpm hard shifts, did some searching online and tried Royal Purple Syncromesh ATF fluid. A world of a difference. I can now shift at 7,000+ rpm and hardly any resistance going into the gears. Haven't ground a gear since.

    Since I built the car I have changed the diff out and went with 4.10 ratio. Now 115 kph is about 1800-1900 rpm from what I remember. 200 kph is around 3200-3300 rpm.

    At the drag strip I noticed I definitely need stickier tires, spinning through all of first and most of second (trying not to spin) but being able to chirp the tires into 3rd and into 4th gear.

    I am not familiar with the LS7 clutch, but I installed a twin disc McLeod clutch. Hardly any pedal pressure, damn near feels stock. Never had an issue with it slipping even with doing 2nd gear burnouts outs on a hot day.

    Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk

  9. #134
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
    Posts
    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    lloydjoe: Appreciate the feedback. 2.97 first gear is pretty short. I have another car that has a 2.87 first gear with a similar sized rear tire...although 4.11 ratio. It is indeed short, but it works pretty darn well at the strip for launches and driving on the street. Seems easier to launch. I do like the double overdrive aspect of 50%. Fuel mileage!

  10. #135
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Des Moines, IA
    Posts
    1,051
    My Cars
    '97 M3/4/5.0
    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Mc View Post
    Only mod the car will require is a reduced diameter steering shaft. No steering column movement or brake booster conflict.
    Are you going E46 shaft or something else?


  11. #136
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
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    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    Laminar: The E46 may be an option (I'd prefer OEM for a critical item), but the headers were built using a the following:


    • Borgeson 24" telescopic shaft: PN# 450024
    • Flaming River U-joint: PN# FLA-FR1963
    • Flaming River U-joint: PN# FLA-FR1964


    Engine swapping is a big unknown for us so will stick with the proven-the above.

    Count down is progressing...likely 2 weeks before a new Chevy bullet is slid under the bonnet...

  12. #137
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
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    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    Took advantage of the holiday for some repair work...attempting to get the chassis squared away before we begin the process of swapping-it will have its own share of fun.

    Both rear control arms were bent...likely the work of a tow truck pulling the car from a ditch? Previous owner fun:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/DeecVv]

    Passenger Side (likely why we could only get +.5 camber out of it):

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/22Q7PQE]

    Driver Side:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/DeedZe]

    Thanks to Youtube...not a terribly difficult job with the diff tricks. The outer bushing was not replaced and showed quite a bit of flexibility - put that on the list.

    Manual transmission pedals have been ordered...
    Last edited by Tim Mc; 12-25-2017 at 08:40 PM.

  13. #138
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    1,142
    My Cars
    99 M3 LS1, '11 WRX
    Looks good Tim. Merry Christmas and best of luck with the build. As mentioned let me know if you have any issues with anything.

    -Chuck

  14. #139
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
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    Stuttgart, Germany
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    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    Chuck: Many thanks again for the beautiful headers and mounts. We are itching to drop the bent 8 into the bay...if only it were assembled. Maybe on New Years Day...

  15. #140
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
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    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    No images...but progress:

    -Had the AC evacuated.

    -Got another alignment with the new rear controls arms...only -1.5 camber in the rear...surprised. Aged bushings may be to blame as I would expect more negative camber on a BMW in the rear.

    -Manual trans pedals arrived.

    -Holley HP EFI on order thanks to Holley Days discounts.

    -Final pieces to the engine on order as is the wide ratio T56 Magnum since prices are rising ~$300 on 1 January. Large pill to swallow, but a fresh tranny is good for the soul (of the car).

  16. #141
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    206
    My Cars
    1997 M3 Sedan
    I felt the same way you do about spending the money on the trans when I bought the 210mm diff. It was a big nut but I'm happy I did it.

    Also, I found that using garagistic pedal bushings helped a lot with the slop in the clutch pedal. The pedal itself still flexes a bit but it's a huge difference from the worn out stock bushings. Just passing this along while you have the pedals out because it's a PITA to do in the car.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

  17. #142
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
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    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    BigL350: I have given thought to new OEM bushings, but will look at your suggestion. Those 210 mm diffs look to be the ultimate. We hope to get a few miles out of the 3.92 geared 188 before considering an upgrade. Drag racing will be fairly limited and our 5.3 should be on the lower end of hp...wonderful world we live in when 400 hp is considered reasonable!

    Unfortunately, majority of our time has been working on the daily driver...Subaru-tracking down an anomaly in the alignment...

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/J7BvVD]

    However, we did break away today for some engine progress:

    Assistant enjoying cleaning pistons:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/21YHhaY]

    Good progress on the shortblock:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/J7zJzk]

    Shot of the recently delivered manual pedals:

    Last edited by Tim Mc; 12-31-2017 at 09:25 PM.

  18. #143
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
    Posts
    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    New Year's Day brought more work on the L33. Torqued the rods and installed the rear plate/cam/lifters. Noted we disposed of the lifter tray bolts and bought the wrong oil pan! I confused Chevy's Muscle Car Pan kit with a Camaro piece. Oops.

    Another order to Summit and a hold on the engine again.

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/21MvbAx]

    Direct Fit Crane Camshaft...Hot Rod's dyno test with nearly same 'seasoned' cast iron 5.3 resulted in 410 CHP:

    http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ls-cam-test-comparison/

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/235sPAs]

    We hope to put it on a chassis dyno for some real numbers.

  19. #144
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Surrey, BC
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    514
    My Cars
    Canada
    great work. loving it.

  20. #145
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    206
    My Cars
    1997 M3 Sedan
    I think you're going to like that cam a lot, especially with your 799 heads and more compression.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

  21. #146
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
    Posts
    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    BigL350: The article showed it to have near stock vacuum and a good bump in power. Believe it to be fun.

    Big box arrived...T56 Magnum in 2.97 first gear! 148 pounds worth...ugh.

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/DK6xoe]

    What made in Mexico???

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/23oXhfe]

    Yes!

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/23oXgXF]

  22. #147
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
    Posts
    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    Finally, some progress on the motor.

    Love the Improved Racing baffle:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/FjgFhA]

    Fresh 799 Heads:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/JvfCYk]

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/FjgFBo]

    Starting to look like an engine...much easier when someone else is doing the heavy lifting:

    [url=https://flic.kr/p/FjgFPN]

    Forgot to purchase a cam retainer plate bolt, wrong head bolts, and a CPI sensor...not too mention coming up empty on installing the crank timing gear. Amazing how deep the threads are in the LS crank...

  23. #148
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
    Posts
    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    Fortunate enough yesterday to attend the Daytona 24 Hours event (2 hour drive!):

    18 01 27 Daytona Ferrari

    18 01 27 Daytona Ford GT

    One of the historic race cars was a 1997 BMW M3 Sedan! Surprised me as I didn't even notice it was a 4 door!

    18 01 27 Daytona Tim with 1997 BMW M3

    18 01 27 Daytona 1997 BMW M3

    Sunday, we got to work finalizing the timing chain, oil pump, and torquing the head fully. We did splurge on the C5R timing chain...otherwise standard OEM parts:

    18 01 28 L33 Oil Pump Install

    Note: Super duper Snap On Torque Wrench...bought for a rod bearing change on spouse's BMW...got some use on this opposite of the spectrum LS engine. Very handy and thought I would never use the angle method again...sure makes quick work of the task. Never used torque to yield bolts before either...odd feeling when they go a bit light on the torque pull half way thru the tug. I will say I find myself saying - "Do not drop this $500 tool!" each time I hand it over to my assistant. :-)

    18 01 28 L33 Head Install

    18 01 28 L33 Progress

    Still driving the M3...227,000 miles now...starting to make funny noises. Hope it lasts until we pull it!
    Last edited by Tim Mc; 01-28-2018 at 09:41 PM.

  24. #149
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    206
    My Cars
    1997 M3 Sedan
    Looking good! I popped for the C5R chain this time too.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

  25. #150
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Stuttgart, Germany
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    577
    My Cars
    1997 M3 / 5.3
    BigL350: Thanks.

    We were making progress when the spouse broke her leg...and the only car she could drive was an automatic...the M3! So back in when the air conditioning (refilled) and now 7 weeks later...restart on the project finally!

    Did receive an LS7 clutch kit from Scoggins Dickey. Believe it will be plenty and like the $500 price tag.

    18 03 18 M3 LS7 Flywheel

    Pressure Plate:

    18 03 18 M3 LS7 Clutch

    - - - Updated - - -

    The car's AC doesn't seem to be operating properly along with no rear window defroster or heat! So knowing these cars can have AC panels issues - swapped the current one for an Ebay sourced replacement. It is more responsive, but still has issues unfortunately. The panel was easy-peasy to install.

    18 03 17 M3 AC Panel Install

    Disgusting to see the wire rats next the previous owner sold me...

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