E36 with a 5.3 LS and CD009 Transmission

[FLBMWM3]

The good news is the car currently has a 3.91 in it. Might be a good experiment once I have the car running to test the two.

[Laminar]

Ooo, that thing's sure gonna rip with a 3.91.

[FLBMWM3]

HAHA yeah it should. I am going to start with the 3.23, and see how I like it. In fact I got the M3 diff mounted in the rear sub yesterday and pressed in new wheel bearings. The rest of the parts for the rear end should be in before the weekend, and once that all shows up I can get the new rear wrapped up. In the mean time I am going to start pulling the old rear end today.
60798635743__947B93BC-6C72-42E7-866A-C3380BEBC5C2.jpg

[FLBMWM3]

I started to pull the rear end today, and when I removed the drives side rear trailing arm I had a nice surprise waiting for me. looks like one of the bolt holes has torn away from the body. I plan to cut some reinforcing plates for the RTAB pockets. I am sure there will be more cracks and tears the more I remove. Good thing I got the plasma table! On a side note if anyone needs any reinforcement plates let me know. I can cut them for forum members for cheap.
IMG_6710.jpg

[Laminar]

How big's the table? What thicknesses can you do? Stuff like aluminum intake flanges or steel/stainless exhaust flanges would be nice things to custom cut.

[FLBMWM3]

The bed dimensions is 3' x 4', and depending on the material I have the capability of cutting between 5/8" to 7/8". Yes I can cut aluminum, stainless, and any ferrous material. I can definitely cut exhaust and intake flanges just need the dimensions.

[FLBMWM3]

Quick update since another milestone was hit. I was able to get the new rear end in the car and everything torqued down. I have measured for the new driveshaft, and it is currently being made. Hope to have it by next weekend.



I ordered the last of the brake components I needed, and they should be in before the driveshaft gets here. I plan to get the brakes 100% sorted, and get the exhaust wrapped up before the driveshaft arrives.

[Tim Mc]

Another one comes back to life! Clean work - hadn't considered a Nissan trans. Nice.

[FLBMWM3]

Thank you for the kind words. The CD009 seems to be gaining popularity with the LS community as a more affordable 6 speed option since the T56 transmission's have become extremely expensive and ragged out.

[RichieLS36]

Hey man. I’m just wondering what harness you used?? I’m building a 5.3 and using a cd09. Any tips?

[gmw36m3]

what radiator did you end up using trying to do the same build