E39 5.3L Turbo Swap

[James39]

Air filter looks tiny. I was collapsing my intake tube with one that was probably around that size.

It's no fun when you start getting belts that big, sizes become scarce.

Looks good!

[Lantz]

Air filter looks tiny. I was collapsing my intake tube with one that was probably around that size.

It's no fun when you start getting belts that big, sizes become scarce.

Looks good!

I know, the one pictured above would be better but I don’t want to take the time to fit it right now.


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[Lantz]

I decided to stop being stubborn and bought the proper ac compressor that I should have from the start. What do you know, it fits perfect...

Also got a crankcase catch can mocked up. I accidentally bought one without a filter so another is on the way. I was looking at my engine last week and started wondering what happens when I get into boost and it starts pressurizing my crankcase. Oops...

Dyno tune is next Wednesday.


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[mrallande5020]

Can't wait for numbers!

[Lantz]

Created a instragram for those wanting to follow progress.

Follow me at Lantz_E39

[RulyLSX]

Created a instragram for those wanting to follow progress.

Follow me at Lantz_E39

following from ls1_e36

[Lantz]

I’ve had some people reach out asking for an update so here’s what happened.

I dyno’d at 400hp/490tq. Never got the dyno sheet from the tuner and I’ll leave it at that for why I’m going somewhere else. If that is what it dyno’d, they couldn’t turn up the boost but also tried changed the routing. It was a China boost controller so could be bad but I was able to turn it up before. So it was only at 7.5psi. Also has some idle issues so I’m going to get a second opinion.

I’m going to drop some videos on Instagram for those interested.

Going to try and finish the exhaust this weekend and also bought a btr/ljms stage 2 cam!


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[Jesus Freak]

Did you try Wongs?
Idk how he does with boosted cars, but NA he does some killer tunes.

[Lantz]

He is pretty far from me and a lot of people said he was basically impossible to contact.

A local guy doing a similar swap recommended someone. I emailed him last night and he already responded. I’m going to give him a shot.


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[mrallande5020]

Well that cam is going to put you in you'r seat for sure. I want to see this thing scream on the final tune!

[Quik5oh]

Subscribing...

[Lantz]

Been a long time since I’ve done an update. Exhaust is done and sounds great. Bought an M5 dif but waiting for a set of 3.62 gears to show up cheap on eBay. That will probably be a winter project down the road. Definitely need more then the 3.15 gears rpms are not where they need to be. Put a BTR stage 2 cam in. Redid the cold side, didn’t like the fit of the first one. Put a bigger filter on. Future project, I need to move the turbo closer to the engine. I placed it without the ac compressor and it’s rubs slightly on hard corners but I also have no front sway bar still. There is room to make it better. Turbogixxer got the idle a lot better but I need more air at idle so I have a bigger throttle body that I can open more at idle.

During tuning boost was dropping from 8psi to 5-6psi. I leak tested and didn’t find anything. Starting to wonder if the IC is restricting. Might try moving the waste gate reference to intake manifold. I put in a bigger spring after the tune so now I’m running 12 psi. Got the bumpers painted. Going to a detail place soon to get the paint buffed as best as possible. Not going for show quality here just better. Then I’ll put on the bump trim and M5 black side trim.

Things are starting to come together but lots more down the road. Bit the bullet and bought a lift. Tired of being on a creeper. Still lots more to come but it’s a blast to drive as is!


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[mrallande5020]

Oh yeaAA, car looks amazing. I love the paint color you have and the chrome and black grilles just go together very well. Even with those wheels it looks like you have a sexy daily. Good to hear the lots more down the road part. The new cold side looks really well put together especially with minimal couplers.

[Lantz]

https://youtu.be/o4nvC_MjAbE

https://youtu.be/4mfbKrG3pGY


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[Lantz]

I was fighting a bunch of hot side leaks. Started with the bellow on the Holley crossover ripping. They sent me a new one under warranty. Before swapping that out, I checked the hot side for leaks. Basically all my vbands were leaking. I wasn’t entirely happy with my first attempt at my hot side so I decided to redo everything. I used remflex graphic gaskets on the vbands this time and I doesn’t leak now. Monkeyfab has some awesome vbands with copper gaskets that I wish I knew about, I would check those out if you need vbands.

I was able to position the turbo in a better position and get rid of the scavenge pump. Now it drains into the timing cover. It looks close but there is just enough clearance and on the tightest spot I used ~1400-1800 direct contact heat shield. Decided the wastegate dump was not worth the time to route into the exhaust so now its dumped. I read mixed reviews about the noise but its really only loud when you floor it and get into the higher RPMs. Daily driving is not bad at all.

Everything fits so much better now, I’m really happy with it. I went into this thinking there would be an abundance of room for a turbo. It’s still really tight but enough clearance is there where I need it. Going back next week for a clean up on the tune and to turn up the boost more. I think I can hit 550-600. I don’t know what the current hp/tq is but I’ve had it at 10-12 psi on the street and its a blast. AFRs are still good but I want the tuner to look over everything.

Also starting doing some more cosmetic upgrades that are still in the works. I built a M5 dif with a LSD so that and probably more interior and suspension upgrades will happen later this year.

I won’t be updating very much anymore but you can follow me on instagram at Lantz_E39.


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[Lantz]

I should also mention for future people thinking about this swap. I used a stock E38 740i radiator I think it was which doesn’t have the locking radiator hoses. I have been driving in 85-90 degree temps with no issues. Most of the time moving the fan never kicks on set at 190 for now. No AC though yet.


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[Vladkurk]

Looks good dude!!! Good job


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[mrallande5020]

I like the rim choice and the potential to hit 550hp!

[ponchiz318]

Lantz, any updates on the a/c? Also, how did you run your cooling lines and steam vent tubes?

[bubela]

Very cool build. I'm thinking about swapping a 6.2L into my 02 e39 touring. In the research stage right now. Starting to look daunting.. =/

[Lantz]

Lantz, any updates on the a/c? Also, how did you run your cooling lines and steam vent tubes?

I know this is old, so just in case someone else is poking around looking for info. I posted in the E39 ls swap AC thread and also have some stuff on my instagram showing my AC setup. I also posted about installing a 335i electric fan that is PWM controlled by my Holley Terminator. I would definitely recommend everyone swapping check that out.