Tuning the E38 M73TUB54 engine to B12 6.0 level or swapping a B12 6.0 engine?

[Alpina B10 V12]

The E38 750iL / Alpina B12 6.0L E-Kat are my absolute favorite cars and i’m restoring one to almost right out of the factory level. The stock 5.4l V12 with 330hp is not good enough to me and doesn’t sound as cool as the tuned alpina 6.0 version. B12’s 430hp would give the engine more character and make it a lot more special to own.

I need it with 430hp and without question in long wheel base and right hand drive because i’m moving to Japan. And there was only 23 long wheel base Alpina B12 6.0 ever made and of those maybe 0-3 in right hand drive.. So just buying one isn’t an option.

My question:

1. Can the E38 V12 M73TUB54 be tuned to the B12 6.0 engine level 430hp 600nm without forced induction? Basically recreating it. Bored to 5.7-6.0 (i think it’s an Alusil alloy block), forged pistons, and higher performance parts all around? I’m thinking if the tuning work is possible it would be cheaper than the option below.

2. Or buying a 750iL and a B12 6.0 short wheel base version and then swapping all Alpina parts to the 750iL. I’m guessing this option could cost around 7000$ For 750iL, 25 000-40 000$ for B12 6.0 and even more money for the engine swap work. Maybe emission restrictions are more forgiving on the B12 because it’ 6.0l from factory?

The drivetrain is propably limited to 430hp because i’ve heard people going through multiple transmissions. Also if anyone know if there is a way to reinforce the transmission it would be cool.

I know you are itching to post: ”don’t do this” ”you should rather buy...” ”it’s too expensive” ”you’ll never do this” posts but i’m actually doing this. I’m even starting a Youtube channel so you can follow the progress. I will start this project after i finish fully restoring my E39 530i and (blasphemy on bimmer forums Audi A8L W12 D3. You can even follow those restores on Youtube. (Will post channel name when i start it later this summer)

thanks in advance.

[Erickchubz]

Would want to see how this goes ..... you gotta do this

[328 Power 04]

The block is not all Alusil, it's the cylinder liners.

[Alpina B10 V12]

Thanks for the info. In short my original question is: Can i get a better result if i spend 50 000$ to tune a stock E38 750iL than just buying a stock Alpina B12 6.0?

thanks.

[zarboz]

I wanna say DUDMD has a v12 e38 that is pretty haus and offers good tunes for them..


He might be able to lend some insight into this for you