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'89 316i E30 LS1 Swap Build Thread

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    '89 316i E30 LS1 Swap Build Thread

    Hey everyone!

    I currently have an 1989 Alpine White 316i coupe with an RB25DET swapped into it. Purchased the car a couple years back with a blown RB25DET already swapped in. Decided to buy it, replace the RB with a new one from the scrap yard and beat on it.
    Well I had no idea what I got myself into and ended up having to fix a TON of issues along the way. Fast forward to a week back when, on an impluse, I said fuck it and decided to just yank all the RB engine/trans parts out and stuff an LS1/T56 in there.

    This will be the thread to document my build. The donor car is a base model E30 with drum rear brakes, 168mm 3.91 LSD, roll up/down windows and pretty much as base (read light) a model can get. I plan on listing out every purchase I make along with prices I paid so members can get a clue on what swaps like these end up costing.

    Found an LS1 from a Chevy Caprice at the junk yard. Picked it up for around $850.

    Last edited by Q8y_drifter; 02-01-2015, 06:51 AM.
    Alpine White 1989 E30 Coupe - LS1/T56

    #2
    Nice! There's a lot of ls swaps going on right now....

    Comment


      #3
      will follow working on same build, almost exactly

      Comment


        #4
        What swap kit?

        Status: HG repair. 488wtq though!

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by shiboujin View Post
          What swap kit?
          Sikky.
          1-3/4" headers, Sikky steering shaft, steel driveshaft, stock LS1 with all new bearings, gaskets, hardware and a nice mild cam kit
          Alpine White 1989 E30 Coupe - LS1/T56

          Comment


            #6
            Niiiice. Makes for an easy peasy swap!

            Status: HG repair. 488wtq though!

            Comment


              #7
              Got my 241 heads back from the machine shop. Cleaned up, resurfaced and checked over. Got a ton of parts as well, taking pics of those later on.

              Alpine White 1989 E30 Coupe - LS1/T56

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                #8
                Watching intently...
                -Christian

                '02 ///M3 CarbonSchwartz 6MT daily beast
                08/91 Mtechnic II 325IC alpine/lotus
                318iS, slow build/garage queen...
                '37 Chevy pickup, the Ă¼ber project
                Originally posted by roguetoaster
                Be sure to remind them that the M42 is one of the best engines ever made, but be sure to not mention where it actually falls on that list.

                Comment


                  #9
                  ARP main studs & bolts

                  Clevite H-Series standard size main bearings




                  LS1 bare block cleaned up. Dura-Bond single piece cam bearings installed



                  Cylinders honed







                  Main bearing clearance checked. All within 0.0015-0.0020in. Stock crank with polished journals and new lower cam sprocket.





                  Crank installed and ready for pistons and rods.

                  Alpine White 1989 E30 Coupe - LS1/T56

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                    #10
                    What are your plans for the rest of the components?

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                      #11
                      Not much really. Just looking to refresh this engine and upgrade some parts if needed. ARP bolts/studs where necessary, all new bearings, all new gaskets and seals, a nice mild cam for a bump in power and component upgrades where reliability may be a concern. Stock T56 if i can just get my hands on one. Rest of the car is already sitting on all new bushings, suspension, Z3 rack swap, etc. Will need a 188mm diff and stronger axles though. Will post more once parts come in.
                      Alpine White 1989 E30 Coupe - LS1/T56

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Sikky swap kit. Went with 1-3/4" headers, steel driveshaft and Sikky steering shaft.









                        Stock rockers upgraded with Comp Cam trunions





                        Last edited by Q8y_drifter; 03-09-2015, 02:22 PM.
                        Alpine White 1989 E30 Coupe - LS1/T56

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                          #13
                          sick lookin gear! i wish i knew if the headers would fit my set up... o well just order pipe to finish building mine.
                          91 e30 318is M50 SOLD
                          http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=149570
                          92 325 vert project
                          http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=341370

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Those headers are gorgeous. I think mine are robbing some serious power stupid 1 5/8 Grr.
                            Worlds 1st LS powered e30 cabby.
                            Cab
                            billac: 92 LagunengrĂ¼n cabriolet + cadillac LQ9 + Nitrous + rotiform SJC

                            Raphael: 88 LagunengrĂ¼n IX + Hella 500's + Red ACS type 1's

                            Shaggin Wagon
                            : 01 325xiT 5 speed


                            91 MR2 GT3076TS + E85 = 505whp + antilag = wheelies
                            88 CRX OEM+ 42mpg DD.

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                              #15
                              Damn. you got a nice camera lol.

                              Status: HG repair. 488wtq though!

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