LS Swap guide

***This is a WIP. I'll be updating as I get more information***

LS E30 Swap Guide

Intro - This guide is for the very basics of swapping an LS into an E30. The tutorial assumes a T56 transmission and a naturally aspirated final install. This tutorial also does not go into choosing an LS engine.

Chassis modifications

Minor drive tunnel “clearancing” (read: hammering) required. (TBD - pictures)

Mounting

Sikky has a mount kit that includes mounts and an oil pan used to physically mount the engine in the car without contact. (TBD - other mount kits)

Driveline

Sikky supplies a telescoping single piece driveshaft. This type of driveshaft enables removal without lowering/removing the rear subframe. (TBD - other mount kits)

The factory T56 shifter will line up with the factory E30 shifter hole.

Clutch connections

A master cylinder conversion is required. The stock master cylinder may be retained.

TBD

Steering

Power steering - Minimum fabricating new lines. Assistance may be weak. Upgrade TBD
If using the Sikky swap kit, a flex disc removal modification is required to clear the headers. TBD (find other options)
E36 rack required to clear headers

Brake System

By default the brake booster will contact the driver’s side head. Sikky has a boosterless setup or a hydroboost conversion that taps into the factory power steering.

Cooling

The factory LS block has cooling system inlets and outlets on the passenger’s side of the motor. As a result, the factory E30 radiator will not work. A suggested upgrade is a larger radiator allotted by the shorter engine. Depending on the LS motor, there may still be clearance issues.

Fuel system

The LS engine is a returnless system. There are several options to convert. Some GM fuel filters come with the fuel pressure regulator built in. Another option is to buy a special fuel pressure regulator used to convert to a returnless system.

An upgraded fuel pump is also required (walbro 255/aeromotive/etc)

Intake

New intake piping will have to be fabricated. There are currently no off the shelf solutions.

Wiring/PCM
ECU requires reflashing to remove the VATS security system that will prevent startup.
TBD

Kit comparison

Here is the basic comparison between the only E30 kits I could find online

Comparison: The VSR kit requires an oil pan. The sikky pan is also high capacity so that helps oiling issues. The sikky kit also comes with a telescoping drive shaft instead of having to get your own. The sikky kit lacks the diff reinforcements but does come with premade headers. There's no pricing info on the sikky kit yet but the VSR kit is $1200 with the instructional CD.

Most basic sikky kit

Best VSR kit