LS7 swap.

[ultimateracing335i]

Hey guys I'm new to this forum and had a few questions. I'm doing an ls7 swap in my e30 cab. I just ordered the sikky kit with 1 7/8 headers but i don't if the ls2 ports that the kit was meant for are the same as the ls7 exhaust ports. I also do not know with which t56 style shift linkage go with. Is it the gto length or camaro length?

Any help would be appreciated.

[shiboujin]

The ports are all the same so I wouldn't worry about the header stuff. The original kit was mocked up with an LS7 in an E30 M3 anyway so I don't think you have to worry about that. I'm fairly sure all T56's will line up the same in the tunnel. Here's a shot of my shifter area


I've got an MGW shifter that sets things forward. Works great. I don't think it's gto/camaro specific. But if you're hell bent on going factory, I'm 90% sure it's camaro style as the GTO one sits farther back.

[iflytii]

Go with the camero shifter for sure.

The LS7 heads have the same bolt pattern and flange angle. The ports have a larger D-port configuration , but the GM round port truck gaskets will clear nicely if the headers are 1 3/4" and still clear (but are very close) on 1 7/8" pipes.

[ultimateracing335i]

Have you guys strengthened your diff? I have reinforced the sub frame and installed e30 m3 hubs and half shafts. I went 5bolt all round.

[shiboujin]

I run solid aluminum mounts. Beat the shit out of mine (drifting). No issues so far.

[ultimateracing335i]

Do you think the car can be launched at the track for 1/ 4 mile passes?

[shiboujin]

I think it would hold. I think the axles wouldn't lol.

[Ryan1212]

For the shifter I didn't like where it sat or how short it was, so I just cut the mount off of the camaro shifter and welded it to a piece of rod where I wanted it, and then put my knob on that. I made mine tall enough so that the top of the knob sits almost level with the center of the steering wheel. Yes I realize my throws are longer, I wanted a longer throw for track use anyway, easier to look and see where the thing is. As for drag racing, you will likely snap axles with an ls7/sticky tires when launching hard.

Also, what are you doing to the chassis to strengthen it? What do you plan to use the car for?

[ultimateracing335i]

Its an m3 convertible replica. Its more of a cruising car but I would love to have a go at it at the drag strip. I only bought it because it has original m3 fenders and bumpers. When I started the restoration it had a m30b35 in it and since my family has a performance vette shop we found an ls7 for it. So to answer the question its going to be a street car with attitude. The suspension is all e30 m3 but Ive added bilstien sport shocks, h and r springs, whiteline sway bars, urethane bushings, e46 purple rack, strut brace, and garagistic sub frame reinforcement. When I complete the swap and get it on the road, I will assess how much more I need to do, to keep it from twisting from all the torque.

[ultimateracing335i]

It has e30 M3 axles and a 411 gear.

[Ryan1212]

Okay, well I can say that with the 4:10 diff, your gear ratios will be fine in terms of speed (my car cruised at like 1800rpm @ 120km/h ish at the track when i tested 6th). The only issue I see you having will be traction with that diff, and I'm not sure if any other ratio will help you out. If you go with a sticky tire, you will likely snap axles. Also, to run the car anywhere it will probably have to be caged. I don't think that cayuga will let you run without a roll bar at minimum.

Suspension wise, I am running 650lb springs in the rear of mine and it will tuck the tire up into the wheel arch and rub until I rolled my fenders. I am going to assume you will need something stiffer than this, which will start to suck for the street use, especially Toronto's roads.

[ultimateracing335i]

Cayuga lets you run without a cage unless your in the10second range. We rent the track for the shops customers. Im thinking of dropping the diff down but will try it with what i have first.

[ultimateracing335i]

The car has m3 quarters and we are rolling them in as we speak. I have a 245 tire on it now. Dont know how much bigger i can go.

[Denny]

Its an m3 convertible replica. Its more of a cruising car but I would love to have a go at it at the drag strip. I only bought it because it has original m3 fenders and bumpers. When I started the restoration it had a m30b35 in it and since my family has a performance vette shop we found an ls7 for it. So to answer the question its going to be a street car with attitude. The suspension is all e30 m3 but Ive added bilstien sport shocks, h and r springs, whiteline sway bars, urethane bushings, e46 purple rack, strut brace, and garagistic sub frame reinforcement. When I complete the swap and get it on the road, I will assess how much more I need to do, to keep it from twisting from all the torque.

Hi, just curious did you buy your cabrio from a Guy in Montreal, Quebec?

[ultimateracing335i]

Yes