'89 316i E30 LS1 Swap Build Thread

[shiboujin]

Cheap is a relative term. If you penny pinch, you can do the swap for super cheap. Truck motor, fab parts, etc. But a good base LS motor with almost no fuss isn't cheap at all.

[Reyhan335]

Cheap is a relative term. If you penny pinch, you can do the swap for super cheap. Truck motor, fab parts, etc. But a good base LS motor with almost no fuss isn't cheap at all.

I don't even call the truck motors an LS

[shiboujin]

Brah, cool kids start with an iron truck block and build from there.

[Reyhan335]

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Q8y_drifter]

LOL
I would've gone with a 5.3 if it was actually cheaper. I picked up the cutty's 2003 LS1, the 4L65E, full accessories and a 0411 PCM for about $550 total, while a bare bone Gen III 5.3 long block is about $1000 if you're lucky.

[E30LSX]

They technically fit. However to fish the driver's side in between the engine and frame was probably the most difficult part of this swap. Passenger side slides in no problem whatsoever. Drivers side I had to

Massage the shock tower support
Remove valve coils, valve cover and plugs
Loosen engine mounts and pull/tilt engine towards passenger side.

They barely squeezed in with a lot of swearing, hammering and twisting.

The collectors will need to be cut/shortened if you actually wanna drive this thing on a road. They are too long and extend right towards the ground.

Did you communicate this problem (collector being to long) with Sikky?

I ask because i had the same issue and they sent me 4 sets of headers before i finally gave up and modified a set. Sikky acted surprised and as if i was the only one to ever pitch a fit over fitment or lack there of.

[E30LSX]

I run a 5.3 and willing to bet it will out perform yours. I mean that in a friendly, competitive way of course..:)

[E30Whore]

I don't even call the truck motors an LS

Ouch, that cuts deep lol :nice:

[Q8y_drifter]

Did you communicate this problem (collector being to long) with Sikky?

I ask because i had the same issue and they sent me 4 sets of headers before i finally gave up and modified a set. Sikky acted surprised and as if i was the only one to ever pitch a fit over fitment or lack there of.

Nope never spoke with them after I placed my order. Wouldn't have helped much as I'm across the pond and shipping them back would be a hassle to say the least.

[shiboujin]

My headers are the basic kind. I think they modified it after they used my car as a prototype. They went from the regular flange to v band. I think that's where the length came from.

[Q8y_drifter]

My headers are the basic kind. I think they modified it after they used my car as a prototype. They went from the regular flange to v band. I think that's where the length came from.

The final design did change to incorporate a v-band flange, but the collector sticks out for no reason IMO. The primaries merge right where they meet so I don't really see the reason for that additional 6-7" inches of pipe.

[E30Whore]

Nope never spoke with them after I placed my order. Wouldn't have helped much as I'm across the pond and shipping them back would be a hassle to say the least.

My headers are the basic kind. I think they modified it after they used my car as a prototype. They went from the regular flange to v band. I think that's where the length came from.

The final design did change to incorporate a v-band flange, but the collector sticks out for no reason IMO. The primaries merge right where they meet so I don't really see the reason for that additional 6-7" inches of pipe.

Mine are also vband. I called and pitched a fit... They tried to help but sent 4 sets that did not work. I was refunded for the headers after i had to modify them. I'm not complaining because they handled the situation however, when spending good money on "quality" parts, this shouldn't be a issue.

[E30Whore]

Apologies, i do not know why it posted a link and not a open file...

[Q8y_drifter]

Yup that's pretty much what the exhaust shop did.

[akorcovelos]

sub'd