LS1 / T56 DD e28 BMW Build

[02Wrxdriver]

Very cool build idea. Also I think it is a really smart idea to use the LS a/c etc. and plumb them into the stock evap. I helped a buddy to almost this exact swap in a 280Z and using the GM parts already on the engine worked easier. I'll be watching this build closely.

[jakeb]

thanks man...the build has been fun so far. A little delay with the birth of my son last weekend but we'll move ahead more soon.

I am upgrading the condenser and running new lines. I want cold AC. I would much rather the GM PCM control it all because it adjusts the tune a little bit to compensate for the extra load. It also turns the AC off above a certain RPM...which I think is pretty sweet. I think it might also be controlled by TPS.

[87e30]

I'm just going to swing by again to say how awesome this is.

[02Wrxdriver]

Yeah we figured out about the PCM after the install. We thought at the beginning that the BCM was responsible for the A/C but found out later we were wrong. We ran into issues with the PCM because it wasn't able to talk to the BCM. A quick tune took care of it but just a heads up you might run into that depending on the year of your engine. And sick thread by the way. Can't wait to see it when it is finally done.

[garretvs]

thanks man...the build has been fun so far. A little delay with the birth of my son last weekend but we'll move ahead more soon.

I am upgrading the condenser and running new lines. I want cold AC. I would much rather the GM PCM control it all because it adjusts the tune a little bit to compensate for the extra load. It also turns the AC off above a certain RPM...which I think is pretty sweet. I think it might also be controlled by TPS.

We have some detailed info on A/C lines, etc. We use the GM PCM to control the A/C; it blows really cold with the GM compressor & the BMW E30 evaporator, condenser & drier. Runs R134a.

[jakeb]

With the birth of our son and then my wife being in a lot of pain after delivery progress slowed down a bit. Things are starting to get sorta back to normal and figuring out when I have time to work on things.

I got a few things done recently.

Had the fan shroud cut from 14 gauge sheet metal. Welded some bolts to it and had it powder coated. No picture yet from after coating as it just got done and I haven't picked it up yet. It should work out really nice. I'm not sure yet how I am going to run the fans...either just one on for "low" speed and then both for "high" or both on slower in low and then full speed when high...not sure yet. Any suggestions?




I really hated the look of the panel the covers the heater fan and wiper motor so I pealed off all the rubber coating and had it blasted and coated.


But because now it was just a thin piece of metal I was worried about noise so I added some sound dampening material to the back side. It was pretty amazing how much different it sounded before and after the material.


And then how it looks on the car...


compared to....


moved the heater valve...it would have fit in the stock location but it would have been hard to service if needed.


mounted one of the camaro fuse boxes to hold the extra fuses and relays. The camaro actually has 3 fuse boxes, one in the dash and two under the hood. This is one of the underhood ones and I am repinning it to my liking.


Working on finishing up the rear end rebuild. The rear diff is a 3.25LSD which might change to a 3.46...I had the 3.25 so it is worth trying first.





I have a week off after this week and I am hoping to get mostly everything else done. Ordering all the AC bits tonight and should be able to order the driveshaft by the end of the week. Then I will have to do a bunch of wiring.......all figured out just need to do it and make it look nice. Slowly but surly it is moving ahead.

[jakeb]

I got the fan shroud back from the coater and was able to see how it all fits last night.

[Kershaw]

so how about dat airbox.

[garretvs]

Be sure to cut an access hole / notch in the radiator support for a power steering pump pulley removal tool -- never know when you'll need one ...

You can control the fans on low & high speed by the PCM. Lots of fan info on LS1tech in the conversions & hybrids forum.

[Insane E30]

man this build is awesome, and congrats on your son's birth!

[jakeb]

thanks all

airbox?

On the e28 with the radiator removed there is sooo much room to get at the front of the engine. With the radiator there any everything else in the way it is a bit tighter.

[HighOnLife]

Looks great jake!

[M-technik-3]

Considering beefing up the rear trailing arms with some lateral bracing like the Z3M's? Like the progress so far and having a shorter engine will help in the chassis dynamics.

[jakeb]

A little more work done.....

I was having trouble finding an upper radiator hose that would work. So I just used the camaro hose at the engine and then part of an e36 upper hose at the radiator with a piece of alum tube between the two. One side of the alum tube had to be expanded. The tube will get coated gloss black.



Made the air intake....4" to 3.5" elbow, slight 3.5" bend to 3.5" straight and a little bracket to support it to the engine. Weld has been sanded down and the entire thing will get coated gloss black.









New Cross Flow AC condenser


A couple small brackets to mount to the factory locations




Rebuilt rear end ready to go in


and in


Style 5s to be refinished.....
Still not sure on colors.
What do you all think?
polished lips, satin black centers?
polished lips, grey/silver centers?
silver coated lips, black centers?

[MR 325]

Looking great! I vote to keep the wheel centers a lighter color.