E36 M3 - LS3/TR6060 Swap

[jakeb]

New bushings in the rear subframe just about ready to go in


Coilovers


Front of the diff reinforcement


Got the rubber trans mount so the plan was to make the trans mount. Looking like I need to figure out the shifter situation before that can happen tho. This is a tr6060 so the shifter uses a linkage unlike on the t56. Trans has to be a little lower to give room for the linkage...



Thinking of using the camaro shifter holder and modifying it a bit.

BMW compared to the camaro shifter


The shaft diameter is just about the same so I am thinking a BMW knob will fit.


Camaro shifter pulled apart


What I am thinking is cut the arms that go to the trans off (where the ratchet is in the pic below). Then mount the camaro rear carrier to the bottom of the e36. Then weld the mounting location from the front (cut off) back a bit further to mount to the trans. Finally shortened the shifter linkage.



By lowering the back of the trans the space between the brake booster and valve cover it REALLLLLY tight. I will probally change the engine mounts so it sits a little lower and gives more clearance at the brake booster. I have about 3/4" between the pan and the subframe right now so there is some room to go a bit lower.

[pacmanE30]

great attention to detail.

[jakeb]

I was hoping to make the trans mount and start on headers today but I come to find that there is no rubber mount on the tr6060. drat! I have a rubber mount on the way.

Either way...lots of other things to work on.

Brake and fuel lines....powder coated...calipers will be coated to match




Clean tank ready to go back in


Straps with new pads


Tank is back in


Just some random pictures now that it is raised up.

[matthugie]

Nice work! Such a great project.

[jakeb]

Engine mounts made

I am REALLY digging this tubing notcher





Engine side....


Start with some paper...


Convert to metal




Passenger side




255lph fuel pump in stock housing

[ACHTUNG]

Right on. Fitting the pieces to the puzzle. Good work.

[jakeb]

Picked up a trailblazer compressor...

It fits great. I'm not sure if I will keep this exact compressor as it is painted black. New rebuilt from the parts store but just looks out of place not matching the engine. Gotta see what else I can find. But this type works for sure with the LS3 belt spacing or truck for that matter.

Line location


Clearance to rail


From the front...uses a truck tensioner


Here is the bracket.
LS3, truck, trailblazer. I will have to drill a hole or weld an ear to the back for the lower hole as the LS3 mounting is a little different. Top bolts are the same and everything lines up tho. There is even a cut out on the back of the trailblazer bracket where a hold could be.

[GreasyE30]

I would honestly make my own, first then look around for a off the shelf, if mine doesn't work..... LOL buts that's because I'm a dumbass.

GL! We're rooting for you!

[jakeb]

It seems with any swap there is lots and lots of research. Actually one part that I really like. The LS3 AC compressor has the line exit direct into the frame rail so that wasn't going to work. I happen to have a truck bracket and come to find the LS3 has the same belt spacing as the trucks....

Tried a couple different truck compressors, no go... lines again exit directly into the frame rail.

Thought about using the stock s50 compressor and make a bracket. It would be nice to use the stock lines. It does "fit" but sits about 2" further back than stock so the lines really wouldn't work anyway.

A couple pictures of how it fits.



Belt lined up




I really wasn't too happy with that so started digging. I use google images a lot to find things...seems to work the best for me and is the fastest.

I found a bracket to use a sanden compressor on the LSx.....like this. I THINK the lines will clear the frame rail from all my measurements. If not there are different sanden compressors with the lines that come out the back.



Some more digging and I found that the trailblazer/enovy has a different AC compressor than the other trucks with the LSx engine.
The compressor has the outputs more on the TOP..... looking like this might work.
I have a compressor coming tomorrow to see if that will fit. Looks like the bracket can be bought new from GM for around $25.
A few pictures of that setup...these are not mine.

[GreasyE30]

Clean parts do fucking rule.

Good shit brotha

[jakeb]

It sure is nice working with new parts....everything is so clean.

Gas tank is cleaned and about ready to go back in. Once the new fuel pump is installed.




Before...



Front Spindles
Before the bearings went on..new dust shields, etc


All put together (full torque once they are on the car)




Upper rear control arms, bushings pressed in


Rear Trailing arms, new bushings and wheel bearing. Just need to press the hubs in

[MT325is]

I wish my school music teacher was this cool!

[jakeb]

thanks! As of now it is my second job. I am a school teacher by day (k-12 Music)

[MT325is]

Damn! and this is your day job?! well im jealous!
Loks awesome love the underbody paint!

[jakeb]

Mother of God. Didn't know what you were talking about when you referenced this in you last email. I've been out of the loop for a month I guess...

I didn't know if you had saw it yet.... :)