Intro: (another) E30 LS3M3

[naterry]

Do you have any miles on the e30 yet? I'm skeptical of radiator efficiency but believe your experiences, just seems small to cool that big motor. Most swaps run larger setups, even stock ls motor cars have bigger radiators. Working on one myself and the radiator has been a sticky point for me recently

I hear you. Seems small.

Just passed 500mi on the E30. Cruising temps ~190, and city stop and go ~215. It will run a bit cooler still when I get the splitter/undertray done as well.

The little rad handles the LS7 FD like a champ (427ci). Ducting is key; completely boxing in the entrance and then an undertray that extends to the rear of the motor. So a smaller radiator is possible if it is efficient.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0LLaWe0Yi8

[1990m3]

Do you have any miles on the e30 yet? I'm skeptical of radiator efficiency but believe your experiences, just seems small to cool that big motor. Most swaps run larger setups, even stock ls motor cars have bigger radiators. Working on one myself and the radiator has been a sticky point for me recently

[naterry]

No cooling issues with it? Have you road raced the rx7 with that unit?

Yep, it's good. Ducting the radiator and correctly exhausting the engine bay are key. The FD (590whp) saw every event for 3+ years with many August Thunderhill events with 100+ deg track temps, and a few idling in summer traffic times too.

[1990m3]

No cooling issues with it? Have you road raced the rx7 with that unit?

[naterry]

Cheers, and thanks for the kind words! I'll post some more pics shortly.

The radiator is actually an FD unit, 3-pass. I like it because it's short and doesn't have a cap. 12x24, the same one is in the LS7 FD. Space is scarce in the front so I angled the radiator and mounted it as far forward as possible on another subframe.

The build was really a sprint in the evenings spread over two job and shop changes. -Meant to post sooner... But glad to finally have it rolling!

[evandael]

dat m3 :puppy:


*scroll scroll scroll*


dat ls3 :eeek:


*scroll scroll*





DAT FD

[efficient]

damn sick cars!

[1990m3]

What size radiator is in there?

[markseven]

Where da heck you been hiding dude?

Awesome build - you should have taken us along for the ride. Is the build thread on a board somewhere?

[M-technik-3]

LS3 is a very decent engine. I am using one in my next lemons project.

240DL with ls3 and t56

[ADlBOO]

Amazing!

[CrusherCurtis]

Holy shit dat Mazda!! More pics please. I think if you were trying to build a car that doesn't attract attention you failed when you choose LS3 M3 E30

It was one of those "Oh look, mounts, easy, I'll just put an old LS1 in a fun car, 2-3 months tops" kind of things.

Q F T !!!!!!
Next thing you know your sinking $25k into a 500 hp + monster

[LSM3]

Looks good! I'm on the downhill of my build too. Only an ls1 though..I cant imagine 40% more HP! Can't wait to see it in person. Great job!

[IRON-E]

Holy fawk!, welcome aboard Sir., that looks insanely fun. :up:

[naterry]

you wanted a car that didn't attract a lot of attention, so you've built an LS3 e30 M3.. lol.

in any case, that build looks really clean and properly built, well done! Did you use garrett's mounts? AEM dash?

I know, it's a disease I caught from too much time on the track. Just can't stop once a build starts...
Yes, Racepak dash, and props to Garrett's mounts. Quality brackets! It's his fault I built this. It was one of those "Oh look, mounts, easy, I'll just put an old LS1 in a fun car, 2-3 months tops" kind of things.

There is hope though, it's more chill than the last failed street project, and driving it doesn't make me fear for my license: