LS Engine Gets Shoehorned Into an E30 M3
As enthusiasts of the legendary LS engine, we love seeing this motor go into almost anything. Check out this very special LS-powered classic BMW M3.
1. Kevin Byrd
You may know him from Two Guys Garage, Kevin Byrd is a TV personal and a Mechanical Engineering degree holder. Kevin is known for his passion for everything automotive, but this BMW M3 turned into something very special. Byrd originally bought the car in 2001 as a daily driver, but of course, he knew he would occasionally take it out on the track. The plan was to keep it as close to stock as possible, but the engine just simply didn't do it for Kevin.
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 E30 M3 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
2. A Crazy Idea
Five years after Kevin bought his M3, he was doing some basic repairs on it, like replacing old, worn suspension components, as well as fixing some rust spots around the vehicle. While exploring the various corners of his BMW, Kevin got a crazy idea that started with a tape measure, and the goal was to fit a giant American V8 LS engine into the tiny German M3's engine compartment. His plan wasn't simple, however, because he wanted to keep the same driving dynamics of the car, which meant he had to keep the suspension the same while fabricating engine accessories around it.
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 E30 M3 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
3. Exterior
Kevin knew he had to do some modifications on the exterior, but he wanted to keep the same legendary vibe of this generation's M3. He widened the fenders by two inches, which was accomplished by cutting them and fabricating the new ones himself. Byrd removed the hood and fabricated it himself, adding some vents to help cool the giant beast that sits inside of it. Finally, the spoiler was slightly modified, and the entire body was painted in metallic steel blue with some silver stripes.
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 E30 M3 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
4. Interior
As a true car enthusiast, Kevin decided he wants to keep the interior as close as he can to stock, but that didn't mean he can't install Corbeau competition seats for both the driver and the passenger, as well as a MOMO steering wheel. Byrd ensured all of the interior was restored perfectly, which truly shows the fine stitching of this legendary vehicle. Everything inside this M3 works, from the air conditioner to the very last gauge.
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 E30 M3 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
5. Wheels, Tires, and Brakes
The M3 wears a set of 18"x8.5" BBS wheels in the front, and 18"x10" BBS wheels in the rear. Wrapped around the wheels is a set of Pirelli P-Zero Corsa 245/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 295/30ZR18 of the same brand in the rear. Behind the BBS wheels are the stock brakes, but Kevin added the hydro-boost system and fabricated a new spot for the master cylinder to create space for the LS3 engine.
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 E30 M3 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
6. Suspension
Kevin fabricated the engine bay to ensure he keeps the stock suspension, so the M3 still has the four-wheel independent suspension, and he added the aluminum control arms. Byrd replaced the stock bushings and installed performance ones that are stiffer. Finally, he replaced the stock springs and installed AST adjustable monotube dampers.
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 E30 M3 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
7. Engine and Transmission
Chosen out of the Chevrolet Performance catalog, Kevin Byrd picked an LS3 engine with the Hot Cam. Before Kevin did anything to the motor, it was delivering 480-horsepower, but after he installed the headers, high-flow intake, and other components, the LS3 produces 510-horsepower. Working collaboratively with this LS3 engine is a six-speed TREMEC TR6060 manual transmission, which has a bronze shift to add extra durability, and carbon-fiber rings for the second, third, and fourth gears. As a powertrain engineer, Kevin designed this M3 to handle 700-horsepower, which means there will be much more to come in the future.
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 E30 M3 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
For help with service of your car, check out the how-to section of LS1Tech.com