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      03-20-2023, 10:27 AM   #1
A97syclone
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A97syclone's 2011 128i AWD 1M conversion LS Swap thread

I guess it's time to start a build thread on this project.
I wanted to put an LS into an AWD vehicle for a while now and figured I'd convert one that was never AWD while I was at it, so I picked up a 2011 128i with engine issues. I'm sure this will be a long thread because I am trying to do a majority of the work myself. I'll be uploading pics as I go.

The plan is:
Turbo (twin or single) L92 6.2 engine with all of the LS3 parts on it
4L80E 4wd version
NP149 transfer case from an older Escalade
Trailblazer SS front differential
Xdrive front subframe and suspension
eventually 1M conversion body parts, suspension goodies and wheels

My goal is to keep the A/C and be able to daily drive it as well as take it to the track.

Last edited by A97syclone; 12-27-2023 at 12:27 PM..
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      03-20-2023, 12:26 PM   #2
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Here's the car from the start.
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      03-20-2023, 12:32 PM   #3
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Started by removing everything that was in the way
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      03-20-2023, 12:42 PM   #4
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Test fitting the new (old) engine and the TBSS front diff.
I had to move the steering gear toward the driver side about an inch and forward as far as it would slide in order to wedge the diff in. Also had to trim some of the subframe in a few areas to clear the diff. I also had to trim and notch the diff case to fit around the steering gear.
This diff setup will not work when attached to the engine using the oem pan. The diff will be bolted to the subframe instead.
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      03-20-2023, 12:51 PM   #5
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This is a speedway steel pan. Had to notch it in a few places.
Also some pics of spots that needed clearancing
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      03-20-2023, 12:59 PM   #6
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This is about as good as I could get it. The yoke is pretty close to the main structure. These are random pics of it sitting where I want it.
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      03-20-2023, 01:04 PM   #7
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Made some of the mounts and started working on engine mounts. These are Amazon LS mounts that I had to shorten the driver side. I then fabled my own bottom parts of the mount.
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      03-20-2023, 02:23 PM   #8
A97syclone
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Made some attachment points for the passenger side of the differential
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      03-20-2023, 02:27 PM   #9
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BMW vs TBSS front axle comparison plus a bunch of pics of how everything sits in the subframe.
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      03-20-2023, 02:30 PM   #10
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Had to cut a little for clearance. This will all be filled and reinforced eventually.
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      04-01-2023, 07:24 PM   #11
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This is awesome, I'm also LS swapping but rwd. If this works out for you it'll be huge!!! And maybe my next swap. Best of luck with it I'll be watching for sure
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      04-01-2023, 07:37 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Petro135 View Post
This is awesome, I'm also LS swapping but rwd. If this works out for you it'll be huge!!! And maybe my next swap. Best of luck with it I'll be watching for sure
I've been studying your thread too. I appreciate you showing the little details that I had questions about.
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      06-20-2023, 12:52 AM   #13
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2011 bmw 135i  [8.50]
Subbed for awesomeness 👍
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      07-06-2023, 01:03 PM   #14
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Subbed for awesomeness 👍
Same!!
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      07-07-2023, 12:13 AM   #15
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dang, that is commitment, nice!
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      09-10-2023, 08:05 PM   #16
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Any update on this, I’m curious to see how it’s coming along!? Keep up the solid work I’m hoping to learn off you for the future track car I wanna build myself. Subscribed for sure.
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      09-10-2023, 10:25 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by agnewfedaykin View Post
Any update on this, I’m curious to see how it’s coming along!? Keep up the solid work I’m hoping to learn off you for the future track car I wanna build myself. Subscribed for sure.
Not too much lately, mainly collecting parts, it's been over 110 for 50+ days so I've been avoiding the heat.
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      10-04-2023, 07:49 PM   #18
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Changed the gears in the new Ford explorer rear differential to match the 4.10 front gear ratio. Also got rid of the open diff and put in an OE Ford limited slip.
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      10-10-2023, 10:21 AM   #19
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Finished up the 8.8 rear and fitted it with some LSE90 Mounts and got started on swapping in a limited slip into the front GM 7.25 differential.
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      12-27-2023, 05:15 PM   #20
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Removed all of the windows and managed not to break any of them
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      03-12-2024, 02:17 AM   #21
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Picked a NP241 to use, swapped the input to 32 spline and replaced all the bearings and seals.
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      03-18-2024, 09:21 PM   #22
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Thought I'd test fit the wheels I found with the new 1M pieces and Xdrive front/F8X M rear suspension stuff.
Rear are a tad wide so I ordered some adjustable upper links to try to bring it in 25-30mm.
Fronts fit great except the rim is really close to the strut so I may space it out 5mm.
The quarters are BDC RQP that are the narrower of their two versions.
I popped off the front hub to try to find one that uses 14mm lugs to match the rear F8X hubs. I found that the front hubs from a earlier X5 are dimensionally identical except it has 14mmx1.5 and I need it to be 14mmx1.25. I'll just have to drill and tap I guess.
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