"160i" 6.0l Motor Swap Build - @ls1series

[highbrowed]

Been a while since my last update. Spent a bunch of time cleaning the iron block and prepping for paint. Also performed the VVT delete, swapped in an LS3 camshaft and LS3 front accessories. The motor will be getting an LS3 intake, throttle body, and exhaust manifolds once it's in the car.



Also cleaned up the BMW ZF 6-speed:




Might actually be able to get the motor in the car this weekend..

[highbrowed]

Got the BMW ZF 6-speed mated up to the L96 via a PMC adapter from DriftHQ. Fitment was 95%, had to end up opening a mounting hole on the trans a bit because the PMC adapter was slightly off.

[drwillb]

Beast mode!!

[highbrowed]

Put in some work today.

Shout out to Michael Page from LSE90.com for the sick powder coated LS motor mounts. Quality is 11/10.

[NORAGRETS]

Originally Posted by highbrowed

This thread is to document the swap of a 6.0L Chevrolet small block into my 2009 135i.

Once the motor is in and running I will work on the twin-turbos.

My goal is reliable horsepower. I want to be able to drive to the track, do 9s, and drive home.



Update: 5/15/21 - n54 is almost ready to come out.





Update: 5/21/21 - New motor is on the way. Donor vehicle is a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.





Update: 5/22/21 - N54 delete mod complete





Update: 7/14/21 - Engine block de-rusted and painted. VVT delete and LS3 cam and timing setup swap complete. All new LS3 accessories, and car will be getting an LS3 intake manifold, throttle body, and exhaust manifolds once in the car. Also took some time to clean up the BMW ZF 6-speed.






Update: 7/17/21 - Lots of things happened today. Mounted the ZF to the LS with the PMC adapter. Decided to throw the motor into the car.

You're a legend for doing this. Cannot wait to see and hear and watch the finished product!

[bender128]

Subbed!

[highbrowed]

Update: 7/27/21 - Almost ready to start wiring.

[StevieJ2]

Sorta want to do this, but also don't want to give up the DCT.

[highbrowed]

Originally Posted by StevieJ2

Sorta want to do this, but also don't want to give up the DCT.

What if I told you that you could do this and still keep DCT..

[StevieJ2]

Originally Posted by highbrowed

What if I told you that you could do this and still keep DCT..

I spoke with the dude from hangman garage and he said DCT would have to go away. I'm limited in access to resources at my place, so I'm going to have to pay for the swap to be done and there's very few options (respectable shops) for me to rely on with that.

But, I would absolutely go through with this if I can retain the DCT on this E series 135. My left leg is fucked from a motorcycle wreck a few years back, so a manual is out of the question, and automatics just aren't as fun...thus the obsession with retaining DCT.

I was looking at a $20k build by ABT for the n55, and I would much rather spend that amount of money on a LS swap so it's cheaper to maintain, and about anyone can work on an LS, not so many for N series motors.

[highbrowed]

Originally Posted by StevieJ2

I spoke with the dude from hangman garage and he said DCT would have to go away. I'm limited in access to resources at my place, so I'm going to have to pay for the swap to be done and there's very few options (respectable shops) for me to rely on with that.

But, I would absolutely go through with this if I can retain the DCT on this E series 135. My left leg is fucked from a motorcycle wreck a few years back, so a manual is out of the question, and automatics just aren't as fun...thus the obsession with retaining DCT.

I was looking at a $20k build by ABT for the n55, and I would much rather spend that amount of money on a LS swap so it's cheaper to maintain, and about anyone can work on an LS, not so many for N series motors.

I'm not certain how different the n5x DCT is from the m3/m4 DCT but if you're motivated enough, it's possible.

https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=60654

[StevieJ2]

Originally Posted by highbrowed

I'm not certain how different the n5x DCT is from the m3/m4 DCT but if you're motivated enough, it's possible.

https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=60654

Unfortunately I believe the E and F setups are different. Not sure what specifically, but none of the adapters I found go with an e series either.

Was looking around at a few options and apparently there is a kit to make an auto with paddle shifting, but honestly at the point where I'm $30k into a project, I'll just get a different car.

[highbrowed]

Originally Posted by StevieJ2

Unfortunately I believe the E and F setups are different. Not sure what specifically, but none of the adapters I found go with an e series either.

Was looking around at a few options and apparently there is a kit to make an auto with paddle shifting, but honestly at the point where I'm $30k into a project, I'll just get a different car.

You could always just go PowerGlide.

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by StevieJ2

Unfortunately I believe the E and F setups are different. Not sure what specifically, but none of the adapters I found go with an e series either.

Was looking around at a few options and apparently there is a kit to make an auto with paddle shifting, but honestly at the point where I'm $30k into a project, I'll just get a different car.

I thought they were pretty similar except some extra cooling on the newer versions or the locations of the coolers or something.
Sounds like you've done your HW, if you haven't already maybe check with Seemslegitgarage as they seem to be the ones doing a bit of dct swap support as well and have heard good feedback in terms of how helpful they might be.

[StevieJ2]

As the op said, anything can be done, the only question is how much resources are you willing to invest. At the moment there's nothing on the market, and I don't think there's much interest for a 10 year old, low production count vehicle.

[lemansblau135is]

What a F***ing balls out build!!!

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by highbrowed

Not worrying about either. TCS and DSC will get deleted.

The TIMYOYO build… very nice so far. Looking forward to see how this turns out.

[ShocknAwe]

Looking great so far.

I'll probably end up doing this in a few years or a supercharged S65 when/if this N53 setup gives me too many headaches. Need to retain cruise/heat/ac/radio so that's a big question mark.

[bbnks2]

If I blow my engine again I will probably do this lol Loosk liek it slips in there perfectly.

[highbrowed]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Looking great so far.

I'll probably end up doing this in a few years or a supercharged S65 when/if this N53 setup gives me too many headaches. Need to retain cruise/heat/ac/radio so that's a big question mark.

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.

Only things that won't function after the swap are cruise, DSC and TCS. I plan on getting AC working and radio works without the DME.

Originally Posted by bbnks2

If I blow my engine again I will probably do this lol Loosk liek it slips in there perfectly.

It's tight but it does fit!

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by highbrowed

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.

Only things that won't function after the swap are cruise, DSC and TCS. I plan on getting AC working and radio works without the DME.

Any way to get cruise working? TCS isn't strictly necessary I guess. I drive with mine off or part off most of the time with the clutched LSD anyways.

Interested in reading more on this. So you're mating to the 6HP with a bell adapter? Or did I misunderstand.

[highbrowed]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Any way to get cruise working? TCS isn't strictly necessary I guess. I drive with mine off or part off most of the time with the clutched LSD anyways.

Interested in reading more on this. So you're mating to the 6HP with a bell adapter? Or did I misunderstand.

I'm doing a GS6-53BZ, the stock BMW 6-speed in my 135i