Yet another, BMW E-36 LSx conversion... by BRAAPZ

4 minute(s) of a 105 minute read

Not much to update, been slacking real bad the last couple weeks, work schedule sucketh, no motivation to do squat diddly!  That will change next week, then I’ll be back at it!

I did trade my GTO pan for a good F-bod pan last week, received my 28 lb LS1 injectors, installing those in the manifold tonight, ordered my WOLF EMS universal harness that comes out of AU, should be here in about 3 weeks then it’s onto wiring!

Will be relocating the ABS unit, to an area that I have not seen used yet, at least no one that has publicly shared their LSx E36 conversion…

For most everyone else, there is no reaon NOT use the GM PCM. Here is my list for why WOLF or Vi-PEC vs why not GM PCM;

1) I already have the WOLF system in hand, could easily replace it with the Vi-PEC V88.
2) I don't have a GM PCM, would have to purchase a PCM, harness w/MAF, and being a tuner as well as an uber geek, would also have to purchase a tuning suite such as HPTuners so I can fine tune the mild odd ball combo, (5.3 with .500 lift cam, ported heads, 28 lb injectors).
3) WOLF and Vi-PEC are both 8 channel sequential fuel, 8 channel sequential ign system with tons of aux inputs and outputs, specific drivers for the various different IAC motors, (PWM, stepper motor, etc), Variable cam timing, stepper motors, drive by wire support with Vi-PEC, etc, built in diagnostics that can utilize the factory check engine light for troubleshooting, as well as the lap top of course.
4) WOLF and Vi-PEC both have been now been successfully runing on Gen-III LSx engines.
5) MAF delete is default.
6) Have used/tuned the V-500 for more than a year in another car so I am familiar with its architecture.
7) Has MANY features specific for boost, turbo timer etc, that the GM PCM just does not have, if I so decided to boost in the future.

In defense of the GM PCM, in my research, I have found it to be VERY capable in performance applications, allows the use of moderate levels of boost safely, EXCELLENT drivability, very tunable with aftermarket support, i.e HP-Tuners, etc. For most everyone else, there is no reaon NOT use the GM PCM.

9-9-2009

In switching the intake over to LS1, you will most likely have to switch the water pump over as well. The outlet of the truck water pump is in the way of the LS1 Throttle body. If you stay drive By Wire instead of cable actuated throttle, you might be able to retain the truck water pump, I’m not 100% sure there.
The accy drive system of the truck will not work either as it places the alternator to high.

Here is a site with some good LSx engine swap info, covering the different accy drives, water pumps, oil pans, intakes, valve covers, etc.
http://nookandtranny.com/Info_LSx.html

This forum is dedicated the LSx engines. This particular section of that forum is dedicated to LSx Conversions and has pretty good tech and specs section in the yellow stickiest!
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids-28/

9-18-2009

Small update, (pun intended...)
Haven’t done much of anything with the car this week. Today my youngest of 3 daughters wanted to help daddy in the shop, so while I was cleaning up after a quick and dirty engine tear down from last week, I handed my 4 year old a Datsun Z car valve spring, intake valve, rocker arm anti rattle spring, air cleaner, hose clamp, and 2 wrenches, pointed to the creeper and she kept herself busy under the M3 for over an hour while I cleaned up the shop! She popped out once in while to drink her apple juice from her sippy cup and to let me know the project was coming along just fine!  

One of those daddy-daughter moments that you never want to forget! Hope she doesn’t either.