BMW 3-Series [with Corvette engine!]

[Sherlock]

Just saw an interesting BMW on the weekend a 1991/95 3-Series, with a 1999 Chev Corvette engine dropped in /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

Some local guys here in Calgary have developed it and are hoping to do some customer conversions, that is sure going to be one very fast car...

Relevant website, https://www.v3auto.com

 

[Steve_S]

I really don't see the point! BMWs are great cars but there are much better candidates for an engine swap like that one. I can't imagine that car handling the power very well.

 

[vagt6]

Yes, the question is "why"? Why tamper with an almost perfectly balaned car. Plus, a ton of HP can be coaxed out of the BMW six or V/8.

Motorsports seem to attract engineer-types, folks with know-how and the means to get it done.

I assume they did it for the challenge? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif

 

[Bret]

Hmmm? I tend to agree with the "why" question. But if you read their web site they do a fairly good job of explaining their seemingly blasphemous actions.

As for balance – according to these folks; “the LS1/6 they use is about 100 lbs lighter than the BMWs I6. And in stock trim the 5.7L engine offers up twice the displacement.” Similar to the reasons given by MGB folks who swap out their 1.8L engine for one of those a GM V6s. That said – some the reasons they didn’t stay in house with BMW, is because of cost & limitations of aftermarket go fast goodies.

While it isn’t my Cup of Joe - it looks like these guys did their homework & genuinely seems to be a rather clean & harmonious mating of an engine & platform.

Just not sure the market will make it profitable.

 

[William]

I've never cared for the last couple of generations of 3-series (I've never found the "cooking" versions to be anything but boring to drive much of the time, perfect balance, smooth engine, etc. or otherwise). This, however, is right up my alley. Since used 3s arent extremely dear, this would be an excellent M3 baiter!

-Wm.

 

[VitSport6]

///M3 baiter...Could be? But I think I would be able to tell the difference between a V8 and a I6 just be the exhaust sound, I dont think it would be anywhere near a quiet as the M3 either. Im all for conversions, SBC's have great potential. I will agree on the HP gains for a SBC not to mention the cost for getting it compared to BMW.
I know I L O V E our M3, Still waiting to get it out on the track for some auto-X !
Sherlock, Thanks for the link, I will pass it along to the local BMW guy's, Might be fun.
Thanks