Someone Has LS-Swapped An E30 M3 And We Don't Know How To Feel

It might be sacrilege, but the guy selling this 374bhp LS-engined M3 has done a fantastic job of the conversion. We just can't decide whether we absolutely love it... or not
Someone Has LS-Swapped An E30 M3 And We Don't Know How To Feel

We might have to admit this one is going to divide opinion. It’s an LS-swapped 1988 E30 M3, and by the old gods and the new, it’s definitely a looker.

What you get for your $40,000(!) is an almost stock-looking M3, aside from the BBS wheels, lower ride height and the tip of an aftermarket exhaust. But under the bonnet is a blueprinted 5.7-litre LS1 that was bought brand new by the seller as part of the project. It was hooked up to a six-speed T-56 gearbox from the likes of the Camaro. Both, apparently, fit like a dream in the E30 chassis.

Someone Has LS-Swapped An E30 M3 And We Don't Know How To Feel

The eBay US listing is a horror show of a single, seemingly endless block of text that takes some determination to get through, but 374hp is recorded on a dyno printout in the images. Within the text are claims of 450bhp being possible with light modifications.

It sits on 2000 BMW M Roadster suspension, which again seems to fit very well. Much of the project was adapted from available parts, or even custom built for this car. Since the conversion the car has done around 30,000 miles, so it looks to have held up well.

Remote video URL

The more you read, it sounds like a hell of a build by someone who has gone to great pains to do it right. We’re a little dubious about the idea of the standard E30 M3 limited-slip diff being okay with the 353lb ft of torque the V8 is chucking out, but this really does seem like a job well done.

There’s plenty of detail in the ad if you can bear to wade through it. But as good as it looks, there are still some voices of dissent around the office. Should it have been left original? Should it at least have been given a BMW engine if a swap was essential? Is it worth the eye-opening asking price?

Comments

Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

Oh god, LS swappings are slowly taking over!!

12/22/2016 - 13:16 |
30 | 0
Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

In reply to by Chewbacca_budd…

First Japan now Europe! (Germany specifically)

12/22/2016 - 13:16 |
16 | 0

In 10 years : Lets LS swap a LS car

12/22/2016 - 14:20 |
10 | 4

I sense excitement

03/28/2017 - 10:57 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

If I wanted an E30 M3 (which seemed to originally be for handling, not speed), I would have it stock.

12/22/2016 - 13:16 |
150 | 6
Ellie Kuik

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Such a special snowflake

12/22/2016 - 14:19 |
40 | 12
Dzonny the e36 maniaq

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

In my opinion if you want a V8 in e30 or e36 you should go for 4.4 from e38/e39, it’s pretty good and fits nicely

12/22/2016 - 14:45 |
56 | 0
Driven to Drive 1

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

You obviously haven’t driven one stock. In Alex Kerston’s review, it’s pretty rubbish. An LS and upgrades is probably the best thing to happen to an E30 m3 chassis.

12/22/2016 - 15:40 |
26 | 14
FLixy Madfox

Wow! Increased performance and increased reliabilty plus amazing sounds! Amazing! We should see more of this

12/22/2016 - 13:22 |
28 | 22

I hope for Christmas you’ll get a McLaren P1 with stock LS1. :) Instead of 903 hp you’ll have 400. :)

12/22/2016 - 15:17 |
12 | 10
Anonymous

why a m3? why not just an average e30? :(
don’t misunderstand me, I love the work and the results, but that m3 (and any other car like that) must be a museum piece :(

12/22/2016 - 13:30 |
36 | 6
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

A car like that should never waste away in a museum…

12/22/2016 - 13:42 |
36 | 0
Eric England Jr.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

If the original drivetrain was a waste then i guess it could justify the swap but if it was in great condition then i would say no.

12/23/2016 - 03:57 |
0 | 0
TipsyTimothy

Soooo… FH3 irl???????????????

12/22/2016 - 13:34 |
8 | 0
M A K

Mericad

12/22/2016 - 13:37 |
4 | 2
Luka Stokic

This guy really wants to sell it ! :D

12/22/2016 - 13:45 |
74 | 2

Yep! Worth it since the car comes with a free essay.

12/22/2016 - 15:19 |
18 | 2
Jean Rue
12/22/2016 - 13:48 |
10 | 6
Anonymous

It’s a car, and people are clever, inventive and creative without being brand fanbois.

Enjoy it, don’t be one of those people… people.

12/22/2016 - 13:57 |
18 | 10
Dat Incredible Chadkake

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Yeah, I really like this. American power with European sports car prowess. Brilliant.

12/22/2016 - 17:02 |
4 | 2
Anonymous

How to trigger BMW fans official guide

12/22/2016 - 14:01 |
42 | 2

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