How Cheap can you really LS swap a BMW??

[@EE_E38]

I appreciate the detail and breakdown of everything. Definitely helped dumb this stuff down for people like me that have never swapped an engine.

[@lse90garage]

Even more detailed videos coming, breaking everything down into individual videos starting with the complete wiring guide on Mike’s 1 series swap. First video should be ready this weekend.

[@richardschafer1911]

Awesome

[@CameronLegend]

I’m around $25k into my M3. That’s a turbocharged, LS swap, car, fully modded everything all together cost.

[@jsnyara]

Same here. These toys aint cheap! I'm at $30k over the last 6 years. 2'nd T56, 2'nd subframe and differential. On3 7875 huge meth kit with dual nozzles, 5.3 iron block has been rebuilt 2 times (bent connecting rods, popped pistons etc). 12psi totally reliable 480whp no intercooler with meth. 16psi feels good and has proven reliable 600whp. 18psi bent connecting rods 650whp intake temps were 300 degrees f. I need to cram an intercooler in there somewhere. Thinking of putting the rad in the trunk.

[@CameronLegend]

@@jsnyara hell yeah, that’s totally badass brother.

[@frontspring1]

How much hp

[@CameronLegend]

@@frontspring1 all of it

[@frontspring1]

@@CameronLegend probably on stock pistons

[@uncleshrek32]

That low range is very doable, man glad I found this channel 👌

[@lse90garage]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@MeezusChrist]

best breakdown video by far

[@MattySlimz]

All mounts for $600!? I’m sold.. very well drawn out for us to understand. Thanks!

[@ЖбановПавел]

Hello, I have a couple of questions (I have a F10 2012 550i, the engine died) can I leave the old transmission using an adapter, and leave the standard computer from BMW, reprogramming it for the LS6.0 engine, (I am most interested in reprogramming the computer from BMW to Chevrolet LS6.0???????

[@0650asanders]

Im looking a an e90 wagon with a shit motor for a swap and its gonna be my family weekend cruiser. May even do a Clark Griswold green/wood panel wrap to complete the thing 😂

[@tdicarlo3]

*e91

[@robertpaxton4849]

The ECU situation is where I get hung up on. The ecu kit that you speak of, it ties into the original electronics of the Beemer? I know its not a simple plug and play. I'm actually a working mechanic. But I just today heard that they were this swap. And I love 745. But I know the engine and trans has issues. So the thought of doing an ls swap just got me going. But where can I get detailed instructions for this swap? I really need to know.

[@Tiger-pu4oz]

Have an E92 N54 FBO, E85 custom tune, for over 12 yrs now. But I like learning about things like this. Thank you for sharing. Maybe, reliability vs reliability could have been also discussed in this video or another. I subscribed.

[@lse90garage]

We’d love to discuss the reliability of both however we were never N54 guys so we’d have to bring in some buddies to help with that. More content coming soon including a follow up on the pricing video as well as the FAQ video. Appreciate the support!

[@Genesislights]

I’m tempted to do this for project or just get CTSV 1st/2nd gen or C5 for about the same price by the time you finish with the mid level build + car cost. Only thing I hate about the CTSV is the interior. It’s be a fun project for sure.

[@geoffreykidder5694]

$5000 is enough... but I make everything myself. Just made a custom trans crossmember today for about $25

[@hikeskool]

K 👌

[@coachrandalljones]

How would a gseries 8hp75 from the diesel 535 hold torque of a turbo ls swap? 700-800 whp It's the trans I have in my 335d rn with my M57

[@Brian-uj6gm]

Keep it up, I really hope to see more videos from you in the near future.

[@lse90garage]

More on the way just been a struggle the past few months with Mike in the hospital and Myself(Garrett) having a new baby. Hopefully have some Procharged 335 content out soon with Frank!

[@0Wheezy]

I have a e90 wagon, with 188 k on the n52 in there, it's starting to die, and I just so happen to have a ls1. Gonna be diving into this project soon.

[@dougmann5362]

Really interested in a Z3 swap. Would be a super fun daily.

[@fullcircleperformance]

The first videos on my page will be of Z3 & Genesis LS swaps! Gives us a follow for future content!

[@RXIsaac]

Y'all gonna post z3 content???​@@fullcircleperformance

[@dannymcleod439]

I just picked up a dirt cheap 01 330ci and also was offered a ls1 w/ 40k miles from a buddy of mine for free. Bmw is currently auto debating on 4l80.

[@kimmybonner5547]

Just got a 330i can’t I just use the regular transmission?

[@glazedegyptian]

I love LS Swaps, however, I just cannot get over wanting to swap a coyote or a voodoo motor in an e92. I have a buddy who has a spare 5.0 gen 2 with the T82 transmission, full wiring harness, etc. My biggest concern is the DME/CAN setup to allow the electronics to speak to each other. Do you think with me buying my buddies coyote (6k, 45k miles) and trans, I could have a running/driving coyote swapped e9x for around $12,000 total not including the cost of the car obviously.

[@Ilovegirlfights2]

Will fit in between the shock towers ? I thought the coyote is wide

[@zlg5013]

Damn been waiting for a video like this for years, thank you!

[@Smokkedandslammed]

I'm torn between T56 or 4L80E. I love manual but I kinda just wanna chill until it's time to go and stomp on it. My Tremor has spoiled me with auto but I also gots the maunal lyfe in me. I have a 2010 e92 xdrive so I think the 4l80e will fit ok with out too much banging.

[@lse90garage]

yes the x drive has extra room for the 80e

[@camron4668]

Sir Thank you for all the information. You are the best on KZbin so far. Thank you

[@crazyman8472]

Can you LS swap a BMW...without going broke? 🤔

[@MarkMasters83]

Only After the swap, it will get cheaper 😉

[@MH-ro1ix]

Great breakdown, thanks watching in Ireland 🇮🇪

[@hanimetv5935]

Planning on dropping a built and supercharged LS into my f10 535 I can’t wait 😩

[@gixxerboyroyluvdrumswaters9023]

Nice break down.

[@marcosorto8723]

Thanks now I’m gonna begin my swap

[@n17384]

Thanks for the knowledge share brotha, best breakdown I’ve found yet.

[@Brian-uj6gm]

been looking for this video. your channel is an awesome resource. im hopefully getting an 07 e92 rwd 328i with hopes to swap.

[@chiefsergee]

You get it ?

[@Brian-uj6gm]

@@chiefsergee no, it was a salvage car and there was a reason they weren’t repairing it even though it was a “simple fix”. Id rather buy a car thats straight from the get go.

[@o0lunchboxxx0o91]

So basically I need to just keep my e46 stock until I make salary $$$

[@Jotomoz]

nice nice i've been researching options away from the bmw heritage. this is a good swap.

[@Dankdayz707]

How do I get a full list of parts needed for the base/cheapest swap?

[@liveandletlive2894]

Really depends on to many factors including your skills

[@jayransier9901]

I love these videos, super excited about the possibilities. I do have a question though. How do you configure the ECU? Do the ones you listed come with the interface software, or would I need to get something like HP tuners?

[@lse90garage]

You download the software for free from Holley.

[@travispelfrey8940]

Curious. Have you heard of anyone using the wiring specialties conversion harness kit? Haven’t heard anything about them, but looking into it for a full plug and play setup that retains factory interior electronics. Thoughts? Good video too by the way! Makes me feel a little better about starting in on my build.

[@travispelfrey8940]

Also, I’ll be doing an e46 if that changes anything...

[@lse90garage]

E46 and E90 are two completely different platforms

[@kevinsimmons2815]

Thank you for this video it really helps me out

[@creightonsmith1836]

Great video!

[@lse90garage]

Thanks!

[@fnazazel750]

I'm thinking of doing a stock 5.3 on my 135i for 1k hp

[@meyou-qr6zi]

great video, just got a 530i e90 auto by chance and it needs bunch of work, was looking at swapping to manual, then found out about the ls swaps, ive been saving up for a r33 gtst but having this car sit in my driveway and seeing the 800hp one in mckinney has meet thinking of putting 10-20k into this swap, in up in allen tx, ill be researching more and might hit u guys up. thanks for the video

[@hp1832]

530i e90 huh interesting 😆

[@BAPTruckin]

Thanks.

[@richardschafer1911]

Luv this I'm bout to do E36 5 series lsx sequential 6speed msd with Holly Digi dash etc

[@Stevewb2brew]

I have a 2004 645cic, is there a way to keep all the original electrical components working after an LS 6 swap?

[@jacobcagle5724]

By far the most in depth video I’ve seen. Thank you so much for the information.

[@theclaw8759]

Someone needs to get a twin turbo ls3 setup goin on a e63 coupe that’d be sick. Would prob be cheaper than buying a f13 and dealing with just the cooling lines alone lol

[@marantzfury3024]

Awesome video.. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! very cool to share your knowledge

[@markolala1]

Good stuff. Like the details. Thanks

[@德博-g5l]

hey Mike, do you already have a solution for traction control?

[@tdicarlo3]

Great breakdown. Any idea how much hp can the stock fuel pump support. will it be able to supply a cammed ls3 in the 550hp range?

[@lse90garage]

Unsure on actual hp support of the stock pump but we do know that people are seeing pressure drop from the stock feed lines.

[@PoLilTinkTink]

Post and sticky part #'s for those axles for your kit please.

[@lse90garage]

www.seemslegitgarage.com/product-page/e82-e92-axle-upgrade

[@capoonthalenz1285]

Good detail 👌

[@lse90garage]

Thanks for the support!

[@bayareaartist999]

You need to work up a repower Ls swap for the BMW 550 GT gran turismo. The n63's are DOA starting sround 60k miles but still leaving a great car without a powerplant. A used n63 off of ebay is around 4k before a pre install refresh. The n63 is 401 peak horsepower and 440 foot pounds of torque. There are enthusists like yourself but there are a lot more poeple who just want a reliable powerplant for the BMW chassis that still have a lot of life left in them. If you wan to build a real ls swap movement it's not repowering the 3 series. It's repowering the 5's and 7 chassis with balanced powerplants. If you solve the problems on the 5 and 7 series then the enthusiest can then dump them into the 3's at a greater pace.

[@00O000OO]

1000% agree.

[@itsme3297]

All i want is engine mount and oil pan so i can drive the car bcus e30 sound bad so i can get a cheap 6.0 lq9 witch is capable of over 1000hp if strocked to 408

[@shootfortax-8848]

Could you guys do this to my e60? it looks like your in my area from previous videos

[@dieselgartland4876]

Cool video thank you

[@lse90garage]

Thanks for the support!

[@stevehayes5419]

What about using the pcm adapter and keeping the bmw drivetrain

[@lse90garage]

Lots of info on that via the Facebook group, we don’t recommend it which is why it’s not covered. facebook.com/groups/450961372349986/?ref=share_group_link

[@dpro5321]

or keep the superior zf8 trans. there are adapters online.

[@lse90garage]

You’re one chassis ahead there. F30 3 series cars had the 8 speed, not the E90 chassis. We have not swapped an F chassis car yet but it is coming. Main problem is control, the Holley we use cannot control the trans, so you’ll need a stand-alone to go on top.

[@dpro5321]

@@lse90garage I'm referring to the general consensus of the video. Hot Cheap can Hou really LS Swap a BMW. I have an F01 that just popped the disaster piece that is an N63 and browsed around for LS swapping for shits. Literally would be cheaper than tossing a 100k mile used n63 in it.

[@lse90garage]

@@dpro5321 yea not sure what the cost vs cost would be, another issue is the 8hp offered in the 3 series is only rated to around 450tq, at a very low GVW, versus say a 4l80 that’s rated for 600tq at a GVW of 18,000lbs. However to each their own, but we feel the GM trans offers a ton of positives over the BMW counterparts. The one your really want to find is the 8HP from the dodge stuff with hellcat motors lol

[@dpro5321]

@@lse90garage the 3 series has a few different 8hp transmission options. The 8HP45 is the weakest at 450tq. (Build for them is surprisingly cheap) but swapping to a beefier HP90 from the 7 series/hellkittens etc would be doable also. 900tq rating I believe or similar. I like the GM Trans bc they are proven but it's hard to beat that 8spd keeping you in the beans.

[@billymasoner3735]

What about the wiring harness/adapter?

[@lse90garage]

The holley system we typically used was not included in here, add 1800

[@kennymartinezsss6914]

What engine and trans are you using on your car ? Thanks

[@ChristianPenaloza-w3m]

How much do you charge for a ls2 swap on a 328i coupe as far as labor ,can you give like a ball park estimate .Im interested in putting more time and love into this project

[@lse90garage]

You can email us at [e-mail] We can discuss doing a swap for you.

[@timmcginty4128]

holy crap man. I dont want u to be a social media star. We need to pay this man for being real so he doesnt fail at life for easy cash. DUDE DONT DO IT, YOUR HAPPY!!!!

[@Leekautorepair]

Which driveshaft do u recommend?

[@oyazgaming]

Thank you for this amazing video.

[@Level_Up_Nation]

wouldn't just using the BMW ZF trans that's in the car so no worry about drive shaft etc?

[@lse90garage]

Clutch options are trash, a T56 handles the tq much better

[@Level_Up_Nation]

@@lse90garage ah ok, I have a 318ti she'll and trying to figure out what to do with it

[@jonahgarasha2223]

So you can an a swap for about five grand I have a BMW 335i would love to LS swap where can I find mount kit

[@jassom1270]

If you have xdrive can you set this up to work with the awd system? I have a 2011 328i xdrive and would really like to keep the awd functional, but it’s not a dead set requirement

[@lse90garage]

Currently nobody has kept AWD, it would require way too much cutting and fab to make it all fit, most likely a Trailblazer SS awd driveline would be the best bet but so far no AWD swaps exist

[@jassom1270]

@@lse90garage well. I guess it time to lose my mind and go into debt trying to figure it out.

[@blacksheep-ch8ne]

Do they make a adapter plate for the automatic BMW x5 4.4 transmission to bolt up to the LS motor. is your truck all wheel drive or just rear wheel drive

[@anthonybull]

Unfortunately no, Iv been looking for the e70 better off swapping the trans

[@blacksheep-ch8ne]

I know they make allwheel drive escalade 6.0 would fit in the 03 bmw x5 all wheel drive? I'm trying to keep my allwheel drive.

[@820performancecomptonbro4]

How do you do it to make cluster work with LS engine

[@brianmutwiri5678]

*Thank you for this breakdown. I hope to be a customer in the near future.....*

[@lse90garage]

You can do it!

[@micchicken7980]

Can you use just like a standard cable throttle body or is it difficult to fit the different throttle pedal

[@lse90garage]

You would have to build a custom pedal and run the cable through the floor, mikes original bmw was this way and it was not ideal at all, the DBW with a Holley and stock pedal is the best way to do it

[@wilfredomorales3917]

Hello do you have any kit that I can be able to do my 2014 Bmw 428 I swap into a LS

[@miketheboss5290]

I’m thinkin about doing something similar does everything work? Like all the cars features and functionality?

[@lse90garage]

The only thing you lose is cruise control, and I believe it’s the adaptive traction control because it needs the DME to function, you’re left with 2 brake lights on the dash, which can be coded out. Other than that, the radio, a/c, interior functions, it all works like normal.

[@josephh3923]

I have a 2007 bmw 750li. Can I use these steps for my ls swap?

[@troywiebe1504]

Were you able to use the bmw gauge cluster or did you go aftermarket?

[@lse90garage]

Mikes can box allows the factory gauges to work in the E90/E80/E60 chassis

[@adamboyes3156]

What about the HP approximately between the 3 ranges?

[@lse90garage]

If we broke it down I guess you could say... Stock 4.8/5.3/6.0 - 280hp-320hp Stock 5.7 LS1 - 320hp Cam/intake/exhaust 4.8/5.3/6.0 - 350hp-450hp Stock LS3 - 365hp Cam/intake/exhaust LS3(6.2) - 500hp Turbo build, depending on boost anywhere from 500wheel to 1000hp

[@lse90garage]

The only items on the list that change hp would be cubic inches, and if you can afford to do say a cam, or nice FAST intake, run the CX Racing mid length headers, that sort of thing.

[@zoomielife]

Doing God's work. Cheers, thanks for the insight!

[@kingrxb9052]

I’m debating doing a LS swap on a Z3, what LS motor would you suggest if I’m trying to do a mid range swap?

[@lse90garage]

Unfamiliar with what ppl are doing with that chassis so can’t really confirm anything for you, my apologies

[@twkmonster84]

I have a 07 Z4 I want to swap a LS to it. How much will you charge me and are you in the United States?

[@Charger-ob8yl]

Wouldve been nice to see what HP gains each setup gets. $25K for 600whp is NOT it. You can literally spend 1/10th of that and get a stock n54 to 600whp EASY

[@lse90garage]

Cool story

[@billymasoner3735]

@@lse90garagelol 😂

[@josephsarach6872]

For couple days? Yes. Then you sell that car for 800 to a junkyard…

[@Charger-ob8yl]

@josephsarach6872 lmao yeah right. If you wanna get super technical, it's more like 1/4th of 25K, but still there's plenty of DD 600hp N54s that are plenty reliable. If you wanna go all out, spend 1/2 of that 25K, rebuild the motor, upgrade the trans, and you'll have a tank that's more reliable than the fkn thing was from the factory.

[@lse90garage]

@@Charger-ob8yl you’re forgetting 25k is an entire build, engine, trans, fuel, stand alone ECU, cooling system, exhaust, rear end, etc. it’s not just a 25k engine. The engine that’s in Mikes drag car makes around 1450 wheel and he has around 10k in that thing. Garrett’s blower car makes around 800 and that’s a stock bottom end 6.0 with a cam and head studs that he has maybe $1200 in, so it’s not $25k to make 600hp, it’s 25k to build a whole car from a roller.

[@christhomason430]

If using the factory bmw pedal and a holly terminator kit do you keep traction control?

[@lse90garage]

You can build it into Holley, factory traction control does not work

[@autotexgarage3949]

@HangMan Performance I'm doing a e36 sedan m3 ls swap I have headers and motor mounts. Really interested in getting a tr6060 transmission mount

[@lse90garage]

Just seeing this comment, unfortunately Mike does not offer anything for the E36 or E46 chassis at this point in time.

[@АндрейЛуканин-й4с]

Let me ask a question that is relevant to me at this time. I can't afford Terminator X yet. Share your experience, LSA is available. I would like for the first time to make friends with the engine native electrician, what are the ways for this? Available ECU E67. Again, this is a temporary but necessary measure.

[@lse90garage]

We don’t mess with the stock ECU. Sorry,

[@АндрейЛуканин-й4с]

@@lse90garage Well, then tell me, is it possible to deliver Terminator X to Russia?

[@ssincavage1]

You want to do my 750LI ?

[@Whiskybuckeye]

Would the ecu kit work on an e39 525?

[@Mrgrimsrealmoftheunseen]

Ok huge question for you. Does the holley ecu have a data cable? If so can you wire an obd2 to it?

[@lse90garage]

No, and no.

[@Mrgrimsrealmoftheunseen]

@@lse90garage thanks so I guess follow up to that is how can I keep it street legal? Like emissions? Any ideas I think you had mentioned something about it before in vids but can’t seem to find it

[@lse90garage]

@@Mrgrimsrealmoftheunseen Yeah what we mentioned was you could leave a stock GM ECU in the car and you could split the signal so that the pcm knew the engine was there, and off that you could run an OBD2 and make it pass emissions.

[@Mrgrimsrealmoftheunseen]

@@lse90garage awesome buddy so basically holley would be like installing a piggy back ecu?

[@lse90garage]

@@Mrgrimsrealmoftheunseen no the GM ECU is the piggy back, it would have no other function besides passing OBD2 tests.

[@isrealperez9069]

What is it and how do I put it in my 04 xi

[@ChristianPenaloza-w3m]

Or how can we get in contact to discuss business

[@eis-zj4qq]

Will those mounts work on an f30?

[@3411]

I'm curious how the price would be effected by the pmc adapter kit

[@donaldbranham1219]

Do you have any info to swap a 07 e60?

[@fatkat311]

I’m sure you’ve mentioned this countless times but is there a specific year or model T 56 that is ideal for this swap? I’m being told that not all of them will fit

[@lse90garage]

98-02 camaro or trans am

[@fatkat311]

@@lse90garage - Thank you for the quick response!

[@honeyman187]

Is it possible to do a 2013 328i

[@lse90garage]

F30 is on the list but as of yet none have been swapped

[@arnaldorivera1753]

About a swap z4 e85. ?

[@Juaiv]

My 2012 f30 n26 328i engine blew and I have a 4.8 vortec engine laying around. Just for the the new engine for the n26 is around 4k used , how much should I expect to spend just to ls swap it ?

[@lse90garage]

If you have the skill set, we’ve had guys do the complete swap for under 5k. In the end it all depends on what parts you buy, deals found, if you modify the engine, etc.

[@angelonieves79]

So basically with 10k you can do a decent Ls swap? Where you located

[@lse90garage]

If you do it yourself, we’re in Houston

[@anthonyh2540]

What if i have an awd e90 would it need to be a rwd?

[@MrJinwright]

Would you advise using a junkyard 8.8?

[@lse90garage]

All we use are JY 8.8 pullouts, normally sourced from eBay or marketplace but absolutely nothing wrong with a JY center chunk, 9 out of 10 explorers never saw enough abuse to be trashed. If you want, a cheap upgrade is the Ford posi setup we have linked in our latest video covering the install of an 8.8 using Mikes mount kit.

[@franciscosegura5694]

I got a e90 I want to ls swap what ls gen do ya use??

[@lse90garage]

Gen3 or gen4 LS, they’re all the same size physically, buy the biggest displacement you can afford, LS3 preferably for n/a, or if turbo get an iron 6.0

[@jonbrown9641]

27:13 Double " UMMMM "

[@Jotomoz]

good swap bud.

[@midwestgolfguys3004]

What do you charge to do this swap? I have a 2008 535i with low compression and a 2000 Chevy Suburban with 5.3l that runs great thought about swapping it over

[@lse90garage]

At some point Mike will be offering the parts for a 5 series swap but we will not be offering the swap service ourselves.

[@aombarbor]

Will TR3160 gonna working like T56 or TR6060? i have a friend selling it

[@lse90garage]

That trans is very low power rated, something around 300ft/lbs…I wouldn’t recommend, looks like the fastest thing it came in was 6th gen V6 Camaros

[@aombarbor]

@@lse90garage thank you for the answer

[@michaelcampanella9724]

Hey I got a 04 330ci I wanna ls swap it will your kit work?

[@thephanphanlawoffice5548]

Maybe getting a preowned CTS V might be the way to go if you want a sports sedan with an LS motor.

[@lse90garage]

For the cost of a roller 3 series and the build in your garage, you’d be in the CTS V1 range and those are not great cars. The BMW chassis is leaps and bounds better. If you lack the skills needed though, for sure just buy a factory LS car.