LS SWAP E30 COST!!

[@eternal24k]

Biggest way to save money, buy someone else’s project after they did the swap 👌🏻

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Very very true!! Good point

[@bondr991]

@@slightlyMADcustoms how bad is it driving with no break booster?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

The pedal is noticeably more firm. But you do learn to get used to it. I drove my E30 all summer with the brake booster delete kit and I was fine with it. If there was a clean option where you could have a booster I would do it for sure, but I am happy to leave my car like this

[@bondr991]

@@slightlyMADcustoms appreciate it boss

[@bondr991]

@@slightlyMADcustoms also does having the big brake kit help not having to press so hard as well?

[@jkinerk]

I think this is spot on and a very good breakdown for just about any LS swap. I had $17k in my LS1 944 swap, which included new brakes, wheels/tires, some interior bits, used Turbo trans, and some Turbo body panels. Everything but the brakes, wheel/tires was used basically. Later I rebuilt the engine for an additional $4k. Overall I paid for a lot of my mistakes, and had I not made so many I could have knocked about $2k off the initial $17k. That said, it's crazy how expensive it gets if you want it done in somewhat of a reliable fashion!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Yes absolutely! Thanks for the comment!

[@clementfortin4315]

Very good video!. But for everyone here that wants to do that swap here's my opinion since im doing the swap myself. Don't think about how much it will cost because its just discouraging. Instead star by getting the car and your engine and transmission. And start there one piece at a time and your gonna have fun doing it til the end

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Facts, just don’t think about it

[@dennybrows9916]

Hey man, just wanted to let you know that you’re videos are great. I don’t usually take the time to let people know that, but I can see all the hard work you put forth and it certainly comes together really nicely. I was about to get into homework today and thought about doing an e30 with an LS swap as my daily. The fact that you posted this hours ago makes me really want to do this haha, the world it hinting towards something. But fr tho, I fw the channel and that e30 is stupid clean. Love to see it boss!!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it! If you decide to go ahead with the swap, feel free to message me on Instagram @slam.bandit if you have any questions at all. Happy to help!

[@SirDaffyD]

Here in Aussie, there's a big KZbin channel called Mighty Car Mods, they're doing this swap at this moment. Go check them out. Believe me when I say they make this swap look easy. Great video about the swap mate. Never heard of your channel, but it came up in my recommended list. I've subbed also.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

We’ve heard of those guys! Glad you like the Channel! Thanks for the support!

[@Shattered_Times]

Picking up an E30 this week. This was a great video straight to the point of what I need. Thanks man

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Happy to help! Enjoy the new car!

[@stevenjackson8814]

Dont know if you guys over there get different gm ecu then us Australians, but the factory gm ecu is a very good unit! even with force induction. only time you go after market is when you start pushing big boost

[@dannyjr7997]

Just have 10k before planning a swap in any car.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Ya pretty much lol

[@speedbuggy16v]

Finally, a video with honst costs, I see all the money that sikky charges, and your still buying stuff, and then there is my build which to be honest is going to be bottom of the barrel junk. Awesome build, thanks for sharing!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Ya sikky is a little out to lunch on their costs. Wish there was other LS E30 companies to compete and bring prices down. What’s the plan for your build?

[@speedbuggy16v]

@@slightlyMADcustoms scrap steel for mounts, scrap diamond plate aluminum, and a hacked up truck pan, junkyard 5.3, I lucked into a fancy intake for $100, will probably be looking at F body manifolds. It is going to be the dirtiest, shitiest shit box E 30 LS swap ever. I paid $150 for the car, and am trying to keep the cost to under 2K to make it run and drive. Now I know it will surpass that with upgrades later down the road. but from trailer to first burnout in the drive 2K is the goal. It doesn't hurt that I have tools and skills to do most of it all myself without outsourcing, and the things I will have to outsource such as the drive shaft, I have family that has a driveline shop. So it will not be something everyone can duplicate, but it will be as cheap as I can do it, which is saying something cause I squeak when I walk!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Very cool! Sounds like quite the challenge! Good luck man

[@bay2bay84]

Well, so much for the LS being a cost efficient swap and reliable. I guess I will be stuck with the crappy M20

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

It is what it is

[@jake2102]

I'm not even doing this but what an impressive no bs video!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thanks dude! That’s the way we roll

[@Kasaru]

Thanks for the breakdown, this is a very helpful video. Maybe not right now with the how much cars are selling for, but usually it'd be significantly cheaper to buy a junked 98-02 Z28 and take everything out of it. But that's a lot of extra work to do. In California, if you want to register it for the street, it pretty much has to be done that way though.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

That’s true! Glad I could help!

[@djjerzy609]

if you use an LS3 it has electronic throttle body, then use a more modern throttle pedal the you dont have to worry about the throttle cables

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

There’s pros and cons to both. I chose to go with fly by cable because it’s cheaper, a more simple/reliable set up, and it leaves the classic floor mounted E30 pedal on the interior. But ya fly by wire is not a bad option, then you can also set up cruise control

[@lukekolodziej9631]

Man, I just found your channel and can tell your content has a lot of potential. Absolutely amazing camera work and editing man!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thank you! We appreciate it!

[@christianslick6037]

If you don’t mind do you think you could give me a full list for what I need to and what I need to buy?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Rewatch the video with pen and paper 😂

[@senditsamfpv]

what Moroso pan did you use? I would love to see a video of your setup with the stock oil filter

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I don’t have any videos of that unfortunately. You might be able to catch a shot of it in the exhaust install video. I share the part number for the pan I used In our ls e30 swap guide cideos

[@jagakuna1989]

Hi, I can't seem to find the right knock sensor for a M50b25, single vanos? seeking your help pls.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

The location? They’re both under the manifold, one on left one on right.

[@47neez]

Can you make a video or post pictures on how you tucked all the wires/fuse box?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Ya I was planning on doing a video of the wire tuck. If you want some info sooner, message me on Instagram @slam.bandit

[@hollowm.8416]

OH MANNN! 4k USD for a very good condition 1984 E30 325e and i want to buy it but can't yet! and well going to get a serious job soon i want to save up and hopefully with time be able to do a decent build for a beginner like myself.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I believe in you

[@dann3401]

Sweet car! Love the attention to detail. Who is the Mtech 2 kit manufacturer? How do you like the quality of their product. Looks great as far as I can tell. Thanks

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

It’s a original BMW kit. Getting so so hard to find nowadays :/

[@57577566475]

Awesome break down. I want to do a 325ix for the awd. Will the ls work with it? Thought the transfer case could be an issue

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Ya space is already tight enough as it is going RWD. I’m sure anything’s possible but you’d have to be real creative.

[@nasace]

yo did u do it

[@MeatPez]

My dreams of doing an ls swapped have been crushed😂

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

😂😂 better than being half way through it and outta cash

[@MeatPez]

@@slightlyMADcustoms facts tho

[@Noah-er9on]

How did you get the factory gauges to work with the holley ecu? I've been looking all over the internet and I can't find anything

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Speedo runs off of the diff as normal. Fuel gauge runs off fuel tank as normal. For coolant gauge, plumb the e30 coolant sender into the cylinder head using an adapter fitting, then wired as normal. Tach signal is a bit more complex but still easy. Go through a wiring diagram and locate the wire coming out of the cluster that needs the tach signal. Connect the Holley tach output signal to that wire. Simple

[@Noah-er9on]

@@slightlyMADcustoms so are you running the factory ecu along with the holley ecu?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

No just the Holley terminator ECU

[@mikestefos516]

Underrated video,very good content dude, subbed.keep it up!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Awesome! Thank you so much

[@Sauceman69]

Love your videos! By any chance can you make a video like this but for your m50 build?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

That’s a great idea! I’ll add it to the list!

[@jpop2499]

Thanks for laying out the prices for us. I would have liked to see the car in the background and you walking over to it, maybe on a lift, and pointing to each component as you talked about them. Sort of a more interactive style with the vehicle. Thanks again.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

We’ve got lots of other videos showing off the car depending on what you want to see . The problem with showing my car in this video is my car doesn’t match the budget we’re laying out.

[@Afifananta]

Nice man finally you made a video about the price now 👍🏻 keep the good work

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

🙏🙏

[@RustyBerserker]

Yess been waiting for this

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Perfect 👌 if you’ve got any other questions, you can message me on Instagram @slam.bandit

[@polloloci21]

This video helped me a lot. I won’t be doing this after all. 😂

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Good call 😂

[@garykiesel4508]

I’m at about 20k. On a ls3 swap early model though The early model is much harder

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Why would early model be harder?

[@jakewood4368]

Just found your channel, if you keep making content like this you’ll be huge in no time. Never subbed faster

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Haha thanks man!

[@distortedbranch687]

If you were to take it to a shop how much would the labor work be?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

It would get pretty pricey for sure. For a basic LS swap I couldn’t see it being done any faster than 2 weeks of labour. 14 days x 8 hours x $150 shop rate = $16,800 The problem is you can easily rack up more hours if they run into any problems ( which they usually do), or if you want something a little more special or custom.

[@sturdyg63]

Well idk….my junkyard built 30 only costed $4665 including the car but it’s nowhere as nice as yours

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Ya this budget is based on a reasonable quality swap.

[@spinz7608]

Awesome video man!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thanks!!

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

Great video I have a e36 1999 any main difference in swap e30 to e36 ???

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Besides oil pan and exhaust, I think it’s pretty much the same! I believe you can use a Fbody oil pan, and maybe even Fbody exhaust manifolds.

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

@@slightlyMADcustoms ill just buy one stop shop at sikky the only is trans ues cd009 or a muncie that I have do have a gear vender

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Sounds like fun! Best of luck!

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

@@slightlyMADcustoms no thank you great video

[@PhyteByte]

That guy who popped up all non chalant is pretty coo

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

The coolest

[@lvshonda2852]

These videos are well done

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thank you!!

[@maxkuker1878]

Any chance to keep the brake booster?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Not unless you move it forward in the engine bay. Behind the headlight

[@ognjennikolic1384]

Why do you say you have to use medium case diff? Why wouldnt you be able to use small case?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Because small case are weaker and less reliable. Medium case are tried and true and can handle a lot of abuse

[@TristanDurandBuilds]

Damn I'm the 666th like 👹 Great great great video dude, very valuable content right here! Did you make all the illustrations yourself?!!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thank you! Yes I did! Lots of time spent on this video 😂

[@tharealben]

could you use LS swap parts for an LT engine swap?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I don’t believe so. I think a LT shares more similarities with a SBC than a LS. But I think you’d have a better time just finding a cheap LS and knowing that swap parts will work with it

[@abdullahdabas3353]

prices are in cad or usd?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

It’s all approximate, but id say CAD without shipping, USD with shipping

[@9unslin9er]

Really not that bad compared to a Miata build.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

It’s a little cheaper than a miata because you can reuse the E30 diff which is nice

[@rd2die1]

Great stuff!

[@damianmclemore7721]

How long did this take you?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

The entire build took me about 6 months of focused work

[@damianmclemore7721]

@@slightlyMADcustoms Thank you for responding man keep it up Awesome build

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

No problem! Thanks so much

[@strikeryachts]

Drive like a sport, pay like a sport.

[@mainadmin9432]

Subbed, awesome content

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thanks so much!

[@supermediumtv7091]

Don't forget about the extra tools the average Joe don't have thats a extra 800 too 1000

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

True true

[@micahcooper5005]

great widow, well put information. Helped a lot

[@tanzeelgamieldien3544]

what was the garagistics mount you used for the e36 seats in the e30?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

To mount the e36 seats in my car I welded bolts onto the floor pan when the car was still a bare shell. So they sit extra low and super simple clean mounting. Although you could certainly use the Garagistic seat adapters

[@tanzeelgamieldien3544]

@@slightlyMADcustoms what garagistcs one was it, and did you have to modify the seatbelt rails?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Here’s the link to the seat adapters: www.garagistic.com/products/e30-floor-mount-racing-seat-bracket?_pos=3&_psq=e30-seat&_ss=e&_v=1.0 No modification to the rails needed. Just line up the holes and bolt her down!

[@daltonmeredith6790]

Takes money to have fun I swear

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

So true 😂

[@mr.lawrence7321]

For a second I thought he was going to n break into a floss dance .

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Never 😂

[@anthonylibman1049]

Song name at 0:53?

[@ohlelongjohnsoniii6216]

Can you get nicer axles?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Ya you can get HD axles from the driveshaft shop. Although they’re pricey

[@ohlelongjohnsoniii6216]

@@slightlyMADcustoms you running a ls3? What power did you make? I have a zf in 3.46lsd what’s your diff ratio? Debating to leave the zf in there

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Ya I’ve got a LS3. Havnt dynod yet but should be around 400 WHP. I’ve got a t56 and 3.25 gears. ZF is a little weak for a LS. Yes it will work, but for how long. I guess depends on how your drive it

[@ohlelongjohnsoniii6216]

@@slightlyMADcustoms yea I’m a bit confused on that. I know people who made 600whp on a zf and I have a 6puck clutch already so I’m thinking on sending it and just running a different diff.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Fair enough. The good thing is ZFs are cheaper than T56s, so you can always just swap in a new one if it breaks 😂

[@ac0rpbg]

Whats up with American swapping LS engines. Do you know what this E30 would love better ? S62 engine.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Would be proper. But less power, more weight, more expensive.

[@ac0rpbg]

@@slightlyMADcustoms If we are realistic even S62 at close to 400 bhp is overkill on E30, you can't effectively put that power to the ground, I'm not sure that S62 is heavier than the LS1, I think S62 is a bit lighter, and S62 is lighter than the M20 too. I'm E30 purist so I'm biased. And in Europe LS1 is exotic.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Nah my 400whp hooks. Tons of fun to drive, doesn’t even feel that scary

[@zavengrigoryan7784]

I’m trying to buy Camaro 67,68. I’ll put a new engine on it also, $35,000 for the Camaro and $10,000 for e engine. That’s not that expensive

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

And you’ll have a sweet little camaro

[@shareefmokobi683]

Where can I get e30 shell

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, back alley hunting, posting on local E30 Facebook pages. Or go to local BMW enthusiast meets and chloroform an e30 owner. (Bonus you can randsom his life for extra cash)

[@TheMitcoc]

Everything’s great but you did mention only the parts costs you should probably consider the labor costs in case you can’t work on your car. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

The problem is labour costs will completely blow this build out of most people’s budgets. Standard shop rate is around $100/h and I think it’s safe to assume this build would take at least a solid 2 weeks. 8hrs x 14 days = 112hrs 112hrs x $100/h = $11,200. Thanks for the comment, that is a fair point!

[@TheMitcoc]

slightlyMADcustoms I’m in Greece and would love to do a e30 built , just love this car, and your project is one of the cleanest out there..I ve thought about how I could make it happen and because of the fact I don’t have the knowledge to do on my own , from the research I ve done To put a reliable engine in there and preserve the whole car surely will blow the bank 😅 But one day !! Also yours is a build to keep on mind !! Lots of appreciation and respects keep moving on !!

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Thanks man! I appreciate it!

[@jakerogal3405]

Where do you get a ls1 for 2500? Lol

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Yea

[@locker2805]

faze banks

[@konexxor]

Очень большая работа, удачи пацаны

[@sassy3197]

Bro are you spiderman? Hahahaha

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Avengers didn’t need me anymore, needed to find a new hobby

[@tntkosm7208]

you broke my heart man

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Too expensive?

[@loikborris9832]

wow shit i my dad got a ls 5.3l for 300$ i life in canada

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Big difference between 5.3 and 5.7 tho

[@loikborris9832]

@@slightlyMADcustoms my friends dad get 6l for 500$ xD

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Big difference between 6.0 and 5.7 tho

[@loikborris9832]

@@slightlyMADcustoms 6.0 is better no ?

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

The 5.7 is more desirable because it’s a aluminium block. Significant weight savings over the 6.0 and 5.3 cast blocks. Also the 5.7 comes with performance oriented heads and cams. Whereas the cast engines are more geared towards truck applications such as towing. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still a blast!

[@914sam5]

Chassis reinforcement $$$$$$

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I think it’s weird how if you put in a 400hp V8 everyone says you need to reinforce the chassis, yet if you turbo the M20 and make the same amount of power you don’t need to? I suppose it’s how you intend to drive the car.

[@914sam5]

Yes if you drive it hard. Launching it Donuts Burnouts Fast down shifts Racing the car/Drifting the car Assuming this is why you swapped a E30 with a powerful V8 In the first place.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Not big on burnouts, and donuts because I like my tires. But ya I drive it hard. Didn’t do much reinforcement. We’ll see if anything breaks I suppose

[@kojack635]

Jesus. I'll probably just buy a c5 corvette for $12,500

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I think C5s are more than $12,000. Maybe I’m wrong

[@kojack635]

@@slightlyMADcustoms www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=31095&showNegotiable=true&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=untrackedExternal_false_0&distance=50000&sortType=DEAL_SCORE&endYear=2005&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1&startYear=1998#listing=287127580 www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=31095&showNegotiable=true&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=untrackedExternal_false_0&distance=50000&sortType=DEAL_SCORE&endYear=2005&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1&startYear=1998#listing=279129536 They're definitely out there. Just going to be higher mileage

[@Kseriessuck]

@@slightlyMADcustoms they are on average, but the e30 would be a much more fun chassi due to its weight the e30 chassi is legendary

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

So true

[@slavicpavlenko8227]

youre the reason my savings is dry lol

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

Lol sorry

[@nono-pi6pw]

damn people really waste all their hard earned money on this shit. smh

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

What would you recommend they spend it on?

[@nono-pi6pw]

@@slightlyMADcustoms real-estate, rent, stocks, retirement, debt, college, books, groceries, family vacations. You know stuff where it won't be wasted. I get having a cool car but jesus most people shouldn't spend 15k on cars unless they make enough income were that is no more than 30% of their income. I see too many people who fantasize over money pits.

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

I agree with you 100%. All those reasons are how we live, but cars are WHY we live. The reason we get up everyday.

[@nobodynate27]

@@nono-pi6pw and technically a car is an investment it’s not like the man threw 12k out the window. No he did something with it that has a value. If need be he could always sell🤷🏻‍♂️worry about YOUR money pal and invest YOUR money how you like. Anything can be an investment

[@nono-pi6pw]

@@nobodynate27 the problem with a car as an investment is that it declines in value. The more you drive it the more value it loses. Sure you could keep a nice car in a garage all week only take it out on sundays, give it good maintenance, and maybe over a large span of years it could be worth a pretty penny. But typically that doesn't happen, they are machines that go down in value/wear down. But hey go waste your hard earned money on something like that so you can have a cool Instagram picture, and maybe even impress people who don't know or care for you. I really couldn't care, you won't hurt my feelings buddy. Im just some dude on the internet pointing out a flaw in american culture

[@ryd3r07]

Mono tone n boring bro

[@slightlyMADcustoms]

It’s a budget video lol, not meant to be thrilling. Our ride along videos are probably more your taste!