Master LS Swapping Your BMW with LSE90.com

Master LS Swapping Your BMW with LSE90.com

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Assembling the Front End of the Motor 2.1 Accessory Drive Assembly 2.2 Mounting the Power Steering Pump 2.3 Installing the Idler Pulley
3. Common Questions about the Swap 3.1 Selecting the Right Pan 3.2 Options for Transmission 3.3 Swapping an X Drive for an All-Wheel Drive Car 3.4 Choosing the Right Accessory Drive 3.5 Exhaust Manifold Options 3.6 Selecting the Right ECU
4. Maintaining Electronics and Functionality after the Swap 4.1 Wiring up the Starter 4.2 Using the Holley Terminator X Max 4.3 Retaining Full Functionality of the Car
5. Plumbing and Cooling 5.1 Plumbing the LS Motor to the BMW Radiator 5.2 Removing the Oil Cooler 5.3 Securing the Radiator
6. Conclusion

Assembling the Front End of the Motor

In this section of the article, we will guide You through the process of assembling the front end of the motor for the swap. This includes the accessory drive assembly, mounting the power steering Pump, and installing the idler pulley.

Accessory Drive Assembly

To start the assembly, you will receive a kit that includes powder-coated brackets, hardware, spacers, and an alternator. Begin by mounting the two brackets with a two-inch spacer in between them. For an F body spacing, use one-inch spacers between the bracket and the head. Mount the alternator after everything is properly bolted in place.

Mounting the Power Steering Pump

Next, mount the power steering pump using included hardware and half-inch spacers. Tighten the bolts before putting the pulley back on for easier access. Install the idler pulley with an aluminum spacer in front of it, followed by tightening all the components.

Installing the Idler Pulley

Finally, put back the BMW pulley using the stock hardware. The accessory drive assembly is now complete, providing ample clearance on the backside of the head.

Common Questions about the Swap

During the swap process, there are several common questions that often arise. In this section, we will address these questions and provide helpful answers for a successful swap.

Selecting the Right Pan When it comes to choosing a pan, the "Poor Man's Performance" swap pan is a recommended option. It offers a flat bottom and comes with a windage tray, making it compatible with the stock crossmember. Alternatively, an F body pan with a slightly larger sump can also be used.

Options for Transmission For manual transmissions, both the F body T56 and the 5th gen Camaro style TR6060 are suitable choices. They can be used with an adjustable transmission mount that offers a universal pattern. For automatic transmissions, a transmission crossmember is available for the 4L80.

Swapping an X Drive for an All-Wheel Drive Car Currently, the mounts offered are designed for two-wheel drive cars. Swapping an X Drive for an all-wheel drive car is not an option at this time.

Choosing the Right Accessory Drive The accessory drive options include F body spacing, truck spacing, and Corvette spacing. Using the correct spacers and accessories for each spacing is crucial to ensure proper fit and clearance.

Exhaust Manifold Options Stock manifolds from the Gen 5 Camaro work well for turbo builds, as they clear the steering shaft. Alternatively, CX Racing offers mid-length headers that fit around the mounts and steering shaft.

Selecting the Right ECU While there are various options for ECUs, the Holley Terminator X Max is highly recommended for its simplicity and ease of wiring. It provides all the necessary functionality to get the car up and running smoothly.

Maintaining Electronics and Functionality after the Swap

One major concern during the swap process is the impact on electronics and car functionality. However, removing the stock ECU does not result in any loss of functionality. The car continues to work as it did before the swap, with the key, starter button, radio, HVAC controls, lights, windows, and more functioning as usual.

Plumbing and Cooling

In this section, we will guide you through the process of plumbing and cooling for the LS motor swap.

Plumbing the LS Motor to the BMW Radiator To properly route the cooling system, connect the 5/8" and 3/4" lines from the stock LS pump, running them around the AC compressor and across the k-member. The 5/8" line should connect to the top port on the firewall, while the 3/4" line should connect to the water port that leads to the thermostatic valve.

Removing the Oil Cooler Remove the bolts of the oil cooler, which is no longer needed, and use a plug or clamp to seal the port. Additionally, replace the permanent crimped clamp with a hose clamp for easy disconnection if necessary.

Securing the Radiator The BMW radiator is held in place with plastic Torx screws. Ensure that the rubber insulators are properly positioned on the bottom of the radiator and hook up the top AC line and oil cooler lines. Finally, install the front support and secure it using the plastic brackets.

Conclusion

In this article, we have covered the step-by-step process of assembling the front end of the motor for the LS motor swap, addressing common questions and providing guidance on plumbing and cooling. With the right parts and careful installation, you can successfully achieve the desired swap, retaining functionality and ensuring proper cooling for optimal performance.

Highlights:

• Step-by-step guide for assembling the front end of the motor for an LS motor swap
• Recommendations for selecting the right pan, transmission, and accessory drive
• Importance of using the Holley Terminator X Max for easy wiring and functionality
• Explanation of how the car maintains full functionality after removing the stock ECU
• Guidance on plumbing and cooling the LS motor to the BMW radiator
• Tips for removing the oil cooler and securing the radiator

FAQ:

Q: Can I use an F body pan for the LS motor swap? A: Yes, you can use an F body pan, but ensure that you have enough clearance between the k-member and the pan. The Poor Man's Performance swap pan is recommended for its affordability and compatibility with the stock crossmember.

Q: What ECU should I use for the LS motor swap? A: The Holley Terminator X Max is highly recommended for its simplicity and ease of wiring. It provides all the necessary functionality to get the car up and running smoothly.

Q: Will I lose any functionality after removing the stock ECU? A: No, once you remove the stock ECU, the car will continue to work as it did before the swap. The key, starter button, radio, HVAC controls, lights, windows, and other functionalities will remain intact.

Q: How do I properly route the cooling system for the LS motor swap? A: Connect the appropriate lines from the stock LS pump and run them around the AC compressor and across the k-member. The 5/8" line should connect to the top port on the firewall, while the 3/4" line should connect to the water port leading to the thermostatic valve.

Q: Can I use the stock LS manifold for turbo builds? A: Yes, the stock manifolds from the Gen 5 Camaro work well for turbo builds as they clear the steering shaft. Alternatively, CX Racing offers mid-length headers that fit around the mounts and steering shaft.

Q: Is the LS motor swap compatible with all-wheel drive cars? A: Currently, the mounts offered for the LS motor swap are designed for two-wheel drive cars. Swapping an X Drive for an all-wheel drive car is not possible at this time.