The Miata will never be as cool as this car, and I don't care if it's 600 lbs. heavier. It really doesn't matter, especially if you put a LS in it, and you can pull up to a Gala with a beautiful woman on your arm in this SAME car! 💯🔥🔥🔥👌🏽😎
Couldn't agree more. Sometimes I think the internet treats the difficulty of LS swaps to something akin to an intake swap. Motor swaps are not easy, especially if it isn't a prefab kit. And in any type of project, something always happens: fitment issues, electronics, parts availibility, shop time/issues, etc.
If the owner is reading! Ref overheating: you might have a giant radiator but you don't appear to have any undertray or ducting. Radiators work by flow, and flow only occurs if there is a pressure differential across them. With no undertray, the pressure in your engine bay (behind the rad) won't be much less than the pressure in front. Have a go at modding and refitting the OE undertray to reduce the pressure behind and adding some ducting in front of the rad to increase the pressure.
Common on overheating turbo MX-5s where people have removed the tray and ducting to fit their intercooler pipes in. Oh and - your car is awesome. Classic small hot rod Roadster combo. Bravo!
Agreed. I love hearing about the $800k super car I can't afford from time to time, but I want to hear about the sub $100k enthusiast builds for the most part.
The stock PS pump for most LS applications is beyond overkill for most other steering racks. It leads to super light steering. A restrictor in the system drastically improves feel.
Thank you! I made a conscious choice to keep the stock look. If a cop is gonna roll into a car show and start popping hoods and busting chops, I'd like to look as subtle as possible.
just to clear up, z3 M has the same front fenders as all z3 roadsters, not wide. The rear fender is the same as the stock 6clyinder pre facelift, and the hoods are all the same apart from the side grills, but thar can be taken off and is interchangable
I’ve never heard you this animated before. It sounds like a kid Christmas morning who got everything they wanted plus the stuff you thought your parents couldn’t does. Awesome review.
They always tend to sound raspy and tinny. Like there's no bass in the sound, just a bunch of metal clanking around lol. Induction noise is heavenly though
@@brandonsever2576 I had a 95 US s50 w/ SS rep headers, real SS mid pipe, and Corsa rsc36 tail and it sounded amazing and better than any “tinny” s54(though those can change with different rear boxes).
That motorcycle rider was hanging way off the bike for the turn. He must've been carrying some nice speed through there. Good on you for letting him around. I'd love to make my C300 into more of a track and canyon car. It has the bones. It just needs a limited slip differential, a better intercooler, and adjustable coilovers and it could be a 300hp rwd carver. Only issue is my driveway is more difficult to get into than Matt's place was when he had the C5 Corvette and had to put boards out to leave. I'd never make it out of my driveway if I lowered the car. 😢
I used to follow a really clean 3 series BMW to work when I lived in NZ. Took me a while to notice the 350i badge on the back. Looked totally stock but had a BMW V8 in it 😎
I'm not so sure that the V8 is heavier. It is a bit difficult to get a straight answer out of the internet, but the S52 and S54 weigh anywhere from 375-478 lbs. An LS1 is 430 lbs. Given that the straight-6 is an iron block with a big DOHC head on top of it, that's not surprising. The weight with an OHV, V8 will definitely be lower and further back in the engine bay, so the car should be MORE balanced, if anything. But weight difference is probably a wash for all intents and purposes.
Personal cars are my favorite content. This one follows the recipe of the Shelby Cobra, so in that sense it's already a tried and true approach to the performance automobile.
Hi Matt… brilliant vlog and great lines. I am resident in the UK which is just one network of speeding cameras so you are living the dream. I also own a 2001 Z3 convertible which will be garaged over the winter for a full refurbish. The only replacement part I can’t attempt is the roof so off to the experts for that one. My question is: did you ever consider electrifying a Z3 which I intend to do summer 2023 do you think there any issues specifically changing the dynamics and mass. The Z3 you featured looks like it handles even better is that due to the increased width of the wheelbase? Your lines were impressively smooth and controlled (minor road) it was hard to get a feel of the handling which I don’t to lose when she goes EV.
LOL ... lighting fireworks inside the house. My stepbrother and I were left home for a week once so we could work our summer jobs while everybody else went on vacation. We had some great firecracker fights in the house. :-)
Hey Zack or whoever reads these. Tell the owner the overheating issue is most likely air bubbles trapped in the heads because the steam ports arent connected to the radiator.
Isn't an aluminum block LS engine lighter weight than the M5x? Why is there more weight on the front axle? AND! What is that watch you're rocking there Zack?
Love the community cars. I like seeing the good ones. Maybe do a shit box every once in a while, something from the Roadkill fleet or Hotrod Garage, just to get a different review of them.
As an owner of a M54B30 Z3 (3.0L inline 6 228hp) I 100% approve of this swap lol. Don’t get me wrong, the B30 is quick (0-60 in ab 5.5 - 6.0 seconds) but there something mental about these tiny LS swapped cars.
I'm really surprised the aluminum block LS is heavier than the iron block BMW lump. I've heard of the swap resulting in significant weight loss plenty of times.
It might have had the aluminum block M52 but the difference isn't much either way. The aluminum block weighs 52lbs less than the iron block. The engines are close enough in weight that the accessories and transmission make a bigger difference.
@@c0c0asauce They are... But having "benchpressed" both, it's not close. The T56 and later TR6060 are heavy. BMW tranny is 86 pounds and a T56 is 120-140 depending on version.
Your comment about how it might compare to a Miata makes me kind of interested in the idea of a comparison of LS swapped vehicles. Obviously the logistics of such a thing are tricky, but maybe it'd be possible to organize at an event like LS Fest or Gridlife where enough of those vehicles will probably already be there and could actually be driven one after the other.
I like Miatas, but don’t fit. The Z3/Z4 is like a German Miata for European-sized people as it’s about 20% bigger inside. I rescued a Z4 3.0si with 260k miles and if/when the motor goes, my son and I will be doing this.
I’m paused at 2:40 and reading the modifications. This had to cost a small fortune, and if it’s worth it to person with more money than me, I’m more than happy to watch their video. Resume.
That engine makes it sound like a huge like 18feet (5.5m) barge of a car, then you look and see a little Z3 that's barely over 13ft (4m)... It feels so wrong, a tiny car like that should be screaming to 8-9k not rumbling like a muscle car. My brain is confused... And I love it😅
Interesting fact about these cars depending on what it was before the swap and all the 4 cylinder steering rack Is a shorter ratio then the 6 cylinder cars
This kinda brings me back to 25 years ago when AC Schnitzer made a 4.4 V8 Z3 a year after it's release... BMW should've made a factory V8 Z3 for sure! Now we need an LS clown shoe...
Coming from an LS FD owner…a c5 or c6 doesn’t make you laugh maniacally like that. It’s the box of fireworks indoors feeling that is irreplaceable. What else can you buy that feels this way?
The power plant and drivetrain are important for performance But we all should invest more time in suspension, for no one wants there car posted on the media scene hitting another car or tree 😢
Did this guy just buy this car 4x over with these mods? It’s basically just a frame of a z3. Not saying that’s a bad thing. It’s an incredible creation.
I might do this with my 2,5 z4 e85 after the engine is gone, it has only 150k km on it so there's still a lot of driving to do. I just love the z series so much that I might just spend thousands on those mods. Or I just get the new manual g29
Once the S54 pops in my Z4M Coupe, I’m putting a S65 V8 in it. I think there is even a slight chance it can be done legally under California’s new engine swap laws. Unfortunately my 111k mile S54 is the most reliable engine I’ve ever owned. *grumble*
I was really disappointed by the steering feel and suspension of the Z3 I drove. It looks way cooler than a C5 and I like the size, but a C5 convertible is the same weight and far better feeling through all senses (if you replace the seats). I love that it was an educational process though.
OK if anything was going to make me homesick for LA it's someone driving a LS swapped M Roadster on Angeles Crest. Used to take my turbo NB Miata up there basically every weekend, and for me it was the epitome of what the best of SoCal life was. But this....but this. Sorry, think I have something in my eye....
@@tyler9703 I just found the original quote from BMW: ""The M coupe has a static structural stiffness of 16,400 Newton-meters per degree of twist, which is 2.6 times as twist-resistant as the roadster. BMW claims this makes the structural stiffness higher than any other model it has ever produced. Dynamic stiffness is rated at 29.2 Hz, the same as an E36 M3 coupe." So the roadster must have about 6307 Nm. Which means an increase for the M coupe of 160% (100% more is 12,614 - plus 60% more is 3,784). It has 260% of the roadster's stiffness, but the difference is only about 10,100 Nm which is not 260%. That's what I meant with my 1st comment.
As someone with an S50B32 Z3M, I would say that the LS and 2JZ are the only aftermarket engines I would consider as great alternatives to the S50/52/54. The M62 in a Z3 is nonsense. That's a heavy motor for a Z3 and doesn't make anywhere near enough power to make sense. Even the S52 would murder it all day with minor boltons for a Z3's use.
I have an N62 in my Z3. It weighs about 20 lbs less than an S54 but makes more peak HP and a lot more torque... It's much faster than an S54 Z3 M62 also weighs pretty much the same as an S52/S54 for the record. Aluminum block vs iron block
@@graham7513 it's around 440lbs for the M62 and about the same torque. The short wheel base will not be able to put the torque down and the S54 with a Carbon Box will put equal power to a tuned 4.8 minus actually going through the time of having to rig up a V8 conversion. And even if they hypothetically have the same power or let's say the M62 has the torque and you figure out how to use that power, you now run into the issue of how to stuff it in. The narrow shock towers are gonna be an issue that would limit your placement with the DOHC V8. A pushrod swap just makes far better sense and a T56 will actually put some of the weight closer to the middle if they swap out the ZF5. The N62 somewhat makes a bit more sense in a way since it's lighter than an M62 but the DOHC still makes it harder to package and you still don't have the power that an LS Family engine will have.
@@hanslubas even if you make the same HP out of an S54 (and it'll be more than just a carbon airbox to do that) the N62 will be faster due to having so much more torque... There are also other reasons to prefer the N62 for example. Valvetronic gives better response than ITBs in the S54 and way better response than LS. Plus infinitely variable length intake manifold is very cool tech. And since you mention weight distribution, M62 and N62 both will put weight further rearwards due to shorter engine and longer transmission. The I6 ZF 5 speed has to be swapped out because it doesn't bolt to any V8. My engine is right against the firewall and is almost entirely behind the shock towers. S54 has more than 1/3 of the engine in front of shock towers and also the extra weight of an oil cooler in front... S54 feels much heavier in the front (I know because I also own an S54 Z3) Plus I spent less on my whole swap including a refreshed engine than I'd have spent on just a good stock aluminum LS. The popularity of those swaps has made the LS expensive. I would only consider an LS for a dedicated drag car... For street purposes I think the N62 is perfect. In any case I think it's cooler to have a BMW engine in a BMW but in your Z3 you can put whatever V8 you want and it will be a good car.
@@graham7513 now you have me curious. There are tons of verified 320whp+ S54s with a Carbon Box. Most of the M62s I've seen don't even get close to 300whp. I'm going to defer to your knowledge as you are a V8 BMW expert but I haven't seen enough M62s that really made good power without boost. But hey, if you think they can beat a 12.56 from a Bone Stock down to the tire S54 with Zero mods, then I would agree with you on their potential.
@@hanslubas just to clarify I am speaking about N62 not M62. My N62 Z3 is definitely faster than my S54 Z3... They both have the same diff ratio as well (3.15) FWIW the N62 4.8 makes 365hp/490n-m according to BMW's documentation. This is not far from the S62 for example (30hp and 10n-m less) and N62's are very cheap... Although for M62 there are also more upgrade options... You can build one to ~340hp/460n-m for way less than an aluminum block LS costs. I know people making nearly S62 power with an M62 (by using a lot of S62 parts). And I would rather have the aluminum M62 over an iron LS The aluminum LS is not cheap and the weight of an iron block LS takes away a lot of the benefits of doing this kind of swap. LS has its purpose for sure but between the moddable M62 and powerful out-of-the-box N62, for the cost I think they are both great options and shouldn't be dismissed
I've missed the people's cars. Love seeing what mods people can do. This is awesome! More like these please! 😁😁
Fully agree! They were (for me) the original reason why I subbed this channel.
Quite possibly the best and most apt comment on TH-cam!!!!
The Miata will never be as cool as this car, and I don't care if it's 600 lbs. heavier. It really doesn't matter, especially if you put a LS in it, and you can pull up to a Gala with a beautiful woman on your arm in this SAME car! 💯🔥🔥🔥👌🏽😎
@@Vamppas
"The body of a German, and the heart of an American. Like this guy from Austria."
10/10 Zack.
Im glad I wasnt the only one that caught that
The same guy that said "fuck your freedoms" aimed at people that didn't want to be federally forced to take a vaccination.
That's not very American:)
I feel better analogy would just be an average white American, they probably have German blood somewhere in them
True words of wisdom from Zack. "Pizza will never be played out and the LS will never be played out either."
Couldn't agree more. Sometimes I think the internet treats the difficulty of LS swaps to something akin to an intake swap. Motor swaps are not easy, especially if it isn't a prefab kit. And in any type of project, something always happens: fitment issues, electronics, parts availibility, shop time/issues, etc.
I like pineapple on my LS
"On a long enough timeline... everything gets an LS"
-Mr Regular.
The sound just does not compute. It's like looking at Emilia Clarke but hearing Ja Rule.
😂
Amazing
I think thats the point...Yah sounds way better... unless you like hearing a bunch of buzzing bees coming out of your tailpipe.
I’m very confused. Wow.
@@tehbrutenextdoor if you replace Ja Rule with Brian Johnson, then it makes sense. 😂
If the owner is reading! Ref overheating: you might have a giant radiator but you don't appear to have any undertray or ducting. Radiators work by flow, and flow only occurs if there is a pressure differential across them. With no undertray, the pressure in your engine bay (behind the rad) won't be much less than the pressure in front. Have a go at modding and refitting the OE undertray to reduce the pressure behind and adding some ducting in front of the rad to increase the pressure.
Common on overheating turbo MX-5s where people have removed the tray and ducting to fit their intercooler pipes in.
Oh and - your car is awesome. Classic small hot rod Roadster combo. Bravo!
Finally a modified/engine swapped car again!
Agreed. I love hearing about the $800k super car I can't afford from time to time, but I want to hear about the sub $100k enthusiast builds for the most part.
My dad had an LS swapped z3 for a few years. Now that he's gone, I'd love to find it and have it back. Was a ton of fun to drive.
Are we not gonna talk about the NSX being chased by an NB Miata at 12:14?? Haha.
The stock PS pump for most LS applications is beyond overkill for most other steering racks. It leads to super light steering. A restrictor in the system drastically improves feel.
Did it need the LS?..No..but is it better with an LS?...Yes lol
Amen Harman!!!
I love how it's pretty much stock on the outside. No one would suspect anything until the engine starts.
Thank you! I made a conscious choice to keep the stock look. If a cop is gonna roll into a car show and start popping hoods and busting chops, I'd like to look as subtle as possible.
just to clear up, z3 M has the same front fenders as all z3 roadsters, not wide. The rear fender is the same as the stock 6clyinder pre facelift, and the hoods are all the same apart from the side grills, but thar can be taken off and is interchangable
Zach is the man. I love his wit and analogies.
I’ve never heard you this animated before. It sounds like a kid Christmas morning who got everything they wanted plus the stuff you thought your parents couldn’t does. Awesome review.
I've got a 1.9 Z3 (pretty much the furthest you can get form this while still being a Z3) and this gives me VERY dangerous ideas
This thing started as the 1.9 4 cyl. It's expensive, but so worth it.
Seriously lol The 1.9 with short gears is fun until halfway through 3rd and then the parachute comes out lol
This makes so much sense. Nailed it with Cobra reference. Great vid
Loved the video Zack! Especially the intro - The hook, the delivery was great, big like :)
S52-S54 definitely dont lack sound especially with a decent header/exhaust to let it sing. What it lacks is bottom end torque
They always tend to sound raspy and tinny. Like there's no bass in the sound, just a bunch of metal clanking around lol. Induction noise is heavenly though
@@brandonsever2576 I had a 95 US s50 w/ SS rep headers, real SS mid pipe, and Corsa rsc36 tail and it sounded amazing and better than any “tinny” s54(though those can change with different rear boxes).
The 225hp Z3 option was a decent powertrain - especially for a 17 year old when I got to drive my cousin’s :p.
Modded machines are TST'S wheelhouse... Keep it up, bruhs!
Z3 is beautiful. I own a 08 Z4 and can’t wait to get a Z3
Arnold Schwarzenegger is Austrian 🇦🇹 but whatever, this car is sweet! Thanks Zack for keeping the fan builds going strong 💪🏼
Jesus. That sound!!!! Need to get me a v8 dropped in. Sounds like heaven
The german cobra! Perfect description Zack!
That motorcycle rider was hanging way off the bike for the turn. He must've been carrying some nice speed through there. Good on you for letting him around.
I'd love to make my C300 into more of a track and canyon car. It has the bones. It just needs a limited slip differential, a better intercooler, and adjustable coilovers and it could be a 300hp rwd carver. Only issue is my driveway is more difficult to get into than Matt's place was when he had the C5 Corvette and had to put boards out to leave. I'd never make it out of my driveway if I lowered the car. 😢
This is good shit Zack! Whatever this new formula is that you're using, sign me up. These past few videos have been so fun.
Sweet v8 swap! That car was originally built in Seattle with a sr20det swap FYI
I used to follow a really clean 3 series BMW to work when I lived in NZ. Took me a while to notice the 350i badge on the back. Looked totally stock but had a BMW V8 in it 😎
Bro I haven't seen these videos in so long but I was always subscribed. I'm so mad, this video is sick.
LS swaps are the best. Keep'em coming! I'm sorry that build left my state of PA and very glad that it made it into the hands of an active user.
This gives me solid inspiration to finish my UZ mx5, big engine in little car is such a great combo
I love built cars. Really makes them so unique and inspiring.
I'm not so sure that the V8 is heavier. It is a bit difficult to get a straight answer out of the internet, but the S52 and S54 weigh anywhere from 375-478 lbs. An LS1 is 430 lbs. Given that the straight-6 is an iron block with a big DOHC head on top of it, that's not surprising. The weight with an OHV, V8 will definitely be lower and further back in the engine bay, so the car should be MORE balanced, if anything. But weight difference is probably a wash for all intents and purposes.
I love this! and i am a BMW owner so of course i think the S54 is the best engine ever.
Whoa badass. Serious Shelby Cobra vibes here.
Personal cars are my favorite content. This one follows the recipe of the Shelby Cobra, so in that sense it's already a tried and true approach to the performance automobile.
I love these maniacal American-flavored swaps. Find (and film) a Triumph Spitfire with a 350 in it, and I'll laugh in glee.
Would love to! - Zack
Trust me. You no want☺.
Had a '66 Spitfire in high school.
It could barely handle the 1100cc four.😝
Man Zack's content has gotten really good.
I got a z3 back in may and 1st thing I looked at was how to ls swap one.
I have a 4cyl so it's almost a no brainer to do it.
Hi Matt… brilliant vlog and great lines. I am resident in the UK which is just one network of speeding cameras so you are living the dream. I also own a 2001 Z3 convertible which will be garaged over the winter for a full refurbish. The only replacement part I can’t attempt is the roof so off to the experts for that one. My question is: did you ever consider electrifying a Z3 which I intend to do summer 2023 do you think there any issues specifically changing the dynamics and mass. The Z3 you featured looks like it handles even better is that due to the increased width of the wheelbase? Your lines were impressively smooth and controlled (minor road) it was hard to get a feel of the handling which I don’t to lose when she goes EV.
LOL ... lighting fireworks inside the house. My stepbrother and I were left home for a week once so we could work our summer jobs while everybody else went on vacation. We had some great firecracker fights in the house. :-)
Hey Zack or whoever reads these. Tell the owner the overheating issue is most likely air bubbles trapped in the heads because the steam ports arent connected to the radiator.
Certainly glad I'm reading these comments, 😂
Now i gotta look this up lol
@@BrentGill lol no worries man
Isn't an aluminum block LS engine lighter weight than the M5x? Why is there more weight on the front axle? AND! What is that watch you're rocking there Zack?
I think a z4 with a s65 would be a lot of fun! 🤙
I assume you've seen the factory M70 V12 build?
@@corystansbury I have not,
@@kentbeitel9966 i.redd.it/27c85k955mp31.jpg
@@kentbeitel9966 www.ausmotive.com/pics/2012/BMW-Z3-V12-01.jpg
I love that car!
*I also appreciate the Mario Kart speed boost reference! 🍄👃🏽🍄
Luckily no one threw a banana on the road.
Love the community cars. I like seeing the good ones. Maybe do a shit box every once in a while, something from the Roadkill fleet or Hotrod Garage, just to get a different review of them.
1:12 arnold schwarzenegger is austrian
Does anyone know if the e30 diff can handle the LS torque? What I've heard is LS swaps in cars usually torque breaks whatever isn't American 😂
As an owner of a M54B30 Z3 (3.0L inline 6 228hp) I 100% approve of this swap lol. Don’t get me wrong, the B30 is quick (0-60 in ab 5.5 - 6.0 seconds) but there something mental about these tiny LS swapped cars.
I test drove an auto I4 Z3 over the summer and really liked it. This video makes me want a Z3 badly! Just waiting for the market and winter to hit.
Get a manual one though. The automatic ruins it
@@theodor12 Exactly my thought!
I'm really surprised the aluminum block LS is heavier than the iron block BMW lump. I've heard of the swap resulting in significant weight loss plenty of times.
It might have had the aluminum block M52 but the difference isn't much either way. The aluminum block weighs 52lbs less than the iron block. The engines are close enough in weight that the accessories and transmission make a bigger difference.
Factory M52 aluminum engine is ~340 pounds. But, as you noted, the M motor is iron and close to 400 (as the previous commenter noted).
Yeah I would think the engines will be the same weight. T56 is probably heavier than the original transmission though
@@trashbandit2449 From what I read the BMW transmissions are pretty overbuilt and heavy.
@@c0c0asauce They are... But having "benchpressed" both, it's not close. The T56 and later TR6060 are heavy. BMW tranny is 86 pounds and a T56 is 120-140 depending on version.
I really enjoy Zack's one takes. Dare I say that the student has become the master?
I'd say yes. I'll take Zack's over Matt's any day.
There's no replacement for displacement.
A lot of power always makes a car fun. Glad the owner is enjoying that car.
Does he still race it?
Your comment about how it might compare to a Miata makes me kind of interested in the idea of a comparison of LS swapped vehicles. Obviously the logistics of such a thing are tricky, but maybe it'd be possible to organize at an event like LS Fest or Gridlife where enough of those vehicles will probably already be there and could actually be driven one after the other.
Brilliant idea (if they could make it work)
When there is a will there will always be a way and I always have the will for fun/dumb stuff like this
I like Miatas, but don’t fit. The Z3/Z4 is like a German Miata for European-sized people as it’s about 20% bigger inside. I rescued a Z4 3.0si with 260k miles and if/when the motor goes, my son and I will be doing this.
I’m paused at 2:40 and reading the modifications. This had to cost a small fortune, and if it’s worth it to person with more money than me, I’m more than happy to watch their video. Resume.
5:21 the last modded z3 missed the curve-notice the skid marks right into the side of the mountain
What muffler is this running? Sounds great! Im doing the same swap
this is awesome 🔥
Love the first 30 seconds we’re are the same! Lol 😂
Those skid marks at 5:20
I've always wanted an MGBGT with a V8 swap. Being a Toyota guy I'd love to see a 1UZ maybe a VVTi 2UZ like I have in my Tundra.
That engine makes it sound like a huge like 18feet (5.5m) barge of a car, then you look and see a little Z3 that's barely over 13ft (4m)...
It feels so wrong, a tiny car like that should be screaming to 8-9k not rumbling like a muscle car.
My brain is confused... And I love it😅
If that’s an actual LS one it’s aluminum and should weigh about 50 pounds less than the S 52
it's an actual LS 1 and yes you are right on weight
Interesting fact about these cars depending on what it was before the swap and all the 4 cylinder steering rack Is a shorter ratio then the 6 cylinder cars
You're right, Zack: Brent *is* funny!
Thank you Wolfgang!
This kinda brings me back to 25 years ago when AC Schnitzer made a 4.4 V8 Z3 a year after it's release... BMW should've made a factory V8 Z3 for sure! Now we need an LS clown shoe...
Did he upgrade the from springs for the weight of engine and can he change his spark plugs?
The z3m definitely offers more feel and a better chasis. The V8 belongs in there.
Do this same setup in a Z4 M Coupe. Now that would be something.
Coming from an LS FD owner…a c5 or c6 doesn’t make you laugh maniacally like that. It’s the box of fireworks indoors feeling that is irreplaceable. What else can you buy that feels this way?
I'm certain your opening description of the experience is accurate 🎆🧨🎇😂
The power plant and drivetrain are important for performance
But we all should invest more time in suspension, for no one wants there car posted on the media scene hitting another car or tree 😢
Did this guy just buy this car 4x over with these mods? It’s basically just a frame of a z3. Not saying that’s a bad thing. It’s an incredible creation.
I owned a Z3 for about 3 years a while back, fantastic car with the straight six. But hearing an LS out of the back of a Z3 seems so wrong lol
I might do this with my 2,5 z4 e85 after the engine is gone, it has only 150k km on it so there's still a lot of driving to do. I just love the z series so much that I might just spend thousands on those mods. Or I just get the new manual g29
Once the S54 pops in my Z4M Coupe, I’m putting a S65 V8 in it. I think there is even a slight chance it can be done legally under California’s new engine swap laws. Unfortunately my 111k mile S54 is the most reliable engine I’ve ever owned. *grumble*
I'm thinking of doing something similar. Once the N52 in my Z4C goes (or maybe before), an S85 is going in. That sound is so worth it.
Am I wrong or Z3 already came with E30s rear end?
I was really disappointed by the steering feel and suspension of the Z3 I drove. It looks way cooler than a C5 and I like the size, but a C5 convertible is the same weight and far better feeling through all senses (if you replace the seats). I love that it was an educational process though.
Did Zack film this in a pile of horse poop? Flies everywhere. lol
Weren't Z3's built in South Carolina? This is a natural fit! All American Muscle!
i think this is my fav one take for a lonnnng time yeahhh
OK if anything was going to make me homesick for LA it's someone driving a LS swapped M Roadster on Angeles Crest. Used to take my turbo NB Miata up there basically every weekend, and for me it was the epitome of what the best of SoCal life was. But this....but this. Sorry, think I have something in my eye....
I Mean, the channel is called TheSmokingTyre..so, yes :)
Also, great vid :D
What's the cost of this I have a z3 and been looking at these ls swaps what's the est price tag on swap like this?
I like watching the road test of these owner builds . Every car will be different . But who wants boring cars?
This is the German-American version of the "Noisy Cricket"...
I owned a 2.5L version of this car and I thought it was fun enough, I feel like this would get me in too much trouble
Same 2000 2.5 and I'd love to be able to afford a swap like this
bmw i6 sounds better than american v8 but this is a really good build
You had me at V8 swap
I would be so delightfully confused if I saw, and then heard, that thing blast past in the canyons.
2.7 times stiffer = 270%. That’s a crazy difference!
-Nope. It's 170% stiffer. Remember: 2 times equals 100% more.- 😉
@@Fastvoice OP is correct. 1 x 2.7 isn't 1.7.
@@tyler9703 I just found the original quote from BMW: ""The M coupe has a static structural stiffness of 16,400 Newton-meters per degree of twist, which is 2.6 times as twist-resistant as the roadster. BMW claims this makes the structural stiffness higher than any other model it has ever produced. Dynamic stiffness is rated at 29.2 Hz, the same as an E36 M3 coupe."
So the roadster must have about 6307 Nm. Which means an increase for the M coupe of 160% (100% more is 12,614 - plus 60% more is 3,784). It has 260% of the roadster's stiffness, but the difference is only about 10,100 Nm which is not 260%. That's what I meant with my 1st comment.
Brent you crazy man!!! Hahahahaha
Casually watched until 4:10. The mind exploded 🤯
Have you guys ever had a 4cyl z3? They're a fucking RIOT-- they're slow but as a momentum car they're a peach.
Very cool, but the numbers, power to weight, essentially the same as a C5 Z06, which I’m assuming is probably cheaper to purchase.
5:09 “steering is very light...devoid of feeling...not getting a lot of information...” OMG, did the (70 lb?) heavier V8 engine ruin this?
As someone with an S50B32 Z3M, I would say that the LS and 2JZ are the only aftermarket engines I would consider as great alternatives to the S50/52/54.
The M62 in a Z3 is nonsense. That's a heavy motor for a Z3 and doesn't make anywhere near enough power to make sense.
Even the S52 would murder it all day with minor boltons for a Z3's use.
I have an N62 in my Z3. It weighs about 20 lbs less than an S54 but makes more peak HP and a lot more torque... It's much faster than an S54 Z3
M62 also weighs pretty much the same as an S52/S54 for the record. Aluminum block vs iron block
@@graham7513 it's around 440lbs for the M62 and about the same torque. The short wheel base will not be able to put the torque down and the S54 with a Carbon Box will put equal power to a tuned 4.8 minus actually going through the time of having to rig up a V8 conversion.
And even if they hypothetically have the same power or let's say the M62 has the torque and you figure out how to use that power, you now run into the issue of how to stuff it in. The narrow shock towers are gonna be an issue that would limit your placement with the DOHC V8. A pushrod swap just makes far better sense and a T56 will actually put some of the weight closer to the middle if they swap out the ZF5.
The N62 somewhat makes a bit more sense in a way since it's lighter than an M62 but the DOHC still makes it harder to package and you still don't have the power that an LS Family engine will have.
@@hanslubas even if you make the same HP out of an S54 (and it'll be more than just a carbon airbox to do that) the N62 will be faster due to having so much more torque...
There are also other reasons to prefer the N62 for example. Valvetronic gives better response than ITBs in the S54 and way better response than LS. Plus infinitely variable length intake manifold is very cool tech. And since you mention weight distribution, M62 and N62 both will put weight further rearwards due to shorter engine and longer transmission. The I6 ZF 5 speed has to be swapped out because it doesn't bolt to any V8. My engine is right against the firewall and is almost entirely behind the shock towers. S54 has more than 1/3 of the engine in front of shock towers and also the extra weight of an oil cooler in front... S54 feels much heavier in the front (I know because I also own an S54 Z3)
Plus I spent less on my whole swap including a refreshed engine than I'd have spent on just a good stock aluminum LS. The popularity of those swaps has made the LS expensive. I would only consider an LS for a dedicated drag car... For street purposes I think the N62 is perfect.
In any case I think it's cooler to have a BMW engine in a BMW but in your Z3 you can put whatever V8 you want and it will be a good car.
@@graham7513 now you have me curious. There are tons of verified 320whp+ S54s with a Carbon Box. Most of the M62s I've seen don't even get close to 300whp. I'm going to defer to your knowledge as you are a V8 BMW expert but I haven't seen enough M62s that really made good power without boost.
But hey, if you think they can beat a 12.56 from a Bone Stock down to the tire S54 with Zero mods, then I would agree with you on their potential.
@@hanslubas just to clarify I am speaking about N62 not M62. My N62 Z3 is definitely faster than my S54 Z3... They both have the same diff ratio as well (3.15)
FWIW the N62 4.8 makes 365hp/490n-m according to BMW's documentation. This is not far from the S62 for example (30hp and 10n-m less) and N62's are very cheap...
Although for M62 there are also more upgrade options... You can build one to ~340hp/460n-m for way less than an aluminum block LS costs. I know people making nearly S62 power with an M62 (by using a lot of S62 parts). And I would rather have the aluminum M62 over an iron LS
The aluminum LS is not cheap and the weight of an iron block LS takes away a lot of the benefits of doing this kind of swap. LS has its purpose for sure but between the moddable M62 and powerful out-of-the-box N62, for the cost I think they are both great options and shouldn't be dismissed
this thing looks like a fucking blast to drive
I believe the model name is “M Roaster” there is no “Z3M” from my understanding…. Great video btw and cool build!