BMW Z4 E89 Engine swap to S65 + subframe etc

[z4e89sweden]

Hello,

I'm in the start phase of buidling my Z4 E89 to a GT3 S65 4,4 or 5,0 Supercharged
I've recently separated so i have the chassi free and need to change the subframe inte front and back to E92 M3.

Has anyone done it before and know if it's a bolt on match or it needs modification to put front and rear sub on.

[Deepseaskateboard]

Are you just putting the race engine in it, or full body conversion?

Sounds like a fun project!

[z4e89sweden]

full body conversion, with the bodykit, if you change engine here in Sweden, you need to change brakes, front and rear axle, and the gearbox to get it street legal.

Yes it's either doing it and get a unique car or have a 997 porsche for 50-60k euro (like everyone else )

[Doddsy]

Fair play for going all out. Good luck with the build

[tiglon]

I have absolutely no helpful advice whatsoever, but I'd love to see the finished article. The E89 GT3 is one of the all time greats.

Good luck

[GuidoK]

I think changing the subframe will be very difficult and I also doubt it will be safe.
The rear subframe is very different (the e89 uses basically a rear X3 carrier which is a slight adaptation of the e46/e85 setup; the e93 is next gen and completely different partswise and setup wise) . That would result in chopping up the monocoque and welding in new structures and bosses to fit the subframe. I can't see how that is safer than using an existing subframe with its existing (tested) mounting points.

Swapping out the gearbox is probably simpel. They are basically the same. Different partnumbers sure and maybe the mounting surface to the engine is different (so you might need the actual m3 gearbox) but I think sizewise they're the same (so probably no fitment issues in the transmission tunnel.
For the propshaft something custom has to be made I think.

Everything is possible but it wont be cheap. This will cost a lot of man hours.
And I also wonder why. I mean I get the thrill of having a V8 or V10, but the n54 is a fantastic tuning platform. With very little modifications (I think for about €3k you can get the n54 up to about 600hp with street drivability and reliability) you can get the power of a supercharged s65.

So my advice would be: tune the n54 (uprated turbo's/intercooler/downpipe) fit an LSD and maybe install a BBK front/rear.
Will be just as fast, more reliable, more serviceable and about 10 times as cheap. (I guess tuning the n54 to 600hp will be about as cheap as getting just a custom propshaft)
I cant see modding the monocoque to neatly and safely fit the rear axle as an install and fitting the s65 with all the coding etc etc costing less than €30k. I also wonder if you'll ever get it really street legal, my guess it'll be a very long process.

[z4e89sweden]

Thank for the good lucks.

I'm aiming to get the S65 with VF supercharger kit aroung 600-650 hp, and the stroker kit from VAC.

@Guidok.

I have check the frames today and i'm going with the E46 rear sub and E92 front sub and will see if i can make a secure fit for it.

I agree on the gearbox, the DCT gearbokx is actually the same in the most 335 e9x and 8x (and proabably more cars)

To answer the question why, is because i can. (not ironic) Why have a Porsche when u can have your own uniqe car?

I've already almost maxed out the N54 engine.
The specs today is a long list.
Öhlins R&T, Wagner IC, Pure Turbos, New inlet, outlets, cut-outs. new mapping, quaife diff, new oil-cooler, dodson gearpox, burger oilpan. ,supersprint downpipe, race cat. etc etc, i belive i already have around 600hp and if i want to more if i put E85 in the tank. etc etc.

So yes, it's a really good engine, but is not a V8 like the GT3, and if of course i can put the GT3 kit on and say hey it's a GT3 but without the V8 it's just a bodykit. I've seen many people put the kit on but i dosen't feel the same

The one thing that i totally agree with you is that it's going to cost , and take a while to finish. But i will get you updated on the journey

Thanks for the reply.

[Mr Tidy]

Well firstly welcome to the forum!

This sounds like a fantastic, if possibly challenging, project so I wish you all the best with it.

And I hope you post some updates of your progress.

[stijohnny]

and take a while to finish. But i will get you updated on the journey

Welcome and good luck with the mods e89Sweden! PM me if you want to sell any parts, ie pure turbos, quaiffe LSD etc, thanks...