Z4 coupe v8 swap?

L

Lgarretto

New member
Hi guys. I'm new on here so I'm sorry if this has been asked before. I looked but didn't see it

So I have come across a deal on a 2005 z4 coupe with a blown engine. Blew a head gasket I believe. Well I really like the car. And I'm thinking about buying it. But if I do I'd want to pull the inline 6 and transplant a sbc. A 350 at the biggest though. In doing this I'd be fine with changing the transmission and using a t5 or something as well. I'm not looking to make a ridiculous amount of power. I just prefer v8s because (around here at least) they are easier and much much cheaper to own.
So my question is, will a small block v8 fit without having to cut everything up. And how difficult would such a swap be?
Thank you very much for your time
 
It has a big engine bay so it might fit.
But it will be a lot of work and you will have to cut and fabricate a lot obviously.
And then there are the electrics. I am no expert but i would imagine a bit tricky to get right. Probably a stand alone ecu.
After spending all the cash on the engine swap. It might be cheaper to run and maintain a straight six???
 
People need to stop carrying out these engine swaps / FI installations.....minimizing JE's options for him to create a unique zed :headbang:
 
You're lucky you can just go out and buy a Dodge Challenger for $50!! Or almost!!! Think if we had right hand drive Challengers and Chargers, and please don't mention the RHD Mustangs coming here, just think they don't look as good
 
Haha, yeah. I live in Oklahoma. So camaros and mustangs and challengers are a pretty common sight. Although I'm glad our cars are all left hand drive. All you guys on the other side of the pond must be left handed I guess ;)

I guess it prolly isn't the same for yall. But over here I can get an ls1 or even an ls3 for 3 or 4 grand. (Used of course). And have a thousand shops that will work on it for peanuts. But a bmw engine will cost me whatever bmw decides to charge me. And I'll have to take it to the dealer unless I wanna do it myself. So a v8 is really a matter of cost and ease for me. Depending on how much work it really takes
 
If your mind is made up and you think its the correct way to go. Then do it.
Like you say the engines are 2 a penny there.. A bit exotic over hear!! and pricey.
I think you will get it to vit a guy on hear has just put a BMW v10 in his z4 look hear http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=55073&hilit=v10#p805014
The ecu would be the most difficult thing to sort out i would think.
Good luck to you and keep us all posted.
 
LS1 swaps have been done before and if I am not mistaking, in the US there are even companies specialised in that. There is someone on the forum with (if I'm right) a blue zed that did this conversion.

If it were me: I would rather get an old M5 with an enigine and gearbox in good condition and put that in, at least it's still BMW and it fits as well.
 
Bad_Pritt said:
LS1 swaps have been done before and if I am not mistaking, in the US there are even companies specialised in that. There is someone on the forum with (if I'm right) a blue zed that did this conversion.

If it were me: I would rather get an old M5 with an enigine and gearbox in good condition and put that in, at least it's still BMW and it fits as well.
Click to expand...

Your right there was a guy who done that from Texas i think??
 
Lgarretto said:
Hi guys. I'm new on here so I'm sorry if this has been asked before. I looked but didn't see it

So I have come across a deal on a 2005 z4 coupe with a blown engine. Blew a head gasket I believe. Well I really like the car. And I'm thinking about buying it. But if I do I'd want to pull the inline 6 and transplant a sbc. A 350 at the biggest though. In doing this I'd be fine with changing the transmission and using a t5 or something as well. I'm not looking to make a ridiculous amount of power. I just prefer v8s because (around here at least) they are easier and much much cheaper to own.
So my question is, will a small block v8 fit without having to cut everything up. And how difficult would such a swap be?
Thank you very much for your time
Click to expand...
Hi and welcome. Liking your potential project, I would reckon the small block would fit fairly easily. The LS series engines are very compact and pretty light for what they are. 6speed transmissions are easy to source and I bet there's several different sump pans available. The MX5 guys drop these engines in to their cars and they've way less room to play with. So when are we getting to see some pics of this purchase?
One thing is don't underestimate what's involved in a full on conversion. Best to sit down and make a plan and list of items required. Make a rough cost and then see if its financially viable remembering that its not a BMW engine your installing and won't appeal to everyone. You'll probably have an idea of how long it'll take, best to double it.
I started my transplant over a year ago and it's still not finished, but its a runner just not driving yet.4818237C-239A-4BAF-A837-C082DB974764_zpsmygmzf7e.jpg
 
Hah, JE take heed.

Do it! I'm not sure i like the idea of american crap personally; in german efficient cars, id go for a V8 M3 or V10 M5 engine :) each to their own though.
 
Don't get me wrong, I actually love small engines. Especially inline sixes. I was asking about a v8 simply for cost and reliability. The last cars I had were actually an rx8 with the 13b and an 87 supra with a 1jz. But my power goal for this car would be around 400rwhp. Otherwise it simply isn't competitive. Not here. And I don't know how reliable or especially how costly that would be to the stock engine. It's nothing for a Chevy v8
 
When I had a 320d I used to go on the E46 forums - there was a guy on there (from the UK) who had successfully put small bloc engines in both an E46 and a Z3.

Sorry I can't provide any more info, but should give you and idea that its possible given a zed sized car sharing many components with the E46 platform.
 
Lgarretto said:
Don't get me wrong, I actually love small engines. Especially inline sixes. I was asking about a v8 simply for cost and reliability. The last cars I had were actually an rx8 with the 13b and an 87 supra with a 1jz. But my power goal for this car would be around 400rwhp. Otherwise it simply isn't competitive. Not here. And I don't know how reliable or especially how costly that would be to the stock engine. It's nothing for a Chevy v8
Click to expand...

Sounds like a tempting plan for a Stateside owner, German handling and build, US V8 torque and 400 ponies at the rear wheels should suffice :D
 
I know dyno torque is a uk specialist in V8 conversions just Seen his rx7 on speedhunters OMG wat a machine, he also did a z3m roadster and a coupe. He also did a e46 and e36 with Ls engine's
 
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