S65 Transplant Project

[Finnegan]

Edit:

As disappointing as this will be to folks here, the project has been cancelled. Priorities have changed (kids), and my buddy's full CSL build (real CSL parts) is complete and the performance is such that there's little to gain from the S65 in stock form. That, kids, and other priorities mean the project has halted.

See the For Sale section as there's now an S65 with harness, ECU, etc. as well as a full M suspension and other kit up for sale.

Anyone here want to pick this up and run with it?

Now that I have your attention, it's not [yet] for my Z4M....

My friend and I are working on his E46 M3 GTR. (We're been jointly building a car garage with a couple other friends, and up to recently, the garage build --which was a huge clean-out/clean-up of a barn--has been my main contribution. But, with that completed, focus can shift to more interesting things like engine transplants. This is our first project in the garage. A few of you know him, he organizes lots of drives in Norcal, and is setting up the joint Z4M/1M event in November posted here.)

He purchased an E90 M3 donor car that went backwards through a house. Engine and drivetrain were in great shape. And have been removed.

He's done another project--building the only E46 CSL I know of on this side of the pond (OEM parts more or less). He has a thing for E46s....and when he's not doing this he's posting cool mapping tools!

My goal is to learn everything possible from this project for transplanting an S65 (or, crazy thought, S85) into a Z4M, and, then jointly work on the Z4M project after we finish the GTR. If we proceed with that project, I'll document the entire thing here. IMO, as great as the S54 is, there's nothing like a high-revving N/A V8 (or V10). And it keeps with the character of the last of the BMW NA high-revving M car concept (pre F/I). The other nice thing? An S65 or S85 can be made to be 100% legal even here in our Ecotopia (California) where even changing out an air filter can run afoul of the authorities.

I'll update this thread from time to time. My friend's main thread can be found here.

[Mirko]

Looks like a awesome project! Putting that engine in the Z4M would be even better Looking forward to results. Good luck!!

[Gt4]

Subscribed!!

[inTgr8r]

definitely following this one!

[ricanbandit]

Subscribed! Have always dreamt about a V10 in my M...

[dorifto88]

Ron my friend, two words... Awesome sauce

[F360C]

Wow!

[R0ME0]

Follow the Leader!

[fullerra]

Originally Posted by dorifto88

Ron my friend, two words... Awesome sauce

+ 1 !

[Finnegan]

Thanks guys! Lots of work ahead!

Our sense is that the coding and fitting of all the modules to keep the ECU happy will be the biggest challenge. Probably more so than the mechanical fitting. We have to use the stock ECU to get it CARB (California Air Resources Board) certified.

It should be interesting to say the least.

If anyone checked the link and video, that's my avatar Abby barking as she "protects" the German Shepherd who didn't like air driven impact wrenches or engine drops.

Originally Posted by dorifto88

Ron my friend, two words... Awesome sauce

Let's meet up at the barn some weekend. You can see the project and I can deliver that part I owe you!

[philjw]

Sounds amazing! Will definitely be following this one

[Krypptic]

Originally Posted by dorifto88

Ron my friend, two words... Awesome sauce

Well said. Makes me wish I was on the other coast. Good luck!

[OleSport]

[dschultz]

Nice!

[pokeybritches]

Wow! I'll be following closely. I'm secretly hoping you choose the V10. The S85 is one of the best-sounding engines out there, and I've always dreamed of transplanting it into a Z4.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

Wow! I'll be following closely. I'm secretly hoping you choose the V10. The S85 is one of the best-sounding engines out there, and I've always dreamed of transplanting it into a Z4.

The S85 is an amazing engine, but the gas tank in the Z4 is tiny. You'll run out of gas before pulling out of the driveway

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by XMetal

The S85 is an amazing engine, but the gas tank in the Z4 is tiny. You'll run out of gas before pulling out of the driveway

At 10 MPG I'd be able to go 145 miles. Realistic for city is probably 12, 18-20 highway.

Still better than the track. About 50 miles there!

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

Wow! I'll be following closely. I'm secretly hoping you choose the V10. The S85 is one of the best-sounding engines out there, and I've always dreamed of transplanting it into a Z4.

Finding an S85 may be more of a challenge. For this to work the best approach is a donor car, extract engine, part out the car. The E9x M3 just has larger numbers and a better parts market for the same reason.

But the S85 is my preferred option.

But, right place, right time--S85 would be the pinnacle of over the top crazy fun! And that the whole point of a project like this!!!

[007MCoupe]

SO sub'd for this!! I've been waiting for someone to put an S65 in our car for some time! I know THIS isn't that project....Y E T!

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

SO sub'd for this!! I've been waiting for someone to put an S65 in our car for some time! I know THIS isn't that project....Y E T!

Not yet! Soon. SOON!

But even worst case, should I decide scope is too big, this E46 project should provide enough detail to give anyone thinking of it a clear picture of what such a swap would entail.

Don't get me wrong--I want to do this--the point is the Z community gets insight.

Enough insight perhaps that more than one project can run concurrently should someone else want to jump in.

[Gt4]

http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=30343

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by Gt4

http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=30343

Whoa!

Thanks. Hitting up seller now. Needs to be newer than my car (08) to pass smog. Fingers crossed. (If you get caught running anything different it's an impound and destroy order. Since this won't be stealth, can't risk it.)