5.3 LM7 powered '97 BMW M3 sedan!

[BRAAP]

Not sure how fitting this porject is here, but being powered an 5.3 LM7, maybe some relevance?

Any how, current project is '97 BMW M3 sedan, receiving an '01 LM7 and T-56.

Started an LSx powered Nissan 300-ZX project a while back, detailed here;

LSx powered late model Nissan 300-ZX, aka Z-32 - LS1TECH

...moth balled that project, sold the car, kept the LM7 and T-56 with plans to use the powertrain in another car more worthy of the conversion. Stumbled across a 190,000 mile ’97 BMW M3 sedan, 5 speed car, Black on Black. Car runs GREAT, no smoke, doesn’t miss beat, runs every bit its mid 14 second ¼ mile. Everything works, couldn’t more happy. The paint isn’t perfect, but being as this is daily driver, part time auto-crosser, I prefer a few blemishes vs a show car. Previous owner installed a Brembo Big Brake kit and Bilstein struts.
I think the S52 engine and 5 speed already have a home, probably installed in a 260-Z, and then possibly boosted!

Any how, I’ve had the car for approx 3-4 weeks now, LOVE the car. It is so much more capable in the corners and down the straights than my 300-ZX could ever think of being! LSx power will only enhance that! Weighed it with ¾ tank of fuel, no driver or passengers, a bit portly for and E-36 at 3340 lbs. Front 1620, rear 1720! I didn’t believe the rear weight bias myself so I rechecked it and YEUP! Front to rear weight distribution, 48.5% front, 51.5% rear, AND it seats 4 comfortably, 5 if the rear passengers don’t mind being a little cozy.


These pics were taken by my best friend the day I Picked up the car. The pics really hide the paint flaws very well.

Picking up the car at the Previous Owners house;


Sitting in MY driveway!;


EMMM PAW-WAW… soon to be LSx paw-waw...