While I was working through this build, not really knowing anything about LS builds, I watched a bunch of Richard Holdener videos on Youtube and I was blown away at how much hp could be made with minor mods and how robust these motors are. The van I bought had 420,000kms on it ran and shifted like it was new. Everything still looks really good internally now that we've upgraded the cam and valve springs. I'm going to upgrade the trunion roller bearings to bushings next just because I think its something that should be done and it's not like I drive it in the winter so I might as well tackle it. I definitely want to get the gauge cluster working if I can but all of the electronics in the vehicle work without without the BMW ECU plugged in. Things like power windows, mirrors, seats, heater fan, sunroof, power locks, stereo etc. I was able to wire in a couple relays to use the BMW key and ignition also. I did replace the BMW gas pedal with the GM pedal for ease of the swap and I swapped out the BMW fuel pump for the GM one along with the float also but that was minor stuff.
I know there are a pile of BMW purests out there that think what i did isn't right but something I learnt along the way is this. When you build an LS engine to work in the vehicle you have plans for it, it doesn't necessarily have to live in that vehicle forever because that engine and wiring harness can easily be pulled from that vehicle and dropped into anything else you want in the future so you're really not limited by tackling a project like this. I happen to love my E53 X5 for it's comfort and looks. I also still love my E36 M3 also for everything that it is but I also see a rat rod grain truck on airbags in my future with this engine in it also. Whether I hit up another auction and pick up another donor vehicle or hit up a junkyard and yank another 6L for $400, I've done it once and honestly I'd totally do it again because of what I now know.

__________________
If you can still see the disapointment on his face in your rear view mirror, he's not far enough behind.
98 M3 Sedan blk/blk Sold
00 BMW 540i Sold
03 BMW 4.6IS
98 BMW E36 M3 modified