LS1 or LS7 conversion on an X5.

[GOFAST GUY]

I'm forever working on projects and since my car is just about done, during the summer months while I'm not driving my X5 I ponder having more HP under the good of my beast. Has anyone heard of this swap being done? I'd imagine for the same price of buying a Dinan supercharger, you could pick up a LS1, build it properly and make it fit under the hood while saving a ton of weight. Just a thought.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSDCEBD5bx8

I found this video on youtube. I'm not sure if this guy is active on this forum but it would be interesting to get his take on this creation.

[JCL]

Guessing you'd have to pull all the awd components, unless you could figure out how to put the front diff in the oil pan. If you were going to build a rwd vehicle, why start with an X5?

[GOFAST GUY]

Originally Posted by JCL

Guessing you'd have to pull all the awd components, unless you could figure out how to put the front diff in the oil pan. If you were going to build a rwd vehicle, why start with an X5?

Of all the SUVs out there today, I'd still have to say I like the overall shape of the E53 with the body kit the best still. The range rover is a close second but I keep coming back my 4.6is. I think it would be awesome as a rear wheel drive monster.

[Green Dragon]

Too bad they didn't post a video of it on the road or actually moving. I'd be curious if it has much more over a 4.8is. Nice project SUV/ SAV.

[GOFAST GUY]

I know. I guaranty that if I drop a corvette engine into my X5, it won't be bone stock.

[civdiv99]

I pondered it a coupla years ago when faced with deciding what to do about my trans. Crawled around the X5, took a few measurements, considered various AWD-type donor options that would marry an LS motor with potential driveline options (Trailblazer SS came to mind if I recall)

Even though I have the fab skills in general, and I already own equipment to machine my own parts and adapters, brackets, etc., I did not consider this for very long. The problem is all the systems, including your IP, all need to have a mutually agreed upon discussion at some level. Physical fitment would be a considerable challenge, but then you are faced with a "dumb" shell on your new conversion.

So the challenges of the physical processes and trial and fit and cut and fit and try and fit and cuss and try to fit some more will, if successful, result in an additional, and not insignificant challenge if you want to have a dash panel that is't all custom and "made to fit", nevermind all the other things that have to interact with the general module, etc.

In short, what little I considered in this arena indicated to me this would be a virtually entirely custom car when you are done, and absolutely a money pit with no market down the road unless you made it really well, like pro-quality (and probably not even then), which takes you back to that cost ($$$$ AND time) benefit consideration which is different for everyone. I swapped my first motor at 15, and have been into and worked on virtually every area of both older and modern cars, and I'd have just called the junkyard before I went down that road with an E53.

But that's just me. Anyone who undertakes this get's a big-ass "hat's off to ya" from me.........

[GOFAST GUY]

Very True and well put. I talked to the tuner shop I'm working with on my M3 project and apparently the X5 has between 40 - 50 computers that all talk to each other and they've had instances where one is screwed up and it's telling a story to the rest resulting in a nightmare. That doesn't sound fun. I've read in Performance BMW about guys doing engine swaps and it seems that soon after they get everything working, they want to sell their pride and joy. LOL Leads me to wonder. Maybe technology will progress to the point where someday it will be possible to run everything off a laptop and all you'll need to do is add a thin screen to where your gauge cluster use to be and you'll be able to arrange the size, font and arrangement of your dash. That would be wicked.

[J.Belknap]

Originally Posted by GOFAST GUY

I've read in Performance BMW about guys doing engine swaps and it seems that soon after they get everything working, they want to sell their pride and joy.

Yeah, it happens a lot. I don't understand it. Might be the whole king of the hill thing. Maybe there's nothing left to tinker with and it's time for a new canvas. Wish they'd just go out and drive the things a bit more before unloading them.

[bmwman528e]

This is a long shot but if anyone has a X5 4.4 with no engine in the bay and access to an LS block I will mail you my engine mounts off the E39 4.4 to see if they work and clear everything on the X5 chassis. And you can keep the mounts as a gift if it works or I will atleast supply return shipping if it doesn't.

[J.Belknap]

Hi bmwman,

As it so happens, my engine is out on a stand as I am doing a main/rod bearing job, and then assembling the lump outside of the bay. I also happen to have a LSx longblock. (For the silver car, eventually....) 4.4 & 4.6 engine mounting is the same, so I'd be honored to be your guinea pig, email you photos, dimensions and any other tech data that you are after.

Kinda funny, I'm sitting out here in the garage, thinking of the possibilities.... and then I look at the 4.6 motor & blower. Kinda have my hands full, but the swap sure sounds fun.

Edit: Sent a PM your way.

- Jay