Being able to retain AWD was my biggest hurdle in preventing me from wanting to do this swap. If AWD can be retained, I'm all in.

Congrats on the combo, I've never seen that in an E53 before. I've got an E70 X5M with Sakhir Orange, very similar, and I love it.

The GF bought my E53 from me so I'm very much looking forward to this build for when her engine goes as I wish I'd done this swap in my E38 as well.

It's very doable just doesn't fit my needs at all and would require more fabrication etc.

We built 2 ourselves with with A/C several others put A/C in as well. The E39 required a Holley A/C mount on the front dress because the passengers side mount took place of where the F Body Compressor is mounted. A/C will be retained on my E53.

We're in Seattle, so it's not that AWD is really a necessity, it'd just kinda defy the point of getting an SAV...but then again I've got a 2wd Harley F150 and most would say that's a waste of a truck lol. Nevertheless, it'd be nice in the bigger picture to have LQ* reliability. I've emailed you in the past about doing this exact build, so I hope you document the hell outta this build because it's going to save me questions later :D

Engine has been sold and yanked out of the bay. Now time to prep everything so I can fabricate mounts. I am going to be doing some sort of Forced Induction LSX with a T-56 Magnum 6 speed behind it. I have a Vortech Blower setup already unused but it is only a G Trim so 550 RWHP would be max. Will post more pics as progress continues.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psyxxyvqk7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psohnp0ej0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psncq8tl4l.jpg

2WD in Michigan?

It wont be driven all year round or daily even in the summertime. That's what the 5sp e53 is for.

I thought when you found the 4.6 was in working order you might not go ahead with the swap; glad to see you're moving full steam ahead!
It is an awesome project! :yourock:

Ya I figured it was just another $3,000 to put towards swap parts if I could sell the engine. It sold on Ebay pretty quicK so here we go!