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Parting out 4.6is engine and transmission to replace with LY6 Engine
Well the day has finally come and I'm looking forward to making this dream a reality. Last winter my crank case vent hose froze which pressured up my engine and blew all of the oil out of my engine. As soon as my oil light went on, I shut the engine off and pulled over FAST!! I had my X5 flat decked back to my house and the diagnosis started. At first one it looked like my one bank wasn't firing so I bought the expensive engine timing kit and made made sure my engine was still in time while re-tightening my cam position sensor. With both banks firing again, I thought I had my problems fixed but while it was still running in my garage something sounded off so I unbolted the oil pan and upper oil pan to have a look at the main bearings and found the bearing closest to the fire wall was cooked so I'm parting out the engine and transmission and installing an LY6 6.0L Chevy engine and transmission. It'll be a project and a half but I have some good friends that will help with the build. I'll post pics and updates along the way.
1. I replaced the transmission about 20,000kms ago with one straight from ZF in New York. No issues with the new tranny at all. 2. I had gotten the timing chain and guides done also right around that time so that's all quite new also. 3. I had the alternator rebuilt by my good friend at Treasure Electric in Calgary with all new mil-spec parts. He did an awesome job and ran perfect around the same time also. [IMG]http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...pszvwyzzmu.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...psfkjhnxo3.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...psycdkeirt.jpg[/IMG] |
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Great project; so your plan is to install the 6.0 V8 and automatic transmission?
Diff ratio remain the same? Any other changes? Thank you for sharing; I only noticed your post from the other LSX swap :thumbup: |
Damn, you are in Calgary too .. would be amazing to see this beast in real life one day, if you don't mind onlookers.
Good luck with this project and the sale/part out of 4.6 and tranny. So you bought a ZF from the factory? Is it for sale? Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk |
Yes, I ordered the tranny from ZF in New York and drove down to the border and picked it up while sending my old one back in the shipping crate. I only put 20,000kms on it since installing it so it's still new.
As for this build, I've always wanted to do this to my X5 and although my timeline was sped up a little it's heading in the right direction. For starters, we're going to get the engine installed and running. Once we're happy with how everything works, we can easily start upgrading the performance while documenting the changes and performance figures. |
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Well, it's been a fun adventure with this LS swap but the 6L LS fit and there was room to spare since the LS is narrower than the 4.6L. The motor mounts were easy to fab up and I picked up a set of Hooker short headers to clear the firewall on the passenger side. The wiring harness had to be ordered through Wiring Specialists and for now I'm running a HUD through my OBD2 plug so I have engine temp, speed, tac etc.
We used the factory X5 tranny mount and added 9" of bracket onto it to accommodate the shorter 4L80 tranny. We made an adaptor for the shifter linkage so the BMW automatic gear selector works fine aside from no sport shift. We used an after market electric fan and thermostat for engine cooling. We used the BMW rad and reservoir along with most of the coolant lines and power steering reservoir as well. https://i.imgur.com/oQnsrOUh.jpg Once it was up and running and tuning was done, I decided to swap out the factory cam for an LS9 cam and delete the VVT which was also surprisingly simple. A little more tuning and it feels really good. Since the 4L80 only has 4 gears, in WOT, it shifts from 3rd to 4th at 170km/hr 'hypathically' of course. Here's a short video of it idling. https://youtu.be/lTnXZ1nZWKM When just driving normal, it shifts smooth and works perfect. The amazing thing about getting it tuned, its done through HP Tuners so literally everything can be changed. We bumped the redline to 7000. It shifts in WOT at 6600rpm. The shift points were played with also so that under regular driving, its idling along in 4th gear most of the time and when you want to pass someone, i can either easy into it and it downshifts nice or I can hammer on it, and it jumps down 2 gears and takes off. It is only rear wheel drive right now but with the factory 315 tires in the rear, it has tons of traction with plenty to spare. |
Pretty cool! :thumbup:
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I added a lot more pics of the build on this forum thinking I would get a lot more input from LS guys and I was surprised at how little response I got from anyone.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...53-bmw-x5.html |
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. |
that sounds mean :D
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I like my Flex-Fuel 5.3 LS! I always run ethanol! There’s lots of power, and sounds strong! For me, headers, and cams would be awesome!
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I've had the same idea. I wondered if someone had stuffed an LS motor into an X5. Even a 5.3 with 325-375 HP will burn the wheels off. A 6.0 or 6.2 make tons of toque. If can can be done to an X3, an X5 even better. A cable drive LS with a stand alone harness can be done. The intake alone is a straight connection into the TB.
Checkout this 5.3 X5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOaYpAwkb1I If I win a lotto in my life time, I'll do an X5 Hellcat!! |
Definitely my hero. Very nice work!
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When sourcing your build, if you can find a set of LS3 heads then definitely go with the LQ4 engine. I have one torn down on a pallet waiting to go into my E36 M3 when I find time and money. You will need a custom driveshaft so factor in another $500-$800 also a 1999 Corvette fuel filter which will convert the one way LS fuel line into a return system for the BMW but those are cheap at any parts store. |
Are you installing the LQ9 cam into the LY6? Or using an aftermarket cam? The LQ9 stock cam is good. The LQ9 with a few mods makes over 500 HP easy. The LQ9 cam into the LY6 would start around 443hp\467 ft\lbs. Probably more with heads you mention.
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https://i.imgur.com/aSXbK26.jpg?2 so I picked at a PW 7875 turbo new for a great price and since it's boxing day today, I'm heading down to the local Mopac store to see what other goodies I can get for a decent price. Since the X5 isn't going anywhere for the rest of the winter and is inside at my buddy's shop, its the perfect season to do some fab work and upgrades. I got this little gadget for Christmas so I'm looking forward to installing it but won't really be able to test it till spring... That just seems sooooo long from now... https://youtu.be/0ZiWRTc4g8M |
Boxing Day was a success!! I was able to get a 45mm wastegate with an 8-11lb spring and a 50mm blow off valve, a bunch of fittings and hoses for the turbo, some 2.5" pipe and a trunon upgrade kit.
https://i.imgur.com/ZFxPZnb.jpg?1 |
Any update on this project? :D
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Progress has been the keyword with this project. It ran fine last summer with the LS9 cam in and the VVT deleted with headers and exhaust but my buddy had to go and find a good deal on a PW 7875 turbo and then the project started all over again. Lol
To be clear, prior to this build I knew nothing about turbo'd vehicles. I'm trying to recall if I'd ever been in one forget behind behind the wheel of one but his confidence in the build won me over so we got cracking on welding everything into place and running lines filling up the engine bay... https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...590&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...590&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...590&fit=bounds I guess this turbo is NOT a small turbo because my injectors weren't big enough my fuel pump did have enough pressure, I had issues with too much heat in the engine bay so I cut hood vents in and added 2 puller fans (16" and a 12". I had to make custom length spark plug wires to go around the passenger side exhaust manifold. I had used the A/C condenser as a transmission cooler but it blocks the whole rad so I'm currently pulling it out and adding a much smaller trans cooler at the back of the vehicle where my batter box use to be behind the rear diff. More tuning will happen next week but with the 7lb spring in my tuner buddy was measuring right around 500-550whp. Once it's all dialed I'll probably dyno it to have some solid numbers. |
The headlights were original and looked like shit so I wet sanded them with 2000gr sand paper and sprayed them with a 2 part epoxy to renew them and I'm super happy with the result.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...590&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...590&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...590&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...590&fit=bounds |
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WoW..!! That is nuts!! :2thumbs: Amazing.! That intercooler is lookin sweet!! :wow: That X is gonna do burnouts, doughnuts, and have some vicious pull! E53 RiPPeR XOuTPoST jUNkiE ReVELaTiON 22:21 |
Thanks Happy, I'm really looking forward to finally getting it all working properly. I am really hoping the rear tires are wide enough to stick to the road. I looked into 325s and 335s and they literally double in price from stocks 315s being $400/tire to $800 for 325s to $840 for 325s which is insane!!
A couple weeks ago before I had the new fuel pump in, while I was trying to get it tuned, we did a couple pulls from a dead stop and there was no wheel spin so fingers crossed. |
Hey Happy tell me more about your X5. I saw on your signature your E53 is Supercharged with sauce. Who did your tuning and what kind of HP numbers are you making with that setup? That really cool.
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Parting out 4.6is engine and transmission to replace with LY6 Engine
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Yes, sorting everything out at least with my setup took some time. 315’s are still a very decent size tire. Your setup I am sure has high torque, and that would be a reason to increase to a larger tire size. Were you able to retain your AWD? If you have converted to 2WD, I would skip straight to the 335’s for two reasons, the power, and the weight of the vehicle. I have 325’s on my X with no spacers. 335’s may require spacers, and my only concern would be, can they handle the high horsepower/torque. If spacers are going to be an issue, there is always the 325’s. Proper offset required. But, if the 315’s are holding, then it would be up to the operator to keep them locked to the road. But, I agree the lager tires are not cheap. Yep, I have a RMS supercharged 5 speed 3.0. The tuning on my X was done in-house, by RMS. I still retain my AWD, so tuning for me was done at the track. It could’ve been done on a AWD dyno, but it was suggested to me that with the weight, and other factors etc. with my E53, road tuning would be the best option. I was not able to install a intercooler because, I would have had to swap my M54’s intake manifold with one from an M50. It would have also required using the supercharger kit for a E36 M3, instead of the E53 which would have cost considerably more and would have still produced the same power. So my only option for cooling was water/meth injection. That setup worked well. But then I found a flex-fuel system that does live tuning depending on the ethanol volume. My filling station has been pretty consistent at 79-81% ethanol. It was suggested that I no longer need to use my water/meth injection system. But, there was no way I was going to let that system remain non operational. So what I came up with is, I take the E85 from the filling station, mix it with water, cut the gasoline out, and inject the ethanol/water mix. With the system off it pulls hard. With the system on, it pulls even harder. I don’t believe knock will be an issue either way. I have a formula to run nitro/meth/water that seems safe to run. But, to me it’s not worth the risk. Nitro can damage an engine if the formula is even slightly off. RMS said 400hp on 91. They also said add about 10hp per 100hp for the water/meth injection. This was without headers. Now with headers, E85, and ethanol/ water injection, one would assume it’s closer to 500hp. The 4.10’s and manual gearbox, make for a very unique experience. E53 RiPPeR XOuTPoST jUNkiE ReVELaTiON 22:21 |
That's definitely a very interesting setup and makes good power too. Fuel mileage wise, if you're not pushing it, how does it do?
I wasn't able to keep the AWD setup because that would have added another level of complication to trying to get my vehicle back on the road, which was the main goal originally. As much as I loved driving it in the winter with my big winter tires, I have an economical little Scion TC for daily driving and winter time although I do miss going places with my X5 that few other vehicles would dare go. Some time ago, I bought the 2" lift kit from Fluid Motor Union so it's sits up a bit higher and was great for running bigger winter tires. I wanted a bit wider stance so I picked up 1" spacer for the front and back so it has a bit more aggressive stance. My only worry is stressing the bolts when put my foot into it but I'm going to talk to some experts about that. One set of spacers has longer bolts while the other set uses the factory bolts to bolt up to the hub and then another set of short bolts to bolt up to the spacer. I'm not sure which is safer to have on the back tires. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...370&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...370&fit=bounds |
Very nice! Very cool, would be nice to see some video's of it :cool:
I had the idea to LS swap my X when the gearbox or engine fails next time. Nice to read that it fits easily :cool: |
Wow! Someone needs to make a conversion kit. Giving up Xdrive is worth it. So many options 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 and 6.2! Easy 325 HP to 500+! With slicks, will it do a wheelie?
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Surprisingly, much better than stock. Average combined mpg is 19. During the presentation at RMS, the boss discussed this topic. He explained to us that a supercharger is constantly producing boost. So he wanted to take advantage of this natural byproduct. He said with his system, a small amount of boost while cruising is delivered when the throttle is only slightly engaged. The system will allow boost to flow without causing performance issues, while increasing the mpgs. When the secondary injection system is active, the mpg’s get even better. The additional ethanol added to the fuel mixture creates more power, essentially requiring less pedal (throttle) to gain acceleration. The small amount of water in the mixture is vaporized, reducing heat while creating a steam engine effect. The E85 burns cooler as well, so the combustion process is cool, and extremely efficient. Yeah I would get a couple of opinions regarding the spacers. As far as you have come with your build, the last thing you want is a failure that is preventable. I’ve been following. It’s awesome to see it coming together. I remember when I saw the turbo just placed in the intake box. I thought to myself, “Oh Dang”! E53 RiPPeR XOuTPoST jUNkiE ReVELaTiON 22:21 |
As soon as I've gotten the X5 tuned later this week, i definitely want to make some videos but last summer I made this video and one other.
https://youtube.com/shorts/lTnXZ1nZWKM?feature=share |
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Right on! I can’t wait! A couple revs would be awesome! E53 RiPPeR XOuTPoST jUNkiE ReVELaTiON 22:21 |
I have Velocity spacers that bolt to the hub and the wheel bolts to the spacer lug bolts. Every time I get tires (Discount Tire) the changer goes to the manager about the spacers. The manager always allows the tire install but only because the spacers are bolted to the hub. Checking around before I got the spacers, this was many years ago, I found that that was the best way to go for safety.
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ok cool! THanks for the advice. I will double check to see which spacers I have on the back tires. Over the weekend I installed a new transmission cooler behind my rear diff where my batter box use to be and ran the lines along the drive shaft tunnel to the tranny. I also removed the A/C condenser so the rad can breathe better and cut a bunch of plastic away from each side. I had been using the A/C condenser as my transmission cooler but figured this was a better route to go. I had to also replace the hose connections on power steering cooler since they were such a pain in the ass to disconnect all the time. I'll try to make a short video today of it idling and rev it up a couple times. I'll warn you now, it doesn't sound like when you rev up a C63 AMG or a Supra. I'm not that pleased with how it sounds to be honest but I'll let you be the judge.
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Ok guys, I had some time today to put together a little video on the LSX5 so here it is, have a listen and let me know what you think.
https://youtu.be/KvPOpNVXHdk |
YEAH..!! Nice install! My imagination ran wild, when I saw your first photos. That’s next level with that turbo! I like it! :2thumbs:
Sounds super smooth! Sounds awesome..! E53 RiPPeR XOuTPoST jUNkiE ReVELaTiON 22:21 |
This is one amazing build! Subscribed!
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Thanks!! It was definitely a challenge making that turbo fit under the hood with all of the piping and hoses but we did it and soon I'll actually know what it feels like to put it to work.
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Here's a little project I tackled a couple weeks ago that turned out to be pretty easy. I replaced by black seatbelts with bright green ones I ordered off Amazon. Since i couldn't find a video on how to remove them, I figured I'd make one to help with anyone else wanting to brighten up their ride.
https://youtu.be/C7GPqUGZEdg |
Tuning is done, I have a few small issues to sort out regarding the upgraded fuel pump voltage demand but for now, its tuned for 7lbs of boost which makes a little over 500whp
with the voltage issues sorted and the 10lb wastegate spring installed and tuned, my tuner feels confident he could get another 150whp out of my setup. Having that much hp makes me wonder how much my rear diff can handle so for now I think I want to enjoy it with future potential available. He also adjusted the shift points so it shifts down to 1st now when you floor it and there is still no wheel spin, which is surprising but I'm happy about that also because it just gets up and goes!! |
Awesome! I agree with you on “breaking it in”. It’s better to get it to perform reliably, then just going all out. That’s how you literally break things. Once everything gets sorted out, you can start applying more power. The limits will reveal themselves at some point, and if they don’t, then you’ve got a solid build on your hands. It’s best to go easy, especially when your getting up to 600-700 hp on a build that has been drastically redesigned such as yours. :thumbup:
E53 RiPPeR XOuTPoST jUNkiE ReVELaTiON 22:21 |
So I downloaded an app that works off GPS and did some runs from a dig without building boost first I did consistent 6.5second times which wasn't too impressive so I then tried to build boost and it just pushed the front tires but when i let off on the breaks I did 5.5seconds. I still have to wire in my boost gauge to know just how much boost I'm building.
I then did some 5 second runs from 100kms\hr and consistently hit 155kms\hr I need to spend more time playing around and maybe do a few more videos once I get everything dialed in a bit better but it's fun making noise. Stay tuned. |
I like the way it sounds especially when revving. Will the tuning be done on a dyno or with GPS runs? Enjoyed the video and walk around, thanks.
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Thanks. My tuner did the tuning on the road. I drove and followed his instruction to stop so he could make adjustments. He adjusted the shift points, and everything. He is super thorough and happy with the tune for now till I get the fuel pump voltage and bigger wastegate spring in.
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