[SlowButFast]

First I want to say thanks for checking out my build. This started off as a budget build but we all know how that goes The completion date for this project is Summer 2023. I won't run out of money on this build but I'm always running short on time. I haven't started a build thread since I was 19 years old and that was over 10 years ago!!! Funny how forums haven't changed since then lol. Buying a hellcat or M3 was an option but I love working with my hands and this project might be my last so lets make it good. If interested you can also see some videos on YT @ cheapcarguy.

Engine: In the planning phase I thought "if I'm going LS, I want a big one" So I bought a whole truck with a L92 / 6.2L V8. This engine will be refreshed but not rebuilt (yet). I personally don't like choppy idles so it will receive a stock LS7 cam. If I want more power later it will be forced induction but I want NA for a reason. 400WHP is the goal here and my personal comfort level on this chassis.

Transmission: Originally I was going with a M3 (e92) trans but the ratios weren't good for the LS engine so I decided a manual would be okay. So I paid good for a T56 but couldn't live with the ideal of giving up. So I bought a M4 DCT (longer ratio) anyway and found a company that could control it. That plan as changed so much but more on that later.

Rear End: I got a 3.08 large pumpkin from a manual 335i. I need this ratio but also it will make a good diff for a LSD swap later. I will build up the rear end as necessary but other than 335i axles and knuckles this will be my starting point.

ECU: MaxxECU RACE will be controlling the engine and trans. They also have good integration with the chassis canbus for things like traction control. So the controller is the real reason this is possible because I've never ran a standalone so I didn't want to go the HTG route

Up Next: Assembly my engine with new intake, lifters, oil pump, cam, etc..

Timeline
10/1/22 - Bought my engine donor
10/3/22 - Bought the E90
11/16/22 - Bought M4 DCT
11/18/22 - Bought 3.08 Diff

[tlow98]

Nice! Pics of the engine, aka, donor?

Love a good build. Thanks for posting!

[rothwem]

In for updates.

How is the DCT going to be controlled? Are you going for an OEM style integration or a full-manual type of operation?

[iqraceworks]

Wow...you are going to have a ton of money wrapped up into that project.......but unfortunately, if you are going to keep the LS stock....you are still going to have a pretty slow car, compared to today's standards.....

Why not actually make the car fast? Like runs 10's in the 1/4 fast? That shouldn't be that hard to do with a single turbo LS setup.

[SlowButFast]

tlow98 Engine looks like crap right now lol. It is a truck 6.2 so it looks horrible on the engine stand but I just took the heads off so I'll post some shots once I install my cam

rothwem DCT will be OEM style integration with M4 shifter

iqraceworks You should read my username again lol. This will be a daily driver not a 1/4 mile car. This chassis can barely fit 275s out back and I'm not a drive around on slicks guys.

[Lme90]

That's gonna be a nice setup, I've done a similar setup also, a 6.0/4l80. Just wish I had known more about the maxxecu when I started my project. But overall it's gonna be a blast. I love driving my car everyday and it's a blast on the highway. Don't give up, you'll love every bit of it.

[SlowButFast]

Sloppy Update Post:

It has been an adventure. Met some cool people and really pushed myself to get this project done. Unfortunately the car has gotten hail damage and narrowly escaped a shop fire (not my shop, I work in a garage) but life goes on.

I plan to create a more detailed build post but I got all this done just in time for my son to be born so I was rushing. Here are some major changes below from how I first planned it out.

Engine was rebuilt with fully forged internals and plain LS3 cam(temporary)
Bought a centrifugal supercharger to bump up my power goals to around 550whp. {Never was a race car just personal experiment}
Instead of an E90 M3 DCT, I got a F80 M3 DCT because it gained support from MAXXECU

As crazy has it may seem the car is almost done. It runs and drives right now without the blower. The exhaust is extremely loud so I refrain from driving it mostly until I can get my stainless steel exhaust finished. I really haven't posted much to my social media but you can find most updates on IG @cheapcarguy. This project has really given me a chance to showcase my skills but not sure if I'll ever do it again I'm a perfectionist and I've gained new respect for the engineers that design these cars from base models to M cars.

TO DO LIST:

Detail the car
Finish Exhaust
Plumb supercharger piping
Relocate trans cooler
Integrate paddle shifters via CANBUS
Fine tune the TRANS and ENGINE


More pictures to come.....


Lme90 Your engine colors almost look like mine. Holley is definitely easier from install to tuning. Maxxecu is not as perfect as it initially seemed but still has great features and a must for my DCT.

[mashimarho]

This will be a fun one!