M3 V8 in a Mcoupe or Mroadster?

[baege]

I've tried to google this but can't find the same.

I am aware that m5 v-10 conversions have occurred, but I can't find any evidence of an M3 v8 conversion.

It seems to me that that light engine would fit so well in the m coupe and wouldn't alter driving dynamics dramatically.

Anyone know/hear of such a thing being done?

[rkcampbell]

Yes, it's been discussed on this very forum but I'm just stepping out and don't have time to find the link. You should find it fairly easily I'm thinking. If not, I'll try later this afternoon to find it.

Sounds like a great experiment!

[ZStig]

As far as I know it hasn't been done before. Most people go the "lazy" route, and supercharge the engine. More power than the v8, probably a bit less low end torque, but an unbeatable top end rush with a smooth delivery.

Before I supercharged mine, I was considering dropping in the 505hp Z06 motor, but I didn't have an open checkbook type budget, and couldn't have unpredictable down-time as its my only car

[jophish17]

My personal opinion - if you're gonna go through this crazy expense and hassle, why not just go for the V10? Perhaps that's why no one ever tried it

[BlackMoupe]

V10 control unit is a newer/similar model to that of the S54. The V8 would involve quite a bit of computer work.

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by jophish17

My personal opinion - if you're gonna go through this crazy expense and hassle, why not just go for the V10? Perhaps that's why no one ever tried it

it weighs more and is a tighter fit

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

As far as I know it hasn't been done before. Most people go the "lazy" route, and supercharge the engine. More power than the v8, probably a bit less low end torque, but an unbeatable top end rush with a smooth delivery.

Before I supercharged mine, I was considering dropping in the 505hp Z06 motor, but I didn't have an open checkbook type budget, and couldn't have unpredictable down-time as its my only car

Agreed...Supercharging is the best bang for the buck, plus it's reversible when it comes time to sell the car. I'm sure that I would NOT want to buy a power transplanted car...supercharged...may be.

[BlackMoupe]

Originally Posted by XMetal

Agreed...Supercharging is the best bang for the buck, plus it's reversible when it comes time to sell the car. I'm sure that I would NOT want to buy a power transplanted car...supercharged...may be.

But...what if it was a V10 AND S/C?

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by BlackMoupe

But...what if it was a V10 AND S/C?

the weight balance would be all fucked up. You can go up to 600rwhp on the ESS kit, or go with a custom turbo kit for about $20k and have at least that much. Believe me, thats more than enough for this chassis

The ESS VT2-500 kit only adds about 30lbs to the front of the car, according to a member here (beedub)

[baege]

Originally Posted by rkcampbell

Yes, it's been discussed on this very forum but I'm just stepping out and don't have time to find the link. You should find it fairly easily I'm thinking. If not, I'll try later this afternoon to find it.

Sounds like a great experiment!

I recall there being a v10 discussion, but can't find an M3 V8 discussion

[baege]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

As far as I know it hasn't been done before. Most people go the "lazy" route, and supercharge the engine. More power than the v8, probably a bit less low end torque, but an unbeatable top end rush with a smooth delivery.

Before I supercharged mine, I was considering dropping in the 505hp Z06 motor, but I didn't have an open checkbook type budget, and couldn't have unpredictable down-time as its my only car

I've always wanted a multi-valve european v8 for its sound, refinement and torque.

Supercharging won't get me that. For me its not so much about more power, but more about the quality of a v8, just as I would take an inline six over a more powerful turbocharged 4 any day.

[baege]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

it weighs more and is a tighter fit

exactly

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by baege

I've always wanted a multi-valve european v8 for its sound, refinement and torque.

Supercharging won't get me that. For me its not so much about more power, but more about the quality of a v8, just as I would take an inline six over a more powerful turbocharged 4 any day.

Oh i hear ya loud and clear. Its the unknown cost that was the dealbreaker for me

[pokeybritches]

What about a supercharged V8?

[ZStig]

what about it?

[baege]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

Oh i hear ya loud and clear. Its the unknown cost that was the dealbreaker for me

Unknown cost is definitely a bitter pill to swallow, I am hoping maybe somone out there has done it and there is some sense of cost.

Not sure if you heard about the dude in Egypt who put the M3 v8 in a 1 series.

[ZStig]

yeah I saw it. A lot of body work too.

Also, the BMW race e89 z4 is a v8 Im sure

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

what about it?

It would be about the same weight as a stock S54; have more power than any reliable S54 kit that doesn't tear into the internals; and possibly fit where a FI V10 wouldn't. Expensive and risky, yes.

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

It would be about the same weight as a stock S54; have more power than any reliable S54 kit that doesn't tear into the internals; and possibly fit where a FI V10 wouldn't. Expensive and risky, yes.

I mean, there is so little info about putting a V8 in, so a supercharged v8 is completely uncharted territory. plus a high pressure supercharged S54 would match it in HP and torque and be MUCH simpler to do.

imaging the programming nightmare of a supercharged V8 into this car...

[Beedub]

having spent alot of time with the s65..... the s54 is for me definitely the better powerplant how many 800 hp m3 v8s are their?? yet the s54 has hundreds of 800hp plus motors, its an impressive unit and very strong, throw in the iron block and youve got germany's 2jz :-)

the s54 with boost for me is an evocative as engine as you can get its just pure exotica.... The sound, the performance, hell it even looks great when lift the bonnet to show my friends..... i LOVE it and you couldnt pay me to swap it for the s65..... its the last proper ///M Straight 6, love it, cherish it..... its gone forever.

[baege]

Originally Posted by Beedub

having spent alot of time with the s65..... the s54 is for me definitely the better powerplant how many 800 hp m3 v8s are their?? yet the s54 has hundreds of 800hp plus motors, its an impressive unit and very strong, throw in the iron block and youve got germany's 2jz :-)

the s54 with boost for me is an evocative as engine as you can get its just pure exotica.... The sound, the performance, hell it even looks great when lift the bonnet to show my friends..... i LOVE it and you couldnt pay me to swap it for the s65..... its the last proper ///M Straight 6, love it, cherish it..... its gone forever.

I have to say that I don't see capacity to produce HP as the defining feature of an engine. In the process of deciding between the Z4C and an Z4MC, I drove both and, with all due respect to S54 lovers, I am not a huge fan. The engine seems to have a slightly coarser character to it than other BMW inline sixes (including the N52 in the 3.0si). I am also more of a torque fan than I am of HP, so the torque curve of the S54 isn't necessarily my thing.

I have driven an S65 powered M3 and the sound, torque and fluidity of the engine was addictive.

The thought of having that engine residing in the timeless beauty that is the Mcoupe, causes me to salivate.

[rkcampbell]

"I recall there being a v10 discussion, but can't find an M3 V8 discussion"

You are correct, it was the V10 I was thinking of. Although I seem to remember a Youtube with a discussion about such a monster. Perhaps it was never made?