Anyone done a BMW Z3 V8 conversion?

[wca]

I have mildy tweaked the exterior of my 2.8 Z3 and am now looking for a bit more power. There are various suggestions on the internet about changing the inlet manifold and such like but I thought dropping a big V8 might be a nice starting point.

I have seen an article about some New Zealand kid dropping an M5 V10 into his Z3M Coupe but I may have access to a cheap Lexus V8 with box that could do the trick. They are reliable blocks that can be boosted up easily, another NZ looney has had 2,700hp out of one apparently. I am only after 3-400BHP as I have a tuned Merc for fast work.

Any links, advice or thoughts welcome.

Pic of the exterior modes below

 

[Brian H]

V8s have certainly been done before, I can think of a couple in the last 4 or 5 years. It is not a job for the faint-hearted.

 

[wca]

Designing and commissioning the rebody wasn't without its moments. I am happy with the result though.

I hope to repeat this with the drive train too.

Any links? Anyone used a Lexus lump rather than an LS1?

I need to mate it to an auto box due to injured leg and I understand the Lexus unit can handle the tourque

 

[GazHyde]

Not heard of a Lexus engine being used before, nor anyone converting to an automatic for that matter. Tends to be something used from the wider BMW range which usually takes less messing with.

A quick google for auto conversions doesn't really draw up anything. @deano1712 has put an LS motor in his Z3, but that's a manual.

 

[Brian H]

Designing and commissioning the rebody wasn't without its moments. I am happy with the result though.

I am sure you had you challenges, I should have maybe said that it is not a plug and play project. I have not heard of a Lexus lump being put in to a Z, who know you could be the first . Good luck with the project.

V8 build by Snatch

V8 build by Deano1712

 

[bruce&kim]

Looks like it can be done

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhSzcHO4HHI
sounds sweet BMW Z3 with Turbo 4L V8 Lexus motor fitted.

 

[zedonist]

V8's are so last year, I recently put a merlin engine in mine just for a hoot, boy did that pop and burble on the over run. Anyway put it back to the M44,and wow what a transformation, such a lovely drive.

 

[badman gee]

I'd go for the v10 anyday!

 

[wca]

Look at the picture at the top. Would a V10 fit?

I would love to do it.

I ran a V12 Merc for a while and it was creamy

 

[GazHyde]

Look at the picture at the top. Would a V10 fit?

V10 has been done before, as have a couple of V12's.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/bmw-z3-v12

 

[wca]

My bonnet is low at the front compared to stock Z3 hoods

 

[t-tony]

There are some videos on You tube of Z3 V8. I think one was from a Camaro. Watched it recently.

 

[zedonist]

Look at the picture at the top. Would a V10 fit?

I would love to do it.

I ran a V12 Merc for a while and it was creamy

That will be water in the oil........