[MasterC17]

Backstory: I purchased a 2002 E46 M3 in January, 2012 with the intent of making it a Street/Track car. Fast forward two years later, and it was just a track car. I had a full cage done, complete front and rear aero, the suspension was completely upgraded, and the S54 was delivering as much power as a N/A S54 can (without spending thousands on it). I was able to get the weight down to about 2,600lbs (without driver) and it was putting down well over 300whp. It was a lot of fun and performed great, but at the end of the 2014 Season after three years of abuse the SMG started giving me problems. The car would sit for the next 3 years.



F80 M3: I bought a 2015 F80 M3 at the tail end of 2014. Originally, I wasn't planning to use it as a "replacement" for the M3, but between the SMG issues on the E46 and a lack of time/motivation to fix it, I quickly began prepping the F80 for track use. I was very surprised to find that the F80 was an extremely competent track vehicle. With just a Tune, Downpipes, Pads, Brake Fluid, and some other minor upgrades, I was able to run within 2 seconds of my fastest lap in the M3 at Watkins Glen.



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2016-2017: Unfortunately, I did not have the time to do any events in 2016 and 2017. So, I wanted to come back in 2018 with a vengeance! I purchased two N54's, a DCT Transmission, various performance parts, stock parts, and a 2011 335is w/ 61k Miles to use as a donor vehicle to realize my dream - the same 2002 E46 M3 with an N54 and a DCT Transmission.

2018: Earlier this year, I began putting the puzzle pieces in place to make this a reality.

The M3 is currently at my body shop having a number of upgrades done. More on that later.

The 335is donor vehicle has been stripped down and the new wiring harness is in the process of being built, among other things.

A number of performance parts have been either installed or are on order from various vendors. More to come on that later as well.

I have swapped S54's into E46 Sedans, E36's, and even a Datsun. I've rebuilt and replaced several S54's, so I have a lot of experience with the platform, BMW's wiring, etc. Everything has been pre-planned out so this should be fairly straight-forward, albeit slow moving. I will keep the thread updated as things progress.

Here's some photos of the 335is in its current state:

[MasterC17]

Here is the E46 M3 Build prior to beginning this swap (Minus S54 related modifications of course!):

Item/Part

Engine
Heater Core Delete

Driveline
AKG Steering Coupler
OEM Replacement Guibo

Cooling
Zionsville Radiator w/ 14" Offset Fan
BimmerWorld Oil Cooler

Exhaust
3.5" Race Exhaust SE

Brakes
CSL Rotors Front + Rear
Bimmerworld Brake Duct Kit
Rotora 4-Piston Fixed Calipers
Bimmerworld V2 SS Brake Lines
Hawk DTC60 Pads F+R

Suspension
Intrax 1K2 Coilovers (800lbs/400lbs)
Treehouse Racing FCAB's
GC Front Sway Bar
Ground Control Rear Race Control Arms
Ground Control RTABS
BW Rear Subframe Reinforcement
BW Rear Subframe Mounts Set
BW Front Subframe Reinforcement (Not Installed)
BW Motor/Tranny Mounts
BW Solid Differential Mounts Set

Wheels/Tires
Apex ARC-8 18x9.5 ET35
Maxxis Victra RC1 275/35/18
Bimmerworld 92mm Race Studs
BW 12mm Front Spacers
BW 5mm Rear Spacers

Interior
Sparco Evo 2 Driver Seat
Custom Aluminum Seat Floor Mount
Howard Motorsports Roll Cage
Custom Floor Pan Driver Side
6-Point Schroth Harness
Custom Sparco Steering Wheel w/ Functional Paddles

Exterior
BimmerWorld Front Splitter
BimmerWorld Rear Tall Wing
Custom Rear Carbon Diffuser
BW Carbon Dive Planes
MAShaw Carbon GTR Hood
MAShaw Carbon Doors
Scorza CSL Trunk
CSL Carbon Fiber Roof

Miscellaneous
AIM Pista MXL
Aluminum Tow Hook
BimmerWorld Fuel Starvation Kit
Helmet Hook
Wink 5 Panel Mirror
Braille B2105 Battery
Lexan Rear Windshield

[MasterC17]

For this build, I am looking to attain a consistent, reliable 550-600whp.

To accomplish this, I have ordered the following:

• MMP Charge Pipe
• MMP DCI Filter Kit
• Vargas 2" Inlets
• Vargas 2" Outlets
• Vargas GC Lite Turbos (New Revision)
• N20 TMAP Sensor
• 50mm BOV w/ 7psi Spring
• RB PCV Valve
• Oil Catch Can
• Coated Rod Bearings
• VAC Oil Pan Baffle
• Stage 2 LPFP
• VTT Single Barrel Shotgun
• MMP 3" Downpipes

I want to say thank you to Tony @ Vargas for being responsive, timely, and very helpful. I decided the GC Lite's were the best option for my build for several reasons. They have very quick spool, can easily deliver the power-band I am looking for, have been highly reviewed, and will be reliable under the stress I will put them through.

I have installed the Charge Pipe, DCI, BOV, and Downpipes.




Keep in mind I am still in the fabrication process, so a lot of what you see right now will be changing in terms of mounting and setup.

Finally, I purchased a set of Moton Motorsport 3-Way Remote Reservoir Shocks to compliment the already fantastic suspension setup in the E46.

Best of all, this is just the start!

[Drifter2090]

Wow this is going to be an amazing project! Sub'd!!!

[PichaDis11]

just wow! Awesome project you have on your hands.

Subbed as well.

[herrubermensch]

Spectacular project! Can't wait to see it come to fruition!

--Peter

[Twin_Snails]

This is going to be awesome, can't wait to see how this project turns out!