What do you get when you combine the beautifully-balanced chassis of the E46-generation BMW M3 with a 7.0-liter LS7 V8? One hell of a track car.
The following E46 M3 from Germany has been fitted with the engine out of the C6 Corvette Z06 and according to The Drive, pumps out 650 hp and 545 lb-ft (739 Nm) of torque. Mated to this engine is a six-speed manual transmission from the Cadillac CTS-V.
BMW E46 M3s which left the factory came fitted with 3.2-liter straight-six engines with independent throttle bodies. While this standard engine is significantly less powerful than the LS7 V8, it is one of the finest engines built by BMW’s M division and is often the reason people yearn after used E46 M3s. Consequently, we expect this engine swap to upset a few BMW enthusiasts.
Also Read: BMW E30 Hillclimber Has E46 M3 Engine Revving To 9,600 RPM
For what it’s worth, the team responsible for building this E46 didn’t simply stop by slotting in a huge powertrain. Other modifications made include KW Competition two-way adjustable coilovers at all four corners, AP Racing brake calipers up front, Porsche Boxster S calipers at the rear, and a set of BBS wheels with sticky Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. This track-day toy also includes a large front splitter and a towering rear wing to help stick it to the ground.
Video below of the car lapping the Hockenheimring in Germany is initially quite weird as you hear the sound of the LS7 V8 roaring within the body of an E46 M3. No matter how you feel about this engine swap, you cannot deny that the car is quick.