We’ve been getting deep into LSx territory lately, looking for the best possible mix between GM’s legendary V8 engines and BMW’s chassis tuning. After taking a look at an E39 5 Series with a 6-liter V8, this time we’re checking out its little brother handling the same architecture.
On the dyno in the video attached below, you can see one of the most underrated M cars ever built, the E36 M3, putting down an impressive 364 WHP and 407 WTQ (552 Nm of torque at the wheels). Those are incredible figures all on their own, but let’s take a closer look.
In the US, the E36 M3 was sold using a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine at first and an improved version of it later on, with displacement increased to 3.2-liters. Either way, the mills had around 240 HP to rely on, which wasn’t a lot but enough for the rather light car.
Well, this owner decided to drop the inline six configuration and go for a more throaty V8 as per GM’s creation. He went for an LS6, an engine that is known for its sturdiness and high output.
In stock guise, this mill was used initially on the C5 Corvette Z06, and used to make around 400 HP and 400 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque. Well, the one in this car isn’t far off. The reading showed 364 HP at the wheels which, adjusting it for around 15% transmission loss, would add up to around 420 HP.
In terms of torque, things are looking even better, with the reading at the wheels showing 407 lb-ft, which would mean we have around 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque at the crank - an incredible number if you ask us. As for the sound, there’s just no comparison between an inline 6-cylinder and a V8!
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