New 420 hp M3
BMW makes some killer engines in their M variants. Heck the 3L turbo in the 335i is very nice. This one is no different. I applaud them for bringing some F1 technology into production vehicles. And unlike Ferrari the M3-M5 are at a cost some people can afford. I see no reason to compare it to GM's engines. Both are great for what they do. Everyone has their favorites I could say the Viper V10 has more hp and tq than the LS7 but so what. This M3 will run and do it well BMW puts more than just a strong engine into the M cars. This thing will probably take down a 911 or even a C6 on most tracks.
As I said in another thread, it seems like a way over "techy" engine than needed.
My question:
How big is the footprint of the engine, and the weight compared to a LS2 or LS7?
The TQ is seriously lacking for a 420HP engine. This is exactly why I'm not a huge fan of lower displacement high revving engines. You have to drive the p1ss out of them to get the full potential. I'm eager to see the mpg ratings as well. Might be fun for a track day, but that's like 1% or less of it's typical usage.
It is a very nice engine, but seems over designed for HP rather than TQ to me. I would rather see 380 HP and 340 TQ out of that engine.
Dan
My question:
How big is the footprint of the engine, and the weight compared to a LS2 or LS7?
The TQ is seriously lacking for a 420HP engine. This is exactly why I'm not a huge fan of lower displacement high revving engines. You have to drive the p1ss out of them to get the full potential. I'm eager to see the mpg ratings as well. Might be fun for a track day, but that's like 1% or less of it's typical usage.
It is a very nice engine, but seems over designed for HP rather than TQ to me. I would rather see 380 HP and 340 TQ out of that engine.
Dan
Dan
i wouldnt be surprised if it weighs more the a ls7/ls2.. which is not impressive.. an small torque number.. garbage they are lucky their name is bmw.. if chevy made that they would shot down by a rpg...
Last edited by twocamaros; Apr 7, 2007 at 11:33 AM.
I like the edgier look, but I'd rather have the last twin-turbo version, with a little work it's hp could almost be doubled...and it was capable of 150+ on the Autobahn.
What's top speed tested on this new version? tho I know the stock ones will be limited to around 150 as well.
(Ofcourse, late '90's Camaro's were capable of that speed as well.)
The amount of tech in these new engines are amazing but, it's like the saying by "Scotty" on "Star Trek".
"...the fancier you make the plumbing, the easier it is to clog up the drain."
There's something to be said about GM trying to keep things simpler and more reliable.
What's top speed tested on this new version? tho I know the stock ones will be limited to around 150 as well.
(Ofcourse, late '90's Camaro's were capable of that speed as well.)
The amount of tech in these new engines are amazing but, it's like the saying by "Scotty" on "Star Trek".
"...the fancier you make the plumbing, the easier it is to clog up the drain."
There's something to be said about GM trying to keep things simpler and more reliable.
Doing it without feeling like at any given moment the whole car is going to shake itself apart or veer off the road, is another.
So you've driven both at top speed and know this?
Dan
I agree. I had an Isuzu Imark RS with a 7500 RPM redline. What a pain! Of course, I presume the M3 would not be thrashy like the Isuzu was. But still, you don't always want to be driving it like it's a racecar.
An interesting tid bit I heard; that something like 3,000 / year take delivery in Germany so the can drive them at speed a little while before bringing them home here. 
Also, I have had my IROC to almost 140mph, but it was a white knucle affair. B/C of worn suspension parts which I upgraded post haste afterwards with ALL Polyurethane bushed pieces. Haven't tried it again since, b/c the drivetrain is in the middle of a major rebuild/upgrade....

Also, I have had my IROC to almost 140mph, but it was a white knucle affair. B/C of worn suspension parts which I upgraded post haste afterwards with ALL Polyurethane bushed pieces. Haven't tried it again since, b/c the drivetrain is in the middle of a major rebuild/upgrade....
Last edited by 90rocz; Apr 7, 2007 at 11:29 PM.
I thought I had read this in some place, and low and behold, I found it at autoweek.com
http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...73277382483350
Thanks to the aluminum block, magnesium cam covers and aluminum-silicon alloy for the crankcase, the V8 weighs just 445 pounds—about 30 pounds less than the inline-six it replaces. With 420 hp at 8300 rpm, the new V8 delivers 77 hp more than its predecessor, while torque is up 26 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft at 3900 rpm.
According to an old superchevy article that I found referenced (link was broken though) here:
http://forums.roadfly.com/chevrolet/...7247876-1.html
the LS7 weighs only 458 pounds! Not a bad weight gain to power increase, wouldn't you say
http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...73277382483350
Thanks to the aluminum block, magnesium cam covers and aluminum-silicon alloy for the crankcase, the V8 weighs just 445 pounds—about 30 pounds less than the inline-six it replaces. With 420 hp at 8300 rpm, the new V8 delivers 77 hp more than its predecessor, while torque is up 26 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft at 3900 rpm.
According to an old superchevy article that I found referenced (link was broken though) here:
http://forums.roadfly.com/chevrolet/...7247876-1.html
the LS7 weighs only 458 pounds! Not a bad weight gain to power increase, wouldn't you say



