LS-swapped E36 M3 Takes on Supercharged Mustang at California Track
Does the supercharged noise box pony have what it takes to battle the E36 at ChuckWalla racetrack? Let’s find out.
A stock E36 M3 still looks and feels great to drive. The chassis is still an inspirational delight to throw into the corners. The US drivetrain may have slightly different stock numbers for power but, and despite what the Euro-snobs may tell you, the real-world difference is barely noticeable. Unfortunately, the stock E36 M3 examples are dwindling as people continue to hack them up for whatever automotive sub-culture they enthuse about.
That’s why we have mixed feelings about E36 M3 engine swaps such as the one featured in this Driver Battle episode from The Driving Line YouTube channel. At least, until we hear the sound of a built 7.1 liter Corvette engine going into action and see how quickly it makes the M3 move.
That isn’t just an engine that’s been pulled out of a Corvette though. It’s an ERL Superdeck balanced and blueprinted 434ci 7.1L LSX. the Superdeck system is basically a way of lightening and strengthening an LS or LT engine. After all, 550 horsepower going to the wheels is only a wonderful thing if it’s going to last long enough to enjoy properly. It also future-proofs the engine to a large degree if the owner, Amir Bentatou, decides he wants to crank it up a notch or two.
As for the Foxbody Mustang, that’s running a supercharged 308 V8 set to a modest 12 lbs of pressure. The whole car is track spec’d out with a roll cage and all the fun things people do with a Foxbody to make up for the underwhelming stock handling. That’s actually part of the draw to the Foxbody though. The platform is simple, but more importantly, it’s adaptable for tuning it into whatever kind of car you want. The owner, Joe Ayad, has built something both aggressive and capable to let loose on a road course. Just not quite capable enough to take on a modified E36 M3 throwing down a sub two-minute lap of ChuckWalla track.
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