BMW E36 M3 Gets A Ford EcoBoost Swap

MA-Motorsports swaps a 2.3L Ford EcoBoost into a BMW E36 M3, resulting in a unique setup for drift circuits and rally stages.

Brian Wilkerson of MA-Motorsports in Maryland decided to try something a little different with his BMW E36 M3, dubbed “MA36RS.”

An Unconventional Choice

Instead of a traditional BMW engine upgrade or a popular LS V8 swap, he opted for the Ford Mustang’s turbocharged 2.3L Ford EcoBoost. He aims to create a unique and versatile 3-Series capable of competing in both drifting and rallying.

Key Components & Upgrades

When fully built, the EcoBoost engine can produce over 900 horsepower to the wheels alongside a significant weight reduction of approximately 200 lbs compared to the original BMW inline-six. These improvements, alongside the EcoBoost’s strong low-end torque, make the MA36RS the ideal drift/rally combo.

Wilkerson opted for a JEM Sport kit for the swap, providing essentials such as custom engine mounts, a clutch kit, and an adapter plate for the BMW manual ZF transmission. Additional mods included a Ford Ranger oil pan for better fitment, a Radium PCV baffle plate for improved oil control, and a BMW power steering pump with a JEM Sport bracket.

Custom Fabrication

Despite plenty of convenient off-the-shelf engine swap parts, extensive custom fabrication work was still required. The MA-Motorsports team crafted bespoke intercooler piping and mounts, a power steering reservoir, and a cooling overflow tank. They also modified the thermostat outlet to accommodate AN fittings and created a custom fan shroud using a CNC plasma table and manual press brake.

Unsurprisingly, the EcoBoost swap presented its share of challenges as the team encountered issues with the cooling system, which they resolved by fabricating a custom radiator setup and overflow tank.

Wiring complexities were addressed using HP Tuners for ECU adjustments, though Wilkerson is considering a future switch to a standalone ECU. The fuel system also required attention, with the team replacing a corroded fuel tank and sending unit.

Switchin’ It Up – From Drift To Rally

One of the most impressive aspects of the MA36RS is that it can be switched between drifting and rally setups with minimal changes.

For drift events, they run a stiffer suspension setup and a specific wheel/tire combo optimized for tarmac. When heading off-road, they switch to longer travel suspension, add mud flaps, and change to a gravel-oriented wheel and tire package, allowing the MA36RS to compete in both disciplines without extensive downtime or effort.

Future plans for the MA36RS include further engine tuning to optimize power delivery, especially at the top end, where the team has encountered some challenges. Suspension refinements are also on the agenda, intending to improve handling characteristics for both drifting and rally.

With the unlikely Ford EcoBoost engine swap in an E36 chassis, Wilkerson created a unique and adaptable car showcasing the versatility of the modern EcoBoost platform.

It’s refreshing to see unique drift engine choices compared to traditional BMW engine upgrades and increasingly common LS V8 swaps. We look forward to seeing this thing shred on the track and blasting through the rally stages!

---