6/18/2015 Update: This 1988 BMW E30 M3 (wbsak0302j2195995) has been extensively modified and fitted with a GTO LS2 V8 and T56 6-speed manual. We featured it back in late 2013 when it was offered on here on eBay, which is surprisingly still live on their site. We loved the originality of the S14 in our M3, but lately find ourselves scanning for engine swapped versions since more power, lower rebuild cost concerns, and cheaper entry price are all good things. You can now find it here on Craigslist in Seattle, Washington for $35,000. Special thanks to BaT reader Andrew B. for this update.

The nearly stock external appearance belies the claimed 400 whp output from the LS2 v8. With a dry weight of 2,550 lbs., track-ready suspension and upgraded brakes, this M3 will not likely be giving many point-by’s at the next track day.

Originally a black over cardinal red car, the color change is almost not worth mentioning under the circumstances, but like the other changes, it appears to have been done to a high standard. The interior has a custom gauge panel, and will come with either fixed back or street use Recaro seats.

The 6.0L LS2 is said to have had 34k miles when removed from a 2006 GTO, but it’s not clear how many miles have been added since. The swap is a tight fit, but looks clean and tidy, and the seller uses the same engine photo below from 2013 in his current listing. The pictured Accusump oil accumulator is said to have been removed, but is included in the sale. A new fuel system is also mentioned, as well as a Vintage Air heating system.

There’s no question this E30 M3 is not for the purist nor the collector/investor. However, the earlier eBay listing mentions that the shell was rescued from 15 years of outdoor storage and had extensive rust removal and repair as part of the rotisserie restoration. So having been given a second chance, the creative liberties with this build might just be forgiven, especially if it’s as fun to drive as we image it would be.

From 11/30/2013:

This 1988 BMW M3 (chassis WBSAK0302J2195995) has a Chevrolet LS2 V8 and 6-speed swapped in from a low-mile 2006 Pontiac GTO. Suspension is heavily modified and sounds both track-ready and very tunable, while brakes run 13″ rotors front and rear with 6 and 4 piston calipers, respectively. Read the ad for much more detail and a greater appreciation of what sounds like a road and track weapon. Find it here on eBay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with no reserve.

The exterior mods on this car are very tasteful and don’t hint at the extreme nature of the drivetrain swap. Suspension and wheels are totally functional and make it one of the better looking silver M3’s we’ve seen. Under the hood the silver valve covers and simple 90-degree intake feed are nicely done. Sure it is a swap, but it doesn’t look like a hack.

We’d love to know the corner weight figures on this car post-swap. If handling crispness could be maintained and this engine is more potent and practical than any BMW-sourced V8, it is hard to argue with this unless you are an originality freak or M3 value speculator. What is the fastest way to get an E30 M3 around a road course? It might very well be this.