Noah Goddard’s BMW E46 with a 427 ci V8
Noah Goddard and his father David Goddard enjoy attending track days and car shows. Eventually Noah grew tired of going without having something of his own to enjoy. So Noah set out to build a 2004 BMW 325i (E46) inspired by DTM/BTCC race cars.
At the heart of the car is a 427 ci (7.0L) LSx V8 sitting on Sikky swap mounts. The motor starts with a Dart LS iron block (4.125-inch bore and 4.00-inch stroke) with Smeding H-beam rods and JE Pistons SRP PRO 2618 flat top pistons. The camshaft is a custom spec solid roller by Cam Motion. It features a 112 lobe center and 109 intake centerline with a duration at .050″ of 244/258 and lift with 1.7 rocker arm ratio of .680″/.671″. Bolted to each side are Sikky E46 swap 1-7/8-inch headers.
On top of the motor are Frankenstein M311 11-degree heads with stainless steel solid stem valves, BAM solid lifters, Trend pushrods, Crower stainless shaft rockers (PN# 74244F), and Mast Motorsports valve covers. Between the heads are Jenvey LS3 58 mm crossover individual throttle bodies. Fuel will be supplied by a set of Bosch 550 cc injectors fed by a Walbro 525 lph pump and Radium E46 surge tank through AN-6 PTFE lines held in place by Goddard Parts brackets. The motor will be controlled by a MaxxECU Race ECU through a terminated wiring harness.
The V8 is paired to a Tremec Magnum-F six-speed manual transmission supported by a Sikky crossmember. The rest of the drivetrain uses a single-piece aluminum driveshaft and a Ford 8.8-inch differential with 3.73 ratio and GForce axles.
The car’s suspension starts with a Garagistic reinforced front subframe with upgraded balljoint control arms and KW V3 adjustable coilovers. In the back is a Seems Legit Garage rear subframe strengthened by Dusan Strutworks 4-point subframe brace and reinforcement plate.
Braking will be handled by Wilwood four-piston calipers and 325 mm rotors in front. Noah installed a Chase Bay brake booster delete and brake line relocation kit. The E46 will traverse the track on a set of Works Meister 3P wheels (18×8.5, 18×10) and Bridgestone RE-71RS tires (235/35, 275/35). Follow the project’s progress on Dane & Noah’s BMW build FB page or on @goddardparts.