Alekshop DIY M3 GTS project build

Not long ago we decided to attempt to build a GTS M3 from scratch. We knew based on the rare parts and motor used on this special edition car it was going to be difficult to replicate but we were up to the challenge.

First up we needed a base to start with so we purchased a brand new Lime Rock special edition M3 due to it having the factory GTS paint. This saved us from having to do a full paint conversion to get the factory GTS color.




Now that we had the car we had to decide on how to replicate the higher HP 4.4L motor used in the GTS. We decided to not only match the additional factory power but go beyond with a 4.6L build and custom cams. We contacted our friends at ESS Tuning who confirmed that tuning would not be an issue so we got to work. We designed all of the internals, acquired a stock motor and built it out, when finished we were pretty excited how it all came together.











Next up was the interior. There were many pieces we needed to source to keep the car as close to OEM as possible. We were able to source the OEM roll cage, rear seat delete, seats, steering wheel, door trim and arm rest. The finished product turned out better than we expected.















Once the interior was done we finished off the performance parts and exterior. We chose to use the Akrapovic GT4 exhaust, OEM GTS / Brembo brakes, a custom Ohlins race suspension and our high performance oil cooler to round out the performance parts. Exterior we once again wanted to source as much OEM GTS as we could so the GTS front lip, rear wing, rear plastic windows, euro spec front bumper and competition wheels wrapped in factory GTS spec Pirelli rubber were acquired to finish her off.





















Now with the build finished the only thing left to do was to get her to the guys at ESS Tuning in Arizona for custom tuning.




After a couple days on the dyno and on the road ESS had the car 100% dialed in. We finished breaking in the motor and got the final HP numbers on the car. Needless to say we were very happy with not only the HP and power curve but also how amazing the car drives.





In the end all of the hard work was well worth it. We were able to accomplish our goal of building and experiencing as close to possible a GTS M3. In some ways we feel we even took the GTS platform to the next level. This car will remain in our stable for some time.

one of my favorite e92 builds.

Absolutely beautiful.
The quality and the attention to detail is incredible.
This could sit at a BMW dealership and it would pass as OEM.

Love the idea of going a step beyond with the 4.6L

sick! excellent work!

Probably one of the cleanest all around builds there is. If I ever had the money this is the direction I would go.

Beautiful!! great work

Wow roughly what is the cost of the 4.6L with the specs you used? Those dyno graphs look impressive.

JesseInSb wrote

Wow roughly what is the cost of the 4.6L with the specs you used? Those dyno graphs look impressive.

The motor built to the way we did it was in total about $26,000.

Dang, that's wasup! Nice work Aleks!

Incredible. Have you had it on track...

Seen this beast in person. Looks great watching over all the other cars in the shop.

Nice as always!

I'm, I'm just going to change. I love this. So much. Thank you.

Alek fired up the engine for me yesterday.. It sounds very healthy

What an amazing build!

REV1 wrote  

Alek fired up the engine for me yesterday.. It sounds very healthy

Thanks for coming in!

Perfection Purrrrfection! Absolutely love it!

Best build on bimmerpost!

One of my fav builds and you guys certainly do fine work! Aspired me to GTS mine .....Bravo gentleman on a fine piece of ass.

Aleks doesn't spare anything when it comes to attention to details. Great work as always !

Aleks - awesome build. Amazing attention to detail!