PMC Motorsport Adapter / Conversion Kit GM Chevrolet V8 LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 / Vortec – 6-Speed Manual BMW M57N ZF GS6-53DZ HGD JGA E60 525d 530d – Ø184 mm / 7.25" POT

Adapter plate allowing the mating (swap / conversion) of the GM Chevrolet V8 LS LS1 LS2 LS3 LS6 LS7 / Vortec engine to the 6-speed manual ZF GS6-53DZ HGD / JGA gearbox found in BMW M57N / M57N2 diesel applications (E60 / E61 525d / 530d). The kit includes an aluminum gearbox adapter plate and an Ultralight Race lightweight flywheel for a 184 mm (7.25") POT-type competition clutch – engineered for high-horsepower motorsport projects.

Planning a GM Chevrolet V8 LS / Vortec swap in your BMW (E30, E36, E46, E34, E39, E90, E91, E92, E60, E61, E81, E82, E87)? Our adapter is a reliable solution. Replace the automatic transmission with a robust BMW manual gearbox and unlock new capabilities.

PMC Motorsport adapter plates not only provide automatic-to-manual conversions for vehicles powered by GM Chevrolet V8 LS / Vortec engines, but also support LS swaps into BMW chassis as well as other platforms, such as Nissan (S13, S14, S15, PS13) or Mazda RX-7 / RX-8.

The aluminum gearbox adapter plate (thickness 35 mm / 1.37") is engineered to make gearbox installation as straightforward as possible, avoiding radical procedures such as cutting off the entire bellhousing – only clearing a starter pocket is required.

The PMC Motorsport Ultralight Race flywheel is CNC-machined from aluminum and features a replaceable steel friction plate. Each flywheel is inspected and dynamically balanced prior to dispatch. It is designed for high-performance 184 mm (7.25") POT-type clutches – we recommend the Tilton OT-II Cerametallic 7.25" 66-312 twin-disc pressure plate or Tilton OT-II Cerametallic 7.25" 66-013 triple-disc pressure plate with 32.5x35-26N spline clutch discs for the GS6-53DZ gearbox. The pressure plate and discs are not included with this product – complete kits are available as Race Stage 2 and Race Stage 3. The compact clutch diameter and ultra-low rotating mass ensure lightning-fast throttle response.

PMC Motorsport components are synonymous with precision and premium quality. Our design process based on 3D scanning and CMM measuring arm verification guarantees a perfect fit. Manufacturing on state-of-the-art CNC machines ensures flawless concentric alignment between engine and transmission, which is vital for drivetrain longevity.

Additional Information

Installation Instructions

Flywheel installation requires the factory automatic transmission flexplate/ring gear Chevrolet LS, OE 12654640 / 12553054 / 12563136 / 12580709 / 12602448 / 12606620 / 12637677 (not included in the kit). An original Chevrolet LS OE starter motor must be used with this adapter plate. The adapter plate thickness is 35 mm / 1.37".

The flywheel bolts to the crankshaft using the supplied bolts torqued to 80 Nm / 59 lb⋅ft with medium/high strength threadlocker, and the pressure plate secures with the provided pressure plate bolts. The release bearing and clutch fork remain from your existing gearbox, and the kit includes a clutch fork pivot pin (replacement for BMW OE 21 51 1 223 328). The release bearing must be set to the proper position. When installing a 184 mm (7.25") clutch, the gearbox input shaft guide tube must be shortened – as illustrated in the technical diagrams below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which engines are compatible with this adapter?

It fits GM Chevrolet V8 Small Block engines from the LS family (LS1 5.7 L, LS2 6.0 L, LS3 6.2 L, LS6 5.7 L, LS7 7.0 L) and Vortec family (4800, 5300, 6000 / VortecMAX, 6200).

Which gearboxes are compatible with this adapter?

It is compatible with 6-speed manual ZF GS6-53DZ gearboxes from BMW M57N / M57N2 diesel applications (E60 / E61 525d and 530d) in versions HGD (THGD) and JGA (TJGA).

Do I need to cut the gearbox bellhousing?

No. The adapter is specifically designed to eliminate bellhousing cutting – only a starter clearance opening must be prepared.

Which additional parts must be purchased for installation?

You will need the factory Chevrolet LS automatic transmission flexplate/ring gear, OE 12654640 / 12553054 / 12563136 / 12580709 / 12602448 / 12606620 / 12637677, as well as the clutch release bearing, clutch fork, and clutch slave cylinder dedicated to your specific gearbox. These parts are not included in the kit.

Which starter motor should be used?

A factory Chevrolet LS OE starter motor. The starter motor is not included in the kit.

Are gearbox modifications required?

Yes. When using a 184 mm (7.25") clutch, the gearbox input shaft guide tube must be shortened and the release bearing set to the proper position. Detailed steps are shown in the technical diagrams in the "Installation Instructions" section.

Which clutch pressure plate fits the PMC flywheel?

The Ultralight Race flywheel is designed for high-performance 184 mm (7.25") POT-type clutches. We recommend the Tilton OT-II Cerametallic Pressure Plate 7.25" 66-312 (Twin disc) or Tilton OT-II Cerametallic Pressure Plate 7.25" 66-013 (Triple disc). Clutch discs must have a 32.5x35-26N spline (26 teeth) for the GS6-53DZ gearbox. 240 mm pressure plates and STEP-type clutches are not compatible.

Can I purchase the adapter together with the clutch?

Yes. Complete packages including flywheel and Tilton clutch kits are available as Race Stage 2 (Twin disc, max. 900 Nm) and Race Stage 3 (Triple disc, max. 1300 Nm).

Is this adapter compatible with the ZF 8HP automatic transmission?

Yes. The PMC Motorsport adapter plate itself is universal and fits most BMW gearboxes (applies to adapters produced after 2022). For a ZF 8HP automatic conversion, the manual flywheel is replaced with a PMC Motorsport 8HP torque converter adapter.

What is included in the kit?

Aluminum gearbox adapter plate, adapter mounting bolts, custom Ultralight Race flywheel with replaceable friction surface, crankshaft bolts, clutch pressure plate mounting bolts, and a clutch fork pivot pin (replacement for BMW OE 21 51 1 223 328).

Can I buy just the adapter plate or just the flywheel?

Yes. Every component of the kit is available individually.

Does the price include customs duties for orders outside the EU?

No. Product prices and shipping charges do not include customs duties, import tariffs, or local clearance charges applicable in the destination country.

Can I order with 0% VAT?

Yes, for B2B customers outside Poland with an active EU VAT number (validated in VIES) or for orders exported outside the European Union.

Are the included instructions sufficient for completing the installation?

The manual covers physically mating the engine to the transmission outside the chassis. Depending on the car, custom modifications may be needed: engine mounts, crossmembers, firewall clearance, transmission tunnel adjustments, and driveshaft length. Professional installation is recommended.

Please note that a lightweight rigid flywheel provides uncompromising throttle response by eliminating factory dual-mass damping elements. This yields a direct mechanical connection, which may naturally increase gearbox rollover noise at idle. This is an expected characteristic in performance vehicles equipped with rigid flywheels.