S52b32 transmission options

[crazyvwobie]

Hows it going my name is sean im new to BMW but been into VW's for many years my last project was an mk1 rabbit vr6 http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...-208-whp-na-FL but just sold it and want something different.

i'm picking up an e30 tomorrow and plan to do an S52 swap.I have done a lot of research but not knowing too much about the e30 transmission I have a few questions.If I use the stock getrag 260 (144k) I can use the stock drive shaft and rearend.How well do these hold up,and how much of a pain is it to get the linkage to line up? I do understand that the crossmember needs to be cut and welded but not worried about that.The Engine will be stock other then software and exhaust.I do have the option to grab the e36 tansmission for pretty cheap with the motor but then I need to get a driveshaft and different lsd? I guess my question is am I better off just getting the newer trans or will the 260 be good enough?

thanks

[FredK]

If you have the 260, it will be fine for an S52, and you can save a lot of money retaining the transmission the car came with.

You're right, if you get that E36 transmission, you'd still need to get a driveshaft and lower ratio differential. I don't think I've heard of anyone blowing up a 260 behind an S52.

Many people prefer the feel of the 260 over the E36 ZF transmission. I don't really mind the feel of the E36 ZF transmission.

[rThor432]

Many people prefer the feel of the 260 over the E36 ZF transmission.

While I like both, I do prefer the 260. I had both behind my S52 using the same shift linkage so I can give a fair comparison (I think..). The Getrag 260 shifts are much shorter and notchier. The ZF felt like a smooth modern transmission. Both are nice, but I prefer the click-click quick shifting of the Getrag transmission.

Another thing to think about is the ratio of mis-shifted E36's to E30's at the track (and on the street, but whatever). I've noticed that the ZF drivers have a much higher tendency to miss shifts than G260 guys.

[crazyvwobie]

Thats good to hear I would like to use what I allready have. I guess Im used to vw trannys that always need to get upgraded for more power,lol.Thanks!

[briansjacobs]

Crazyvwobie, where are you in Florida?

[crazyvwobie]

fort myers area

[briansjacobs]

I use to go over there to the Buckingham airfield every month for the autox, but stopped about 7-8 years ago. It was the best autox in the state.

[Adrian_Visser]

While I like both, I do prefer the 260. I had both behind my S52 using the same shift linkage so I can give a fair comparison (I think..). The Getrag 260 shifts are much shorter and notchier. The ZF felt like a smooth modern transmission. Both are nice, but I prefer the click-click quick shifting of the Getrag transmission.

Another thing to think about is the ratio of mis-shifted E36's to E30's at the track (and on the street, but whatever). I've noticed that the ZF drivers have a much higher tendency to miss shifts than G260 guys.

Interesting I haven't heard that before. Makes me glad I will be keeping the 260 then.