I want my G260 back!

[e30rapidic]

well not really but I got my zf trans hooked up tonight, shift throw is like that of an 18 wheeler!!!! Using the same z3 shifter from the G260. Going to reverse and fifth stretched the shift boot to the max.

what's the shortest throwing factory lever you guys are running? I can't deal with this thing!

[KenC]

Z3m

[e30rapidic]

thanks ken..

anyone seen this?

http://www.shortshifter.com/comparo.htm

[Beej '86 325es]

thanks ken..

anyone seen this?
http://www.shortshifter.com/comparo.htm

Wow, I haven't seen that webpage in about a decade...that page has made UUC a lot of money!

[rThor432]

I remember the first drive after I swapped my 250k+ G260 out for a 30k ZF320. It was a bummer. I kind of got used to it but I definitely prefer the G260. I used the same Z3M shift linkage with both transmissions. Definitely a much longer throw on the ZF. For what it's worth the last 3 digits of the Z3M shifter's part number are '254', in case you decide to search out that lever.

[Wh33lhop]

Yeah, the E36 M3 shifter is almost identical to the Z3 shifter, so you'll get about stock throw. A Z3M or Z4 3.0 shifter should be an improvement.

I remember the first drive after I swapped my 250k+ G260 out for a 30k ZF320. It was a bummer. I kind of got used to it but I definitely prefer the G260. I used the same Z3M shift linkage with both transmissions. Definitely a much longer throw on the ZF. For what it's worth the last 3 digits of the Z3M shifter's part number are '254', in case you decide to search out that lever.

For any reason besides the shift throw?

[rThor432]

^^Yes. If you look at the gear ratios they are actually very close between the 2 boxes. Too close to justify the loss of overdrive that comes with the ZF. The overall shift feel was better, not just the throw. The Getrag was just more solid/notchy with more feedback. Also, look at track cars and compare the number of missed shifts between ZF and Getrag guys (no matter what chassis). There's a reason- the ZF just seems happy to go into any gear at any time.

This is all purely my opinion based on my experience. Nobody has to agree.

[Wh33lhop]

Well 2-3-4-5 are very close, first is a bit taller (by 10% or so relative to 2nd) in the ZF for a bit better control of all that mad S52 toark ;) The last time I drove a car with a ZF was many years ago so I can't really comment, I was just curious.

But there is no real disadvantage to not having an overdrive as long as the overall ratios are the same... save for, I suppose, the driveshaft spinning a bit faster relative to your road speed. I never really got all the fuss about 1:1 vs. overdrive fifth gears as long as you have the correct rear end.

Edit: Actually IIRC the gear closest to 1:1 should theoretically give the best power output at the wheels, although I can't remember why.. likely translates to slightly better mileage on the highway with the 1:1 trans, but really that is all speculation. You are definitely right about the shifting boo boos, I have never heard of anyone money shifting a G260.

[rThor432]

^^when I was daily driving the S52 car I was doing 25k-ish miles a year, so overdrive is a big plus for me.