Transmission choice concerns & suggestions

[r4esh]

Hey all. This is my second 24v swap. This time its s52 into and e30 m3. The e30 m3 I picked up has an NV m50 in it.... yeah... you got me on that one... Anyway, S52 is cleaned up and ready to go in I just need to sort my transmission.

Right now the m50 is paired with the stock e30 m3 transmission (260?). This is nice because drive-shaft and such is already sorted. BUT my concern and my question is that I've heard that when using the e30 m3 transmission (260?) that the flywheel isn't the proper weight for the s52 and thus at idles and such you can actually feel a vibration & hear the transmission - Is this true? The M50 / 260 combo in the motor right now doesn't run the smoothest, but I don't know if its the transmission I'm feeling, or other variables as the car sat for 2 years...

I was about to order a clutch kit for the e30 m3 transmission, figuring I'd do that now before I mount it to the s52. BUT now I'm contemplating getting a ZF tranny. I know the 260 weighs a bit less which would be nice too. I don't intend on forced injection anytime soon if ever also.

Eitherway, I'm going with a newer motor and I'd like the newer / smoother feel to accompany it... I don't want something that makes "chatter" at idle.

SOO, what are you thoughts?

[e30rapidic]

stick with G260 unless its a 6 speed.

I swapped in a zf trans behind my S50; had to do use the zf drive shaft and had to shim the trans brace, CSB and differential down a little since the drive shaft weight rubbed the gas tank. Not good! I am running M20 clutch stuff, albeit the performance stuff. Do yourself a favor and upgrade to the heavy duty pressure plate.

[N2MYE30]

If you go with the ZF, your gonna need a new diff as well.

[r4esh]

I know the 4.10 behind the ZF is ridiculous... but I don't mind changing differentials if I go that route.

Anyone running running the 260 experience the "chatter" I'm talking about?

So I haven't been able to find any information about running a 6 speed instead. They are the same size as the ZF right? What driveshaft is used and what 6 speed (besides euro ZF) can be used?

I'm leaning now towards the 6 speed... do it once, do it right!

[N2MYE30]

I have an M50 mated to my 260 with no chatter at idle.

[hoveringuy]

What's so great about the 6 speed?

[r4esh]

6 speed with a higher rated diff = better highway RPMs + top speed.
In theory (even though it would still be annoying shifting) one could keep the s52 paired with a 4:10 diff and, because of the 6th gear, be able still have decent highway revs. I would be more inclined to find a middle ground between the 4.10 and 3.23 like say... 3.73 if I was using the 6 speed.

[e30rapidic]

I have a 3.46 with my zf and its annoying on the highway. 5th gear on a zf is the same as 4th in the 260...1:1. 5th on a 260 is .83:1

[A.J.]

How to e46m3 6-speed your e30:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...hlight=6-speed

Some say the 6-sp is heavier, but probably not too much...I can pick up mine by myself.

[Adrian_Visser]

There's no way you have the e30 m3 trans bolted to an m50, the bellhousing bolt pattern won't line up.

Personally I am running the s52 clutch/fly/pp in a 260 and so far I am liking it. I have a 2.79 diff, zf320 and 97 328 d/s ready to go in though.

FYI there are two six speed trannies that fit: the Euro e36 m3 Zf and the e46 m3 Getrag 420g. The Getrag is bulletproof and has the same internals as a Toyota Supra trans. The Zf is not as stout.

[328ijunkie]

There's no way you have the e30 m3 trans bolted to an m50 the bellhousing bolt pattern won't line up.

Personally I am running the s52 clutch/fly/pp in a 260 and so far I am liking it. I have a 2.79 diff, zf320 and 97 328 d/s ready to go in though.

There are two six speed trannies the Euro e36 m3 Zf and the e46 m3 Getrag 420g. The Getrag is bulletproof and has the same internals as a Toyota Supra trans. The Zf is not as stout.

Both E36 and E46 M 6sps were Getrags, youre thinking of the E46 Z4/330 6 speed trans which is a ZF.

[r4esh]

How to e46m3 6-speed your e30:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=120381&highlight=6-speed

Some say the 6-sp is heavier, but probably not too much...I can pick up mine by myself.

Great link! Thanks! Just what I was looking for. I don't know how my search didn't find it... Gratsi!

Theres lots of good information here on transmission choices. Thanks guys!
It was mentioned the e30 m3 tranny doesn't match the bell-housing of the s52? Can someone confirm this? I wonder what tranny my car has then.. probably the 260. I guess we'll see when I pull it from the car.

[328ijunkie]

The G260 is the E30 M20 trans the E30 M3 has a G265/6 w/ removable bellhousing.

[Adrian_Visser]

Both E36 and E46 M 6sps were Getrags, youre thinking of the E46 Z4/330 6 speed trans which is a ZF.

My bad, are both the Getrags identical?

[r4esh]

... I have a 2.79 diff, zf320 and 97 328 d/s ready to go in though.

So why are you switching to the ZF tranny then if you like your current 260?