quick question, does E36 differential....?

[Den_k321]

Hey guys,

Im getting ready for my S50 swap from 1995 m3 3.0,

and im wondering if the m3 differential just bolts on into 1988 325is e30? or do i have to do some modification? [ i got s50 tranny driveshaft differential ]

and another question does e36 m3 differential is exactly the same as non-lsd regular 325i size? [ my cover plate broke, and im wondering if i can just buy any e36 differential and swap the cover on it?]

if you know some info on it, please help me out.

Thanks alot!!!

[FredK]

No it does not bolt in. The modifications required would be fairly substantial. The E36 diff case is totally different, so you can't just swap the rear cover.

The internals will swap over, but it is a complicated operation if you've never set up a ring and pinion before.

[Den_k321]

Is there a thread that tells you all about it, or how to install it, been serching... but i guess not good enough...

So i need either make a custom mounts, or take the inside of the e36 and put in e30 differential?

[JrCamacho]

swap internals, make sure you setup proper backlash and preload, and measurements are everything! also an accurate dial indicator, as well as proper torque specs will help.

There also will be shims, etc. Whats wrong with using an e30 diff?

I'm on the search right now for the backlash specs for ya.


EDIT: what i would do is take the e30 diff apart, and measure the current ring/pinion backlash and apply it to the newer setup.

found a nice informational thread on e30tech. http://e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76232

[Roysneon]

Much easier to find a nice 2.93 or 3.25 E30 LSD imo.

[Den_k321]

Thanks alot for the info!!!
And I though that if I use m3 tranny and driveshaft then the e30 differential wouldn't work with it?
What's the difference in if I just keep my e30 tranny driveshaft and get a 2.93 LSD of e30 an if I put everything from s50 m3 is the m3 tranny stronger? Can the stock e30 tranny pull 250-270 hp daily drivig?

swap internals, make sure you setup proper backlash and preload, and measurements are everything! also an accurate dial indicator, as well as proper torque specs will help.

There also will be shims, etc. Whats wrong with using an e30 diff?

I'm on the search right now for the backlash specs for ya.


EDIT: what i would do is take the e30 diff apart, and measure the current ring/pinion backlash and apply it to the newer setup.

found a nice informational thread on e30tech. http://e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76232

[FredK]

Yes, the E30 325 transmission can handle 250 to 270 hp easily. If you use the E30 driveshaft, you can reuse the differential that is already on your car.

If you use the E36 M3 transmission and driveshaft, the E30 differential ratio will be too high for daily driving. You will want something like a 2.93.

[Den_k321]

Oh thanks! This makes the whole thing easier! I will just keep my stock tranny, then I don't have to swap anything else.

Well will probably get a 3.23 LSD..

Thanks for help

Yes, the E30 325 transmission can handle 250 to 270 hp easily. If you use the E30 driveshaft, you can reuse the differential that is already on your car.

If you use the E36 M3 transmission and driveshaft, the E30 differential ratio will be too high for daily driving. You will want something like a 2.93.