Opinion: G260/5 or ZF box?

[Gus]

Hi Guys.

I have a dilemma - I'm about do an M52 swap (well..cheat and buy one) but I'm stuck on which box to use.

I am still waiting for parts, so I may need to go down the ZF path (ZF and 3.25 M3 diff) but my alternative is using my existing G260/5 and 3.91 (which I kinda liked as it's a closer ratio box), which has new seals, guibo, CSB, etc. It's kinda short overall, but I could change to 3.64/3.73 easily down the road.

Do you fellas have any thoughts? I have a E30 M3 driveshaft and the box lined up ready to go so either option is easy (as long as my G260 bits arrive from the US in time) - I am just not sure what is best.

Hoping to get things underway this weekend so fast answers appreciated!

Cheers,
Gus

[e30rapidic]

G260. I have the zf behind my S50, prefer the G260 gearing.

[dude8383]

The ZF is the right way to do it to be honest.

It just bolts right up and works. The G260 make servicing the car in the future a bit of a pain in the ass... if you break your oil pan or need to remove it you'll have to remove the tranny.

Having said that, the shifter feel is amazing with the 260.

[Liquidity]

ZF doesn't have an overdrive gear. 5th gear is same as 4th in the 260 - 1:1. What you use for rear end gears is going to be a deciding factor here.

[nrubenstein]

The G260 gearing is a little off, IMHO. (And it is NOT closer.) However, a good G260 will shift a lot better.

The ZF will fit better and offer better performance. The G260 gives you better feel. The oil pan issue can be solved with a drill.

[Gus]

If I use the G260 I'll keep the 3.91, if the ZF I'll use a 3.25.

Thanks for the feedback - i was attracted by my G260/5 since it's slightly more closely spaced than a normal G260 (it came on the UK Sports).

I guess I'll just wait to see if my bits for it turn up!

Cheers,
Gus

[Wanganstyle]

Use a Modern box that matches the 24V engine.

If you like the dogleg shift pattern I suppose that could be one argument for keeping it but the matching gearbox is more modern in design and has more efficient bearings inside.