24v swap transmission+diff. question

[agent]

It would, though an E36 diff won't bolt up to an E30. You'll need to source an E30 diff unless you plan on swapping the internals (yourself).

How you're going to be using the car will determine the diff ratio you'll want. You may want to go with a 2.93 for mostly highway use; a 3.73 will be a lot of fun until you try to go faster than 70 for more than a straightaway. Somewhere in between is typically the sweet spot. Whatever ratio you choose, you'll definitely want an LSD or a Torsen.

[4door30]

Thanks for the response! So in my e36 m3 right now, I swapped to a 3.38 ratio and the car rips... Does it just not equate the same way in an e30? If I ran an s52, zf m3 trans, and 328i driveline, wouldn't the 3.38 have the same effect? Or even the stock m3 diff. 3.23?

Again, thanks for the help, this is my first e30 and I couldn't be happier.

[agent]

1. In your opinion is the zf trans from an m3 better for the swap than the g260 in my e30 stock and why?

Yes. No overdrive 5th gear; does not necessitate bending the selector rod and/or buying an aftermarket support bracket; built to hold more power; newer.

2. Based on the trans you have, what diff. did you choose and how do you like it?

A 3.15 Torsen. It's perfect for how I use the car, which is primary AutoX, mountain/twisty road carving and otherwise beating the crap out of it at every opportunity, with an occasional road trip in the mix.

3. I am confused with the driveline setups... I heard about using an e36 328i driveline for a zf trans... So just the stock driveline for a g260? And which is better?

Yes, you'll need a "late" E36 ( 96-98 ) drive shaft out of a manual transmission car if you use the ZF.

[4door30]

I have been reading through this forum quite a bit lately since I am trying to sell my e36 m3 in order to fund my s52 swap into my '90 325i... I have read about all of the transmission/diff./driveline options but I am wondering about real-world experience on how people like the setups they have...

1. In your opinion is the zf trans from an m3 better for the swap than the g260 in my e30 stock and why?

2. Based on the trans you have, what diff. did you choose and how do you like it?

3. I am confused with the driveline setups... I heard about using an e36 328i driveline for a zf trans... So just the stock driveline for a g260? And which is better?

Thanks in advance!
~ Griffin