Getrag 260 vs ZF Tranny

[DeM3n]

Hmm.... well currenty I'm running m stock e30 m3 transmission with my s50 swap and a 2.73 lsd. I like it except for my tanny mount that I custom made. Regardless, most people that I've seen do this swap on an E30 usually goes with the ZF instead of keeping their stock tranny. The reason I didn't go this route was because I heard of a common problem of mis-shifts with the ZF and I know the Getrag trannys are durable as hell (plus I'm staying NA and not ever going
FI so HP wouldn"t be an issue). My friend spoke w/Pete McHenry and he told my friend to stay with the Getrag.

I want to switch transmissions but am not sure if I should try and find a ZF or get a Getrag 260. What do you guys think?

[325Projectz]

Well if you do want a zf, let me know... I have one for sale, lol.

[browntown]

I think the 260 would be easier to find, although the mileage might be twice what you'll find from wreckers selling zf's.

[Mot]

I'll sell you my zf for your setup. Stay away from ZF trans, I miss my 260 and really regret going the ZF route.

[Mike B.]

If the Getrag 260 is working fine, why do you want to make a switch?? The only benefit I see is being able to use your stock trans mount bracket again.

I disagree that the ZF's are lousy, and I think problems with the ZF are over estimated. It's not like everyone with an M3 is grenading them on track days, you can money shift with any trans.

If you want to drive something with an absolute crappy transmission, go find a pre-87 Porsche 911. The ZF will seem like an absolute gift from god compared to those 915 tranny's.

[bmws50b30]

now you guys got me thinking twice whether i should switch or not. I already have the parts. the only reason i want to switch is i can't find anyone to fab up a tranny bracket for my getrag 260. i'm using the car with only one tranny mount and my center bearing doesn't last. after a year the drivetrain is now vibrating and the bearing is humming.

[Mike B.]

If you can't find anyone to make you a bracket, definitely go with the ZF. Heck, you already have all of the parts.

Instead of going under the car on a yearly basis to change out the CSB and guibo, you can go to the track.

Of course you'll probably money shift it because ZF's suck. :roll:

[rede30]

Can someone go into a little more detail as to why the zf's suck. Why are they easy to money shift and what are other reasons as to why they arnt loved.

[trent]

Hmm.... well currenty I'm running m stock e30 m3 transmission with my s50 swap and a 2.73 lsd. I like it except for my tanny mount that I custom made. Regardless, most people that I've seen do this swap on an E30 usually goes with the ZF instead of keeping their stock tranny. The reason I didn't go this route was because I heard of a common problem of mis-shifts with the ZF and I know the Getrag trannys are durable as hell (plus I'm staying NA and not ever going
FI so HP wouldn"t be an issue). My friend spoke w/Pete McHenry and he told my friend to stay with the Getrag.

I want to switch transmissions but am not sure if I should try and find a ZF or get a Getrag 260. What do you guys think?

Unless I am confused, the E30 M3 Transmission/bellhousing does not bolt to the S50 unless you are using a different bellhousing.

Do you have any pictures?

[Mot]

Can someone go into a little more detail as to why the zf's suck. Why are they easy to money shift and what are other reasons as to why they arnt loved.

This is just my opinion:

That stated, I believe the ZF's suck because the synchros will engange any gear at any speed. They general have a "soft" or unattached feeling, its very easy to feel the trans being stressed in high load situations, even my fathers 28k mile Mroadster's ZF feels a little funny under high load. The shifter console also has really sloppy factory bushings which also loads to some shifter slop and deffinitly contributes to the ease of money shifting.


All my opinion of course, based on what I've personally experienced. That being said, ZF's are proven to hold high HP numbers.

[FredK]

Most of the slop in the shifter is from a worn out selector rod joint foam piece. On my 328, after replacing the selector rod joint and other wear items (the yellow washers), the shifter feels really tight.

[325Projectz]

Unless I am confused, the E30 M3 Transmission/bellhousing does not bolt to the S50 unless you are using a different bellhousing.

Do you have any pictures?

If you use a e28 528 manual bellhousing it'll work just fine. I forget which year, but there are very few around.

[trent]

That is why I mentioned that...there was one bellhousing that I thought works :)

Even with that said, I would stay with what he has, and not switch to anything.

[static]

just keep in mind one thing guys: ZF tranny with stock shifter from '96+ E36M3 has to be the worst shifter ever. I hated mine, then i upgraded to UUC one.
My friend with same tranny swears by Z3 shifter.

[Rocla]

If you use a e28 528 manual bellhousing it'll work just fine. I forget which year, but there are very few around.

528E specificly, 528i has m30 engine and therefor has no:

A:separe bellhousing.
B:right bolt pattern.