Getrag 260 vs ZF Tranny

[325Projectz]

True, e28 528e manual.

[DeM3n]

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

Word, that's the bell housing that I'm using with my 265. I think I might just stay with what I have and try to modify my bracket to make it work. Right now I'm using an m20 motor mount with my tranny bracket. However, its starting to vibrate again so I think it might be worn and needs to be replaced. I'll just have to figure something out.

[Rocla]

Since you are running a transmission with separate bell housing, maybe you could machine new mounting to bellhousing and turn the transmission to right position and use all the stock parts.

[trent]

Word, that's the bell housing that I'm using with my 265. I think I might just stay with what I have and try to modify my bracket to make it work. Right now I'm using an m20 motor mount with my tranny bracket. However, its starting to vibrate again so I think it might be worn and needs to be replaced. I'll just have to figure something out.

stay with your tranny. just build a good bracket, or find a combo of mounts that works. :)

[DeM3n]

Yeah, I'm trying not to take my transmission completely out. I'll just try to work on that bracket.

[grib]

This was probably the most difficult decision I had when considering the swap. I bought an S52 from a low miles auto car so I have had to source all of the driveline parts. My '87 has only 104K miles on it and the Getrag could use some new seals but is in pretty good shape. I was considering using it for several months, but decided against it.

I went with the ZF because in the end I believe it will hold more power for longer and leave options for FI open. It allows the stock bracket and an OEM 328/M3 driveshaft to be used with "standard" e21 mounts. (I will be using the UUC Black kit.) The Getrag will require a custom fabricated bracket. I have read that the older 318 driveshafts can be used with it, but I think this is a little iffy on a modded M3 engine. Otherwise you are looking at a custom combination of shafts that will need to be rebalanced.

FWIW, I contacted both Zionsville and Spec Clutches regarding which driveline to use. I told both vendors that I was looking to be in the ~280-300 bhp range. Spec said that the Getrag 260 (with Spec stage 2, of course) could handle the power, no problem. Zionsville said not to even consider using the Getrag 260 with an S5X engine. BMW did use the Getrag 265 on several 250-300 range bhp EVO M3 models, but I doubt these setups were made with longevity in mind. ;-)

We have all heard the ZF moneyshift stories, but I'm yet to hear of or read about anyone toasting their Getrag, but it has probably happened. How long will a transmission designed for a ~170 bhp engine last on a 250-300 bhp engine?

[Lof8]

Why are none of the vendors making a transmission bracket for using the e30 Getrag with an s5x? Has everyone who has used this combo made a custom mounting bracket?

[trent]

Why are none of the vendors making a transmission bracket for using the e30 Getrag with an s5x? Has everyone who has used this combo made a custom mounting bracket?

Because it isn't that big of deal. I used all stock mounts, and didn't modifiy anything.

[Lof8]

Because it isn't that big of deal. I used all stock mounts, and didn't modifiy anything.

Why are some people talking about the fabrication of mounts if you can do it with stock stuff? What combination of stuff did you use, Trent? I'm sure I could find this from a search, but the threads are too damn long.
Thanks

[bmws50b30]

Why are some people talking about the fabrication of mounts if you can do it with stock stuff? What combination of stuff did you use, Trent? I'm sure I could find this from a search, but the threads are too damn long.
Thanks

+1 i'd like to know too please

[Lobstrosity]

+1 i'd like to know too please

+2 (although I don't have a dark coloured car with gold mesh wheels in my sig) :)

[Lof8]

tranny mount

*paging Trent*

[ed94r]

I've got 2 years on a S50/260 and Redline MTL. Daily driven and speed shifted on rare occasions (no lift shifts on 2-3 and 3-4). I can say that the 260 with a modified M20 flywheel and a stock E30 M3 clutch (with about 30K hard miles) have survived my ham fists with flying colors. 222/223 rwhp/rwt for what it's worth.

The only issue was the shifter moved somewhat to the right at rest compared to stock, which I noticed for about 5 minutes and have subsequently forgotten about. Believe me, this is a non-issue once you drive it more than a day.

I don't see why a person would do anything else. It seems to me as a waste of time and $$$ to go with the E36/M trans when the 260/3.73 work so well...and most of us already own the right hardware BEFORE the swap, thus saving nice coin.

Most of the spec guys and club racers around here see the 260 as bullet-proof. I am also riding the 260 bandwagon...

Ed

[rede30]

I have a e36m tranns, correct d-shaft,new m3 clutch, apropriate tranny mount and bushings, and a 325lsd,all from a previous car. Shit, now i am thinking twice. I still think i will go with the setup i already have but i might be switching soon down the road from what i have been hearing. i will see how i like it with new polly bushings and new shift parts.

[1990m3]

I don't see why a person would do anything else. It seems to me as a waste of time and $$$ to go with the E36/M trans when the 260/3.73 work so well...and most of us already own the right hardware BEFORE the swap, thus saving nice coin.

Some of us started with M42's :(