contemplating M52 swap

[StereoInstaller1]

D, are you gonna go G260 or the correct one?

[matt]

D, are you gonna go G260 or the correct one?

That is the question.

[CorvallisBMW]

I'll probably just use an e36 tranny, but I'm not sure yet. I need to do some more research. I may go with whatever one will make the DS fitting easier.

[Dave]

You are lazy if you buy everything at one place and pay too much, period (.)

I sourced my parts while attending school from 8 AM to 3 PM, having a job from 4 PM to 11 PM. Then doing homework till 1 AM.

Whatever, dude. Maybe if you are the detail monkey at the shop making $8 an hour, and your time isn't that valuable. But if you run your own business (hours are unlimited), have a wife and three kids, time is much more precious.

If I spent more than 2-3 hours sourcing the parts, the income I could be losing more than outweighs what I am "overpaying".

[Mike B.]

I'll probably just use an e36 tranny, but I'm not sure yet. I need to do some more research. I may go with whatever one will make the DS fitting easier.

The fitting of driveshafts is no more or less difficult with either the ZF or Getrag E36 transmissions. It all about spec'ing the right shaft for the transmission you choose.

Since you are going with an M52, I would recommend the Getrag as it is less expensive, and the stock E30 5-spd drive shaft will work fine (plus a couple other options as well).

The nice thing about the E36 transmissions is that you can use the stock E30 5-spd transmission bracket and you don't need to fab anything.

[CorvallisBMW]

The fitting of driveshafts is no more or less difficult with either the ZF or Getrag E36 transmissions. It all about spec'ing the right shaft for the transmission you choose.

Since you are going with an M52, I would recommend the Getrag as it is less expensive, and the stock E30 5-spd drive shaft will work fine (plus a couple other options as well).

The nice thing about the E36 transmissions is that you can use the stock E30 5-spd transmission bracket and you don't need to fab anything.

I'm a bit confused by your post. Are e36 trannys all ZFs? So an e30 tranny is good because it is cheap, robust and I can use an e30 DS. But the ZF is good because the bracket is easier to work with? is that right?

[FredK]

E36 325i: Getrag 250
E36 M3 S50: ZF 310
E36 M3 S52: ZF 320
E36 328i: ZF 320

You're right, the E36 transmissions don't require any bracket modifications.

[CorvallisBMW]

Don't the ZF trannys have a 1:1 fifth gear? It'd be nice to use a 260 then, I could run a lower-geared rear end without destroying my highway mpg.

[matt]

Don't the ZF trannys have a 1:1 fifth gear? It'd be nice to use a 260 then, I could run a lower-geared rear end without destroying my highway mpg.

The 260s have taller ratios 1-4 also. It comes out basically the same as long as you match the rear end to the trans.

[Van Westervelt]

Darin, drive one of each to see how you like it. You are swapping from an auto, so either way, your whole driveline is going to get changed. I went the 260 route as the tranny and driveline was already in the car, and I like not having to find a rare diff to make my gearing ideal. 3.73's are plentiful, and works perfect. g260's also have the 1:1 4th gear with I think its 0.81:1 5th, giving you a true "overdrive."

I also like how it feels. :)

[FredK]

Well, a S3.73 is around $200. A S3.25 is around $250. I paid that much for my S3.25 anyway. Local pick-a-parts usually have them a lot cheaper.

[Van Westervelt]

I would go 3.46 if I went the zf route. Those arent usually 250. :) And going off typical readily available prices is different than scouring yards etc. I got a s4.10 diff for 50 bucks. So now anything more is overpriced. :)

[FredK]

ah if he has the MTech vert he prob already has a S4.10, right?

For my M50 swap, I got an S3.46 at the yard for $50 with 146k on it. I felt the M50 needed a little more gear advantage. It's totally tolerable on the highway.

[matt]

Heh, I got a free S3.73 I'm about to put in with my 250G (1:1 fifth)

It's not a daily, might as well have some fun with it.

[CorvallisBMW]

Ya the Mtech currently has a S4.10. If I put a S3.73/260 in the Mtech, it would have the exact same gearing as my coupe currently, wich is a bit too high IMO (80mph is ~3400rpm). I may try to get a S3.46 if I go the 260 route.

Kurt, are you running a 260 or ZF? Do you know what Jeff is running?