Transmission Question

[87e30]

I'm replacing my manual transmission and purchased another getrag 260. This trans didn't come out of an e30.

Well I'm looking at mine and tehre are two good sized wires attached to the bellhousing. (These are the only things keeping the transmission from coming off)

Any tips to get them off and what are they for?

MORE IMPORTANTLY: Do I need them? The new transmission that I purchased does not have a place for me to connect these wires.

Thanks.

[jlevie]

It sounds to me like you are talking about the timing reference sensors. Early ETA cars have those mounted to the bell housing and they are critical. The engine won't run without them. You need a replacement transmission that has the holes to mount those sensors.

[87e30]

Yeah I have the two transmissions out and sitting next to each other right now and they are the exact same minus those two sensors.

I have no options but finding another transmission?

Would trying to start the car while it was still on jackstands to see if the car would still run be TOO terrible of an idea?

[kronus]

You could upgrade your electronics to Motronic 1.3, which doesn't use those sensors. This is, however, a pretty involved process.

[golde30]

cant he just tap the bellhousing for the sensors?

[James Crivellone]

you should be able to drill those out, or swap transmissions, or upgrade to Motronic 1.1/1.3 (I have a SETA ECU if you need one)

[87e30]

Hmm. I think my best bet would be getting the correct transmission.

I am not sure what all is invloved in upgrading motronics but my car has already been down for a couple days and I was hoping to have this done today, I would like to have my car back.

I have never really drilled before and I would prefer to not ruin the transmission.

How costly / involved is the motronics upgrade and are there any benefits?

[jlevie]

I think that upgrading to the Super ETA config would require a DME from a Super ETA, engine harness, crank position sensor, crank position sensor mount, and harmonic balancer. I believ you'd also have to do a couple of creative mods to the harness to adapt it to your 87.

The bell housing of transmission could be drilled to accept the Eta timing sensors, but that has to be done exactly right.

I'd say that your best and safest approach is to find the right transmission.

[87e30]

Thanks for the help guys! Let the quest for a proper transmission begin.