m30 swap driveshaft options

[LKTe30]

I am trying to find out some options for my driveshaft. I had a custom one made with adapter plates and it isn't working as well as I would like.

I have 55 1/2 inches from trans flange to diff flange. I searched for some driveshaft measurements but couldn't find them.

Does anyone know the driveshaft lengths from the different models (e28 & e30) or a combination of driveshafts that could work with the 55 1/2 inch length?

[LKTe30]

anyone?

[chadthestampede]

When I did my swap I used a large giubo driveshaft from an 88 supereta, or at least a large giubo one from an 87-88 eta car (Can't remember the production dates off hand). It bolts right in and runs fine.

There's plenty of info on this if you search around.

[CorvallisBMW]

I used my stock '91 325i driveshaft with no issues, fit perfect.

[Lurker27]

I used my stock '91 325i driveshaft with no issues, fit perfect.

How's that? Don't they have a smaller guibo?

I used the 1987 super eta drive shaft. Bolts up to the 260-6, variable length, bolts to diff. Easy. Paid $85.

[CorvallisBMW]

How's that? Don't they have a smaller guibo?

I used the 1987 super eta drive shaft. Bolts up to the 260-6, variable length, bolts to diff. Easy. Paid $85.

I nights have changed the output flange, it was a while ago and I don't remember 100%

[george graves]

I used a shortened, rebuilt, rebalanced e30m3 shaft w/ a g265. Was about $600 all said and done. If you can go cheaper - do it. The different trannys are different lengths - so keep that in mind.

[LowR3V'in]

lkt, what did you try before using a custom one with an adaptor?
What car was it supposed to be for?

stock big flanged m20 shaft and g260 works great.
Some e30s have the big flange, others don't.

[VinniE30]

Is it possible some m20 e30s besides the 87 seta had the "bigger guibo" that bolts up to the g260/6 with no modification?

Also, you guys aren't considering that we don't all have the same exact engine mounts and mounting position.

[Lurker27]

if you have a manual m20 driveshaft and a manual 535i driveshaft they'll fit together @ the spline as well.

[george graves]

Is it possible some m20 e30s besides the 87 seta had the "bigger guibo" that bolts up to the g260/6 with no modification?

Also, you guys aren't considering that we don't all have the same exact engine mounts and mounting position.

I think the matter of tranny length is more of a deal than position. Honestly, Ely on e30tech ("R3sPro" or something) has some info on this. I think he was the first guy in the US to figure out what works with what. He's super helpful. Also, the info is is the sub-forum somewhere.

[chadthestampede]

I think the matter of tranny length is more of a deal than position. Honestly, Ely on e30tech ("R3sPro" or something) has some info on this. I think he was the first guy in the US to figure out what works with what. He's super helpful. Also, the info is is the sub-forum somewhere.

He's on r3v too. rs4pro3 is his username.

He was quite helpful when I was doing my swap, but I'm not entirely sure he still has an e30 and I don't think he comes on r3v very often anymore.