ZF behind an m20, pro/con's?

[ForcedFirebird]

I have a ZF (needs work, got that covered) ready to go in an e30 complete with a modified D/S.


Is there really an advantage besides the gear ratio's? (I have a 2.93LSD)

Is it really any stronger than the 260?

Will it work with my eta flywheel? I know I put the Getrag behind an m50 in a friend's car and even kept the m50 clutch without issues using the e30 slave, but just would like to be sure before I put the car back under the knife.

also...

would it be more beneficial to just get another diff and keep the Getrag? I have my eye on a 5 series 3.42 to convert to my e30 chassis.

Thanks,
-John

[MR 325]

One big problem is it will not sit at the correct angle. I'd keep the correct trans.

[BimmerTim]

I don't know that it's worth the hassle. I do like how the ZF shifter feels though.

[ForcedFirebird]

One big problem is it will not sit at the correct angle. I'd keep the correct trans.

That's also a non-issue as I have put a Getrag behind an m50, this would just be the opposite situation. I just hear good things about the ZF as far as longevity.

[Mossman]

It's probably 10 years newer than your average G260 that's an advantage. A lot of people abuse the ZF's behind boosted S52's and I haven't heard of many problems at all. Same can be said for the 260's though they're pretty stout. I've had a bunch of E30's and the only complaints about the 260 I have is 1-2 grind when cold no matter what fluid I have in them, and input shaft rattle which is just a bad noise, not a problem. In my dad's old 98 m3 it used to pop violently out of 2nd gear sometimes, not sure what that was about, the mounts were good it wasn't that. Also they have the neutral spring issue thing where they like to sit under 5th instead of in the middle, but that's a simple fix with the tranny out of the car just replace the spring and sleeve I believe, did it once a while back.

Also the angle will be off by 10-15*, same as putting a getrag behind a 24v motor, which will require some bending of shift rod and possibly the shift console

[M-technik-3]

ZF-310s are not as durable as the ZF-320s, 260's as mentioned are durable and proven and cheap. The bad is? shifter seals is about it to me in a getrag 260.

[StereoInstaller1]

I prefer the "chunkier" feel of the G260 myself.

I sure do wish I had a taller 5th.

Hell, I want a T56!

[Jonny Cash]

Whats the matter old man, your shifting getting slow in your old age? :)

[mightywhitey]

how can you tell the difference between a 320 and 310? I didnt see either number on my zf off a 98 328i

[StereoInstaller1]

Whats the matter old man, your shifting getting slow in your old age? :)

what the hell, you fucking whippersnapper...I never was fast anyway!

Heh...no. I just wanna see my car turning about 2300 at 70

[castros]

Won't gearing be different?

[ForcedFirebird]

Whats the matter old man, your shifting getting slow in your old age? :)

Me? Well, let's just say I want to get a better gear ratio spread so we can see what's really up, slow-poke :P

Right now 1st takes me to ~45mph and 2nd goes to to ~65mph, haven't been able to top out 3rd, but it's over 120mph. I know the 2.93 is nice with the ZF, and i have it sitting here ;)

[BimmerTim]

I had my S50 and ZF mated with a 3.73LSD and it was awesome......until I got on the highway.

4K rpm @ 70mph = sucky mpg

I could top out at 120mph really quickly though. I've since picked up a 2.93LSD. Should be better for actually driving the car.

[Jonny Cash]

Me? Well, let's just say I want to get a better gear ratio spread so we can see what's really up, slow-poke :P

Right now 1st takes me to ~45mph and 2nd goes to to ~65mph, haven't been able to top out 3rd, but it's over 120mph. I know the 2.93 is nice with the ZF, and i have it sitting here ;)

Of course you :) I just think its not worth the work. I would go grab that 3.46 at the yard and see how that serves you first. BTW you should come by and grab that cluster next time you come down this way. I have the garage setup as a paint booth, spraying cabinets working from home.

[e30polak]

ZF+2.93 = win

Cruising 26-2700 at 80mph with the 1:1 5th is a lot of fun with a s52! For an m20 I think it would be more fun then the 260+3:73.1st goes to about 35 at 7k, 65 at redline in 2nd, and about 105 in 3rd.