84 m10 auto to manual?

[andrewm]

Well, it looks like I might be getting another e30. This time for a beater. I've spent about the last hour or two attempting to find out what my options are for swapping the car around a bit.

It’s a 84 318i Auto. I cannot stand automatics. They are slow, unbearably so for an m10, and make me so depressed the only recourse for happiness is a rather unhealthy portion of bacon.

I've discovered a few things about the options, but nothing too clear. Obviously I prefer a 5 speed due to the automatic having a 4.10 diff. If memory serves, the 318i 5 speed from later years does not bolt up? Any assistance on this would be fantastic as I'm looking at the car in a few hours

Thanks!

[Jaxx_]

you're looking for the getrag 240. I'm not sure on specifics as far as what driveshaft you will need.

I'm not sure why you would prefer a 5 speed if an automatic has a 4.10? Either way, you can keep the diff if that's the concern. most, if not all, of the 5 speed 318i's from 84 will have 3.64 rear ends.

I have been told that the bell housing from M42s will bolt up, but I haven't looked into it.

With all that said, I've seen G240s in the area of $50.

[Holland]

M10 auto's are 3 speeds. Quite horrible.

[andrewm]

Yea, I'm tempted to avoid it all together. I prefer a 5 speed so that I can have a taller 5th gear, I do a lot of interstate travel. I've heard the M42 swap as well, but no confirmation on that. Most likely not a lot of people waste their time on the 84-85 m10

[Jaxx_]

Yea, I'm tempted to avoid it all together. I prefer a 5 speed so that I can have a taller 5th gear, I do a lot of interstate travel. I've heard the M42 swap as well, but no confirmation on that. Most likely not a lot of people waste their time on the 84-85 m10

only the idiots. ;)

[andrewm]

I should fit right in there :)

I'm really torn on it. I love e30s, and this is a well cared for vehicle. Low miles, but asking a bit more because of that. Just not sure if it's worth getting into a 5 speed swap.

[jeffnhiscars]

Idiot here !!

IIRC the G240 bell housing out of an M42 is rotated (I think 15 degrees) so you have to mod the shifter to clear the cutout in the floor pan. Having said that, the change was worth it, especially if you enjoy mucking around under a car. My diff is a 3.46 and I doubt I'd change that. GL

[Holland]

Idiot here !!

IIRC the G240 bell housing out of an M42 is rotated (I think 15 degrees) so you have to mod the shifter to clear the cutout in the floor pan. Having said that, the change was worth it, especially if you enjoy mucking around under a car. My diff is a 3.46 and I doubt I'd change that. GL

Why not source a 5 speed out of an 84, 85 318i? then there would be zero issues.

[jeffnhiscars]

I was answering his question about the possible use of a later model G240 and was in no way encouraging it. In fact, if I was set on having a 5spd there is no way I would buy an auto trans car with the intent to do the swap. Get what you want in the beginning.

in other words, Im agreeing that IF he had the car and IF he chose to make the swap, definitely get the early trans

[Jaxx_]

i appreciate the information, even if no one else uses it.

[Smelser]

I have a 5 speed, but i get a 100 lb weight break in my race class if I use the auto trans. how much more does an auto trans weigh?? and anybody still have one for SUPER cheap?? I hear talk that the drive shaft for auto and manuals are differant, is this accurate???

FOR JEFFNHISCARS.... whats that in your lines at the bottom bout the 65 bug?? send me a message, my wife has a 64 being restored, but we are short an engine. THANKS!!

[jeffnhiscars]

I have a 5 speed, but i get a 100 lb weight break in my race class if I use the auto trans. how much more does an auto trans weigh?? and anybody still have one for SUPER cheap?? I hear talk that the drive shaft for auto and manuals are differant, is this accurate???

FOR JEFFNHISCARS.... whats that in your lines at the bottom bout the 65 bug?? send me a message, my wife has a 64 being restored, but we are short an engine. THANKS!!

Hah..I caught that bug in HS so it is LONG gone but in the interest of helping a fellow Canuck, I do have my original auto tranny sitting in Florida (note Im in Charlotte). If you decide to snowbird we can try to work something out. Im the second owner and it worked flawlessly until I yanked it...and yes I have the drive shaft too :-)