The definitive transmission compatibility guide, with pictures

[Andy.B]

I'm of no help it's an Eta trans... But I can give you some other interesting info.. Kinda.


Soooo, measurement it seems from inside of where slave cylinder is to bell housing is 6 1/2

Just to clarify, this measurement is of the depth inside the bellhousing (the way I measured and got 6 9/16 ) not of the depth from outside the bellhousing where the slave cylinder mounts, and through the bellhousing to the mating surface to the engine(the way I measured and got 6 7/8)?

If that is the case, then your measurements match mine for a dual mass flywheel equipped car.

[LJ851]

You are thinking about this too much.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=215361

[Andy.B]

You are thinking about this too much.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=215361

I don't think I am thinking about it too much. Even in this thread, I have someone saying it will work fine, don't worry about, while you are referencing other threads saying I need a different throw-out bearing.

There is tons of speculation on the subject, often repeated but often incorrect facts, and plenty of firsthand/secondhand accounts without any actual proof that a difference in transmissions exists. I am not going to start sticking parts from another vehicle in my car because someone, somewhere, typed that they will fit, while others are saying it is unnecessary. What I want is to end the speculation, the claims, the quoting, the anecdotal evidence, and the confusion.

All that will take is a single picture, of someone measuring their bellhousing. Then myself, and everyone else who needs to swap a transmission in their e30 can know, for sure, exactly what parts they need.

I honestly suspect that they are the same. I have a hard time believing that there are two different transmissions with the same part number but different (not compatible) applications. I suspect that the plunge length of the slave cylinder can compensate and self adjust for the alleged 3/4" difference stack height between the different flywheels in the same way that it will self adjust for a worn clutch, or a brake caliper piston self adjusts for worn pads.

But if I make that assumption and it works, then I have nothing but more anecdotal evidence to add to the confusion. What I want is some form of proof to settle it. If I had an I transmission I would make multiple measurements and post the pictures. Instead I just need someone to be willing to help by taking several minutes and measure their transmission and post the pictures. I am willing to pay them to do so.

[LJ851]

I don't think I am thinking about it too much. Even in this thread, I have someone saying it will work fine, don't worry about, while you are referencing other threads saying I need a different throw-out bearing.

There is tons of speculation on the subject, often repeated but often incorrect facts, and plenty of firsthand/secondhand accounts without any actual proof that a difference in transmissions exists. I am not going to start sticking parts from another vehicle in my car because someone, somewhere, typed that they will fit, while others are saying it is unnecessary. What I want is to end the speculation, the claims, the quoting, the anecdotal evidence, and the confusion.

All that will take is a single picture, of someone measuring their bellhousing. Then myself, and everyone else who needs to swap a transmission in their e30 can know, for sure, exactly what parts they need.

I honestly suspect that they are the same. I have a hard time believing that there are two different transmissions with the same part number but different (not compatible) applications. I suspect that the plunge length of the slave cylinder can compensate and self adjust for the alleged 3/4" difference stack height between the different flywheels in the same way that it will self adjust for a worn clutch, or a brake caliper piston self adjusts for worn pads.

But if I make that assumption and it works, then I have nothing but more anecdotal evidence to add to the confusion. What I want is some form of proof to settle it. If I had an I transmission I would make multiple measurements and post the pictures. Instead I just need someone to be willing to help by taking several minutes and measure their transmission and post the pictures. I am willing to pay them to do so.

I'm not sure how much clearer it could be. The first post in the thread i linked clearly identifies your transmission (late eta with late shift carrier provision) and suggests the 323 TO bearing with a single mass fly/clutch because it has the deep bellhousing which you measured and confirmed.

I would not run the 325i TO bearing, even if you got the slave to push that far it would very close to the end it's travel and possible damage. The slave does not move that far, 3/8 inch addition is a hell of a lot more percentage wise.

[Andy.B]

I'm not sure how much clearer it could be. The first post in the thread i linked clearly identifies your transmission.

The transmissions are the same, just run a t/o bearing that matches the clutch setup (single mass) and a manual driveshaft that matches the bolt pattern on the rear flange. Done.

The problem is that different people are saying different things. How do I decide who to trust? The person with the higher thread count? The person who joined r3v first? The person who has the most clever signature? Different people claim different things, but I haven't seen anybody post any actual first hand proof that the bellhousings are even different. Everyone just references some older post somewhere else.

I'm not sure how much clearer I could be. I want proof. Simple, easy to obtain, proof, so there is no more question on the matter.

I'm not asking someone to pull their transmission out of their care for my sake. I'm sure someone on r3v has an i transmission sitting in their garage, shed, warehouse, bunker, corn silo, or trailer.

[LJ851]

Damn, you just won't quit will you ?


Pulled from a 1989 325 coupe. Small guibo, only provision for late shift carrier.



Level on bellhousing face, black sharpie line where it exits the slave hole.



Measured.

[Andy.B]

Damn, you just won't quit will you ?

Haha. Nope. But now that we have pictures of both, there is concrete proof that there is a 1/4 inch difference between the eta transmissions with a late style shift carrier, and an i transmission.

Shoot me a pm to claim your prize!

I would still love this thread to have a picture of the depth of an early eta with the stamped shift carrier provisions, to see if there is a split between early and late eta transmissions with the same part numbers.

[LJ851]

Haha, your new sig.


I have a '83 trans in my '89 with a 323 flywheel but i cant remember what TO bearing i used. I do recall measuring a couple trans to decide which one to buy.

[AwakenNoMore]

Well I learned something. Apparently my eta trans a long bellhousing, both shift carriers and a small output shaft. Looks like I'm buying a 323 bearing for my swap.

[Ether-D]

And now his sig makes sense…
I just thought he was a ball swinger all this time. Live and learn...

[Andy.B]

And now his sig makes sense…
I just thought he was a ball swinger all this time. Live and learn...

This is his last day of being sig famous. It will have been 3 months at midnight. In other news, the position will be open shortly!

[TobyB]

I have a tranny sitting in my garage.

I can't believe we let that one just... sit there...

hee

t

[324tdi]

But what about the 82 528e, euro type 13.8 lb flywheel, m20 and 265 gearbox...I just swapped in a 325e large flange trans 260 trans with that light flywheel...

Am I doomed??

I have a bunch of transmissions laying around, think I will measure some. Is dual mass, deeper bellhousing large output dependant??

Another problem is I have seen people switch to the dogbone type shifter on a trans from an eta that has provisions for both shifters, gotta plug one of those plate shifter holes!

Thanks

al

[Andy.B]

I would love it if you could measure the other transmissions and post up what you find.

I don't know for sure if large flange means dual mass flywheel. That would actually make sense.

And as far as the euro cars/265 goes, I have no idea. Please let us know what you find!

[Bullhead]

So you cannot put a an I tranny in an 87 or older E right?