Will an E36 S50/M50 tranny bolt up to an M20?

[Jand3rson]

Someone was asking about this on E30 tech, and it hasn't really gotten a definite answer yet. I was thinking it would be pretty cool if it was a direct bolt-up, then if for some reason you ever needed to replace trannies, you could find a much lower mileage one, or maybe it would just be a good uprgrade.

Thoughts?

[James Crivellone]

I hear you can money shift easily on those transmissions compared to our trusty Getrag 260's

[Jand3rson]

I hear you can money shift easily on those transmissions compared to our trusty Getrag 260's

Good to know.

[cheades]

I have heard the problem with money shifting is because of the horribly soft bushings in the shift linkage make it so you can't feel what you are doing when you shift.

[randomtask37]

it makes sence that you would be able to because u can use our trannys on e36 motors. so why not the other way around?

ive herd that the reason that people money shift them so easily because they shift so well.

i.e. they will slip into first gear with no problem at 100mph.

[Ryan Stewart]

I sure as hell hope not. Although as loose as the M3 is I wouldnt doubt it. Maybe the SSK will keep me from money shifting.

Except for synchros I thought the Getrags are far superior in longevity than the ZFs.

[trent]

Re: Will an E36 S50/M50 tranny bolt up to an M20?

Someone was asking about this on E30 tech, and it hasn't really gotten a definite answer yet. I was thinking it would be pretty cool if it was a direct bolt-up, then if for some reason you ever needed to replace trannies, you could find a much lower mileage one, or maybe it would just be a good uprgrade.

Thoughts?

Yes you can. Why? Those trans were crap. Money shifting was an internal problem. The E36 325i trans wasn't that strong, and there is a 50lb weight gain on the M3 version. Those you can money shift as well.

Mounting will also be off slightly.

It wouldn't really make sense, as you would have to use the dual-mass flywheel / clutch assembly and also change the rear differential.

[E30godz]

you wouldnt HAVE too....3.73 with a 1:1 5th sounds fun ; )

[SpencerM3]

The E36 M3 trannies are VERY solid. They can handle tons of power and dont have any "across the board" design flaws.

The money shift problem comes from a coupe things,

- Tranny bushings. They are shaped like an hourglass and are VERY soft. This allows the tranny to move under hard cornering. Even wtih proper shifting techniques, the tranny will engage the incorrect gear. Easily fixed with upgraded tranny bushings.

- Improper shifting from E36 owners. Some people seem to go from 5th to 2nd alot.

[Jand3rson]

Re: Will an E36 S50/M50 tranny bolt up to an M20?

Someone was asking about this on E30 tech, and it hasn't really gotten a definite answer yet. I was thinking it would be pretty cool if it was a direct bolt-up, then if for some reason you ever needed to replace trannies, you could find a much lower mileage one, or maybe it would just be a good uprgrade.

Thoughts?

Yes you can. Why? Those trans were crap. Money shifting was an internal problem. The E36 325i trans wasn't that strong, and there is a 50lb weight gain on the M3 version. Those you can money shift as well.

Mounting will also be off slightly.

It wouldn't really make sense, as you would have to use the dual-mass flywheel / clutch assembly and also change the rear differential.

That's all I wanted to know, if it was worth it to do it. Thanks, Trent.

[trent]

The E36 M3 trannies are VERY solid. They can handle tons of power and dont have any "across the board" design flaws.

The money shift problem comes from a coupe things,

- Tranny bushings. They are shaped like an hourglass and are VERY soft. This allows the tranny to move under hard cornering. Even wtih proper shifting techniques, the tranny will engage the incorrect gear. Easily fixed with upgraded tranny bushings.

- Improper shifting from E36 owners. Some people seem to go from 5th to 2nd alot.

I know a few people who have money shifted going from 5th to 2nd racing people on the freeway. The trans isn't under as much load from hard cornering and isn't moving as much, and they still grenaded. Oh, and I do know people who have still money shifted with upgraded tranny mounts. Those trannys are too easy to shift into the wrong gear.

[Jand3rson]

One of my greatest fears is the money shift, I think I'll stick with the E30 Getrag.

[Digitalwave]

They can handle tons of power and dont have any "across the board" design flaws.

Same goes to the Getrag 260's. And lets face it, there are VERY, VERY few E30's out there with enough power that they have to worry about how strong their tranny is.

[Stu]

The 260 trans has the E36 gearboxes beat by a long shot. It's simple, it's light, it's MUCH easier to work on (if you'd ever need to do a rebuild), and it's unlikely to give you problems with missing gears. Don't think the 260 can handle the power? Hartge put it behind built M30's in the 80's, and I've run one behind my built 3liter for 20K with no problems--And I can walk Alex because his E36 gearbox isn't capable of banging gears. 8)

[diegom6]

Re: Will an E36 S50/M50 tranny bolt up to an M20?

Someone was asking about this on E30 tech, and it hasn't really gotten a definite answer yet. I was thinking it would be pretty cool if it was a direct bolt-up, then if for some reason you ever needed to replace trannies, you could find a much lower mileage one, or maybe it would just be a good uprgrade.

Thoughts?

yes, it was me!! But looks like I don't have the tranny "chance"! to swapp anymore... :evil: Instared, perhaps the S50 crank