Buy it, or don't?

[Axxe]

I just find it odd, because I was taking my time and it took me three days (alone) to pull the trans out of the parts car, pull the auto, stick the manual in the original car. The only snag I had was trying to find a new hardline with metric ends on a Sunday.

[Digitalwave]

I just find it odd, because I was taking my time and it took me three days (alone) to pull the trans out of the parts car, pull the auto, stick the manual in the original car. The only snag I had was trying to find a new hardline with metric ends on a Sunday.

You did the pedals and everything else also, a turnkey swap in 3 days?

[KenC]

I would just buy it. 5 speed tranny's are easy to find, clean unmolested E30s are not.

Word, a cabby with under 100k that has records and is in great shape. Jump on it. These are 15+ year old cars... unlike wine, they don't get better with age.

[Axxe]

You did the pedals and everything else also, a turnkey swap in 3 days?

Yes, on my driveway. If I had to do it again, 1.5 days or less, on my own. I now have the right tools and extensions, not to mention an acetylene torch to loosen up the exhaust bolts.

[Addissimo]

I say go for it, and drop an m50 in there while you're at it.

Everything is relative to your skill and experience. If I were to do a tranny swap, I'd probably pull the whole engine- It'd make it alot easier. With my m50 cabby I'm now able to go from running -> engine + tranny out of the car in an hour or less. I guess repetition is key.

I purchased my car for $3500, and it was far from perfect. I say jump on it, and have fun modding it.

-Addis

[Digitalwave]

Yes, on my driveway. If I had to do it again, 1.5 days or less, on my own. I now have the right tools and extensions, not to mention an acetylene torch to loosen up the exhaust bolts.

Well I guess you are a better mechanic than I. I know I could do it faster if I did it again though.

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

also, if you know that you're gonna have some xtra $$$ in your pocket then buy it. I calculated the swap... assuming all the mounts + short shifter + clutch kit + tranny gasket + lsd bushing new, I came to ~900$ in parts... I have an auto and it is VERY SlOW, but in pretty good condition (I never seen an E30 around here better then mine 'cept for Jordan's. I don't know bout the swap right now(school 'n shit) but I think it's definately worth it.

[nando]

I haven't done my 5 speed swap yet, but I don't think it will be that big of a deal. I'm going to be pulling the whole motor out (new bottom end + redoing my rear suspension and getting a rebuilt steering rack). The only thing that seems like it might be a little tough is getting the wiring done properly for the cruise control, but I'll figure it out. :)

as for cost, I have no idea. I still need to get a new clutch, shifter parts and slave/master cylinders, but the other things I'm doing will cost a lot more.

[bmwmike]

if your a DIY'er than definetely dont worry about the swap. You can get the tranny for a couple hundred bucks and then the other parts etc. That is, if the car is really clean and is what you want (and it sounds like it is). If the guys asking that, offer him like 2500 bucks. And when if you decide to swap the tranny, you might as well upgrade the engine while your in there..