SLC: 1989 Zinno coupe. Superlight, Super Functional *6spd swap inside*

[2mAn]

The harness youre using is OBD1 E36?

[JimmyP]

i test fitted the shift carrier for the 6 speed that needs to be shortened and determined i needed to section out about 1" to line the shifter up in the hole in the tunnel. i did the cutting then had my friend brad (edutechnic) weld it up since i don't have the skills or equipment to weld aluminum yet.

I'm a little curious on a build of this level why you did not just go to a body mounted shifter like UUC / BW or the even better elevated tower shifters like CAE / Samsonas?

They are so much more machine like than the carrier mounted shifters.

Just a question, not a dig on the build. Build looks pretty cool so far.

[mitchlikesbikes]

The harness youre using is OBD1 E36?

Yessir. Plan is if I go turbo in the next year or two I will use a Vipec or similar stand alone that is near plug n play on the OBD1 harness

I'm a little curious on a build of this level why you did not just go to a body mounted shifter like UUC / BW or the even better elevated tower shifters like CAE / Samsonas?

They are so much more machine like than the carrier mounted shifters.

Just a question, not a dig on the build. Build looks pretty cool so far.

I would have liked to do this and may still someday, but budget was a major constraint. I got the engine, trans, and a few other swap components through a trade deal with a friend so this swap (and everything else I had to buy myself to finish it) was never really planned for or budgeted so I've been doing what I can without spending more than I should to finish it up right. I was always very happy with my fully rebuilt shifter I had on my previous trans setup with a DSSR and Z4 2.5 lever, so I'm hoping this trans will feel just as crisp as the last one did. All in all I will be like $150 and some fab time in this shifter vs $470+ the cost of a dssr for the IRP shifter that I would like to have.

[2mAn]

I loved the PMC shifter on the Aluminum Monster.

This go-round Im trying to keep it as silky smooth as I can get the OEM feel.

The solid stuff is definitely for the "fun" car and less for the daily car IMO

[mitchlikesbikes]

I loved the PMC shifter on the Aluminum Monster.

This go-round Im trying to keep it as silky smooth as I can get the OEM feel.

The solid stuff is definitely for the "fun" car and less for the daily car IMO

Yeah I mean I'm already running ltw flywheel, solid engine and trans mounts, all solid suspension bushings, and fairly stiff GCs so it's not going to be very daily driver friendly when I'm done anyway. But yeah I was really happy with my old OEM+ setup so if this can at least match that in crispness and slop I'll be happy for a while.

[spiDmang]

Awesome build! I missed it along the way, but what trans are you using?

[mitchlikesbikes]

Awesome build! I missed it along the way, but what trans are you using?

Thank you!

The trans is a ZF gs6-37bz from an e46 330i

[ba114]

also, anyone reading this who has done a 24v swap, how did you mount your diagnostic port and engine harness relays? i tried to find mounting brackets on realoem but couldn't find anything. i sold my m20 relay bracket with the engine so i no longer have that and i'd like to mount them somewhere on the passenger side near the firewall. maybe i'll have to hit the junkyard this weekend and see if i can find brackets of some sort.

Didn't browse your thread, if your using m3 covers, has provisions for the relays to sit there, if not, try the fuse box where the auxiliary fuse box is?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Diag port in original location works fine.
All my relays are also in the stock location. Shouldnt have got rid of that part...

[mitchlikesbikes]

Diag port in original location works fine.
All my relays are also in the stock location. Shouldnt have got rid of that part...

yours all appears to be different due to RHD and other factors. the original location for the diag port on my car was at the front d/s of the engine near the AFM. your relays are in a different spot than mine were from factory too.

[spiDmang]

Thank you!

The trans is a ZF gs6-37bz from an e46 330i

Very nice! I'll need to look into that trans. Im sure it's alot cheaper than the G420 from the E46 M3?

[mitchlikesbikes]

Very nice! I'll need to look into that trans. Im sure it's alot cheaper than the G420 from the E46 M3?

i'm not sure actually, i didn't buy it. basically i traded my WRX to a friend for cash + the m50, 6 speed, UUC clutch and some other swap parts. i think the transmissions go for like 500-1000 depending on where you get it unless you got lucky and found one at a cheap junkyard.

i do know that most people consider this trans to be superior to the getrag in the e46 m3. the input shaft has more splines (can't remember how many) and it also has a dual front mount for the shift carrier so it has less slop even with standard rubber bushings. i've also heard this trans is smoother and more appealing to use but i can't say for sure as i havent driven an e46 m3 and 6spd 330i at the same time to compare. this ZF also came behind an s54 just like the getrag, but only in the z4 M.


here's a photo of all of my stuff ready for powder. reinforced subframe, custom trans mount, GC converted strut housings, and sway bar brackets. i'm trying to decide if i should go boring black or something cool like purple for these components. the general nature of the build is sort of subtle but i think on somewhat hidden parts like this a better "pop" color might be cool.

[MCreally?]

there is some nice fabrication going into this build. Are there 5 lug plans for the build?

[mitchlikesbikes]

there is some nice fabrication going into this build. Are there 5 lug plans for the build?

Thanks! I tossed it around but it would involve too many compromises since I already have big brakes and suspension built around the 4 lug setup. Plus I don't mind the 4 lug wheel selection available, most people are unsatisfied but I'm fine with cheap rep wheels made for hondas and VWs until I can afford something really nice and/or custom in 4 lug someday

[jeenyus]

purple sounds cool. Did you have someone fix the strut housing local in SLC?

[mitchlikesbikes]

purple sounds cool. Did you have someone fix the strut housing local in SLC?

i did them myself. i didn't shorten them though. if i would have needed to i probably would have found someone with a bandsaw i could use for that. i just chopped off the stock/shit spring perches with my peanut grinder and welded the gc perches on.