E30 and compatible Diffs for Dummies?

[delamaize]

OK, so I am at work, and for some reason, the search feature doesn't work on this computer. can anyone point me in the direction of a thread that talks about diffs, ratios, E30 compatible diffs, and such. I'm starting to research and look for a diff for the M60 build, I want to start on my rear subframe soon....

[Rennsport]

Here's pretty much all you need to know about diffs:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Differential

[djjerme]

Short answer:

Diffs that will fit an E30 with little to no modification:

E36 318ti
Z3

The ratio's available are all across the board. There are two different size cases that were used in the E30's so be aware when you are looking at an "E30" diff.

With that in mind, you can swap the internals from many different non-E30 cases in to an E30 case as long as it's the same center section.

For example, on our PRO3 cars we are using 1.9 Z3 diffs (4.27 ratio) with LSD's robbed from other E30 and a couple E36 LSD diffs. The interal dimension are the same, you just need to check the pinion depth and pattern once you get it back together.

Like I said, over simplified, but will get you the basics to go on.

[delamaize]

Thanks guys, I'm going to get reading on that first link.

I'm begining to think I may have to assemble a LSD myself to get what I want. I have a '87 Eta right now, so I think it's a 2.93 open. But with the M60 + Getreg 420g swap, I think that I'm going to need between a 3.10 and 3.30 ratio to keep the revs where I want it. So that leaves me with the 3.15, 3.23 and 3.25, which from what I understand, are all pretty much unicorns.....

[ajhostetter]

3.15, 3.23 and 3.25, which from what I understand, are all pretty much unicorns.....

What kind of budget are you working with? Haoming (Wanganstyle) on here builds nice diffs. I think I paid ~$1100 for a 3.15 torsen. A clutch type diff would've been ~$1500.00.

[delamaize]

What kind of budget are you working with? Haoming (Wanganstyle) on here builds nice diffs. I think I paid ~$1100 for a 3.15 torsen. A clutch type diff would've been ~$1500.00.

Yeah, as awesome it would be, I don't have the budget to drop $1000 on a diff.