E30 Zone

Has anyone actually tried a lower ratio diff on an M40 1.6?

The numbers say that dropping from a 4.27 to a 3.73 would take 500 RPM off cruising speed in 5th, which would be good: 70 @ 3000RPM.

In fact, all speeds in all gears look less frantic. First is way too short as it is, so any slight increase there wouldn't make take-offs too difficult.

I know it'd dull acceleration, but would it be better as a daily driver?

but would it be better as a daily driver?

how do you drive on a 316 i would have though all you having going for you is acceleration

why not make a quick accelerating 316 rather than making it slower

Ya, but to be honest, Even at 4.45 on 50profile tryes, it's not going to rip the ground from underneath it, is it?

I'd agree in that 1st feels crazy short on a 316.

I'd go for the 4.1 if you have a 4.27. It'll make drifting way more fun too if thats your boat since you will be able to hold 1st longer rather than having to pull 2nd half way across the road

I'll swap you a 4.1 if it's a 4.27 or 4.45

a 3.73 will make it a road block!

4.1 is as low as I'd go...

Suppose if all I was ever doing is motorway driving a 3.91 would be ok, but god help me if I wanted to overtake any quick trucks, lol.

Thanks guys!

I know there's more to it (engine speed vs torque @ the crank not being flat for one), but assuming you're in a relatively flat mid-band and within 500RPM on either diff, wouldn't dropping 4.27 to 3.73 only mean a decrease of about 14% wheel torque for a given road speed and gear?

I suppose it must kill something other than the 0-60 time though, otherwise they'd probably be like that from the factory for the sake of MPG and engine lifetime.

Still hoping that someone's actually tried it to hear first hand...

4.1 wouldnt be so bad, but I doubt it would pull away with a 3.73

Sher why not try each diff and see which one you like best???

It wouldn't take long to swapping them in and out if they are all the same casing...