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Another shot in the dark, gearboxes again!

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:07 pm
by Turbo-Brown
It's pretty unlikely I know, but can anyone tell me if an E36 M3 Evo 'box will fit onto an E30 325i engine, and then up into the transmission tunnel.

Just a thought really as I'm gonna need a decent 'box when I finish of my turbo motor and I've got one kicking about that I'm not gonna need for a while :?

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:14 pm
by Brianmoooore
Don't know about clutch components and prop shaft, but, since an E30 325 box will fit a M50 engine, then I think the answer is probably yes.
It will sit at an angle though, and cause problems with the gear linkage.

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:17 pm
by greg325
the box will fit the M20 , as a belgium freind has fitted the 6speed 3L2 on his 325i , but he had to get the hole proper shaft rebuilt to corect lengh and balanced.
and had to make a special gear lever linkage systeme mixt between the E30 and E36 ...
so awnser is yes it all be fitable , but expensif.... :(

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:19 am
by schmick325
There at least 5 fully built Turbo M20 E30's running around NSW in Australia with standard boxes and 8 bolt diffs, no problems so far. Rated 380bhp

www.bavariacars.com.au

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:16 am
by Turbo-Brown
Hey now that is interesting!

Will probably just keep my eyes peeled for a good 325-sport 'box if they're up to the task, just like the idea of a 6-speed transmission.

Last time I enquired, prop-shaft shortening was only about Ԛ£40 or Ԛ£50 and I'm handy enough on the machines so the linkage shouldn't be a problem :)

Anyone know what the ratios for the Evo 'box are?

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 11:20 am
by SeamanStaines
The better way of doing it is to use an E30 M3 gearbox (or E28 M535i, 635CSi) and use a bellhousing/clutch for a 1982 model USA 528e. This allows you to bolt up the stronger 265 Getrag 'box to an M20. The 6 Speed M3 E36 gearbox is okay, but there are no parts available to rebuild them when the syncros fail (and they will).
The bellhousing is best bought new from BMW, if you can still buy it.

The standard 240 gearbox from thje 318i will withstand 250-300 bhp in a well modded 2002 Turbo!