M52 gearbox options?

Post Fri Dec 10, 2010 5:59 pm

Im doing an M52B28 swap into a 1990 318is. I have a ZF 5sp box out of the 328i donor, but i also have an M42 box. I was under the impression that using the M42 G/B was the easier option.
I was planning on using the e30 320i gear linkage and prop when using the M42 box, as opposed to heating and bending the linkage on the 328 box?

As i have a 328i prop already, Im wondering if Id be better of using the 328 ZF box over the M42, and doing the bending trick, or is there a better option for linkage? is the box that much better than the M42 one?

are there any other issues with fitting the 328 box, such as gearbox mounts.

sorry if this is a repost,any help would be hugely appreciated, Im kind of learing as Im going.
Thanks, Josh.

.

Post Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:42 pm

my bad, just looked at the sticky, even if anyone could recommend the 328 box over the m42?

Post Sat Dec 11, 2010 6:25 am

I'm doing the same conversion atm .
I'm going with the m40 box and a 320 prop as i have it sitting.
From what i have read your better going with an m42 box and a 325 prop .
Personally i wouldnt bother with the 328 box as its just more work tbh

Post Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:03 pm

i used the m52 'box as i figured it could take more abuse, i have nothing to back that up right enough.

does the m52 prop fit? or do you have to use the m20 rear part and m52 front to fit the larger m52 'box flange? i used an m3 prop as i found one cheap enough.

remember also the m52 'box case is supposedly a bit larger and some have reported the clutch slave cylinder is difficult to access. mine was tight but not impossible.

Post Sat Dec 11, 2010 1:32 pm

The M52 ZF box is a tough box and this same box is used in the 3ltr E36 M3. The main hassle is getting a corresponding diff ratio E30 diff. The only off the shelf swap in diff which is mainly available is the 3.25 E30 M3 diff otherwise the usual E30 diff ratios will have it revving the fanny off at motorway speeds.

You can get the E36 diff internals built into E30 casing I believe, but it will cost you a fair bit.

As you have the M42 gearbox already I would stick with that and use a 325 prop and 3.64 diff or 3.73. Use M20 flywheel, starter motor and clutch with 320 gear linkages and it's all plug & play with no mods needed other than shaving a bit of metal off the end of the sump casting near the flywheel.

Post Sat Dec 11, 2010 2:11 pm

thanks a million for all the replys lads! huge help, i think il stick with the M42 alright, i have two ZF boxes so i might get a few quid for them,

not sure if i fancy hunting around for the correct diff either, a good 3.64 shouldnt be to hard to find

Cheers again!!
when i get everything together, il stick up a thread,
il be back soon for lots more questions!!

thanks again, Josh.