Getrag or ZF box in m52 swap?

[johnmaccow]

Just had look at my box il be using in the m52 swap and noticed its a Getrag, checked the numbers online and comes back as getrag 250, think I remember reading it is about 20mm shorter than zf box.
Is this right? Ihave a e30 M3 prop to use,m20 flywheel and clutch as well but will it work?
If not what are my options? Anyone know?

[rich318i]

you need to have the same prop that came with that gearbox. thats what everyone says

[johnmaccow]

Cheers mate, wonder if I can change output thing on back of box that prop bolts too? Know people normally use front half of prop from 328i, I got the M3 prop as its aparently a straight fit?

[jmc330i]

The E30 M3 prop is a straight fit if you're using the 5spd E36 M3/328i ZF box. The E36 328i prop can also be used with an E30 centre bearing fitted.

What car did your gearbox come from?

[johnmaccow]

I dont know mate, my engine is a m52 and was supposed to be the matching box, only when I was cleaning it the other day I noticed it had GETRAG on the side, I will check the numbers on it in the morning and let you know mate.

[johnmaccow]

Right the box has GETRAG on the side and I can find the following numbers on it,
220.0.0225.96 220.0.0223.94 1.221.933.9 1.222.223.9.
Anyone know what the bloody thing is and if it will work with the m52 and m3 prop? Also are its ratios different to the zf box?
Cheers lads, John

[DanThe]

Getrag box wont work with an E30 M3 prop
Probably an early M50 box, same ratios as the later ZF but the output flange/donut is a smaller diameter, E30 320i prop should bolt straight up to it

[johnmaccow]

Cheers mate, will try to get one then prob sell the m3 prop, but at the same time it may come in handy later on.
Hopefully be in touch soon about ECU remap Dan, finally getting motivated and getting it done

[jmc330i]

The M3 prop should sell, although it may be worth keeping hold of depending on your plans.

I might have a 320i prop here. Just been given a rotten touring, but not sure if its 320i or 325i yet. Picking it up later today, so will let you know.

[johnmaccow]

Brillliant mate, just want bloody thing on road finally at mo.
Have read the getrag boxes are not as strong as zf, is this true and what linkage am I going to need now? Got nearly all my bits ready for conversion now

[jmc330i]

They aren't as strong no, but unless you're looking at turboing the M52 you shouldn't have a problem.

Sorry, I can't remember what gear linkage I used off the top of my head.

[johnmaccow]

What you running mate? Is it m52 with 330i crank and pistons? Thats what my plans are for it and go for lightness, have fibreglass bonnet and looking at bootlid and shedding more weight, have shell of dash and 2 cloth sport seats as interior .

[jmc330i]

No mate. Was an S50, but I sold the engine a while back. Currently planning my next conversion, but it probably won't be a 3.0ltr - or happening any time soon

Good plan with lightness, I would of loved to have the S50 in a stripped out car.
I'd keep hold of the M3 prop with the plans you have, a change to the ZF box might be needed.

[johnmaccow]

Got the prop for very good price mate so owes me nothing and think might be handy to have. Keeping the outside looking like standard basic bronzit on tsw bbs reps and 40mm drop. Then its just a plain old tidy bmw 318i

[jmc330i]

Sleeper look is definitely the way to go
I kept the 325i badge with the S50 conversion, even kept the standard sized tailpipes. The only give away to any changes were the 5 series wheels, but only because I never got tyres for the 16" BBS wheels.

My 318i touring will stay looking standard, whether it gets a 16v or 24v conversion.

[jmc330i]

Sorry mate, touring turned out to be a 325i, so I don't have a prop for you.

[johnmaccow]

No probs mate , got few other bits to do first so not in a mad rush, whats the exhaust like on the 325i? Il be on the hunt for one soon, are touring exhausts same as coupe?

[jmc330i]

Exhausts are the same between touring and saloon, this one is ear marked for my car, sorry

[johnmaccow]

Just wondering if its worth getting a zf box before I put engine and box in to save doing it later, will have to find prop anyway so thinking might make sense just to find zf box now as have prop from m3. Need engine mounts and to swap sumps before I put it in anyway

[johnmaccow]

Anyone know if a 318i prop is same as 320i prop?
The getrag 250 box I have is meant to have the same gearing as the ZF box so going to stick with it til it dies then buy a zf box.
Might sell the M3 prop I have