Gearbox confusion

[andyborris]

Advice needed please, I'm fitting a M62 3.5 and after having read through the forum, I'm confused on gearbox options!
I'd like a 5 speed with overdrive top, so which box bolts up to a V8? Any E39 manual box or only the ones from a V8 car? And how about E34 boxes, can I use those?
Local to me (and in my very small budget!) are a E34 525TD box, a E36 525 box or one from a E28 525E, is one of these any use?
Can I use a 4 cylinder box, they seem to be at bargain prices!
And am I right in thinking that M3 boxes have a 1;1 direct top gear?

Thanks

Andy

[Jonsku]

Direct bolt-ons are only V8 boxes (M60 and M62 (and S62) boxes are the same), as they've much bigger "clutch bell" than their 6-cylinder counterparts.

Basically the 5-speed V8 box has the same parts inside than e.g. E36 M3 box, but the casing is larger.

[andyborris]

Thanks, all clear now, just got to find a V8 box!

Andy

[andyborris]

Wonder where the best place to source a V8 box is, UK or Germany?

And if anyone has transplated a V8 auto bellhousing onto a more common 6 cylinder box? Or is the auto bellhousing the wrong shape to take a V8 clutch?

Andy

[glenn]

if your using the m62 engine, ideally you would need the manual gearbox from an e39. as the m62 gearboxes have the crank position sensor mounted in the bellhousing. whereas the e34 (m60) engines/gearboxes have the sensor at the front of the engine.

[HairyScreech]

Wonder where the best place to source a V8 box is, UK or Germany?

And if anyone has transplated a V8 auto bellhousing onto a more common 6 cylinder box? Or is the auto bellhousing the wrong shape to take a V8 clutch?

Andy

we have been looking at doing similar for a while, but with work and uni things havent moved much in that department.