My very first E30

[swali]

Hey guys,

Bought this the other day (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT)it's a beast! The 3.5ltr engine transplant has this baby humming all kinds of noise! The only thing I've noticed driving it back on the motor way other than the first gear being absolutely useless the gear box may still be the stock 320i one. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do, prob gear ratio change or totally different gearbox etc.. Any suggestions?

[Duke137]

Sounds like the diff ratio needs changing. Do you know what diff is on it?

[swali]

Nope. How can I tell? Needs an air filter any have an air filter for a 3.5ltr straight?*

[Duke137]

Nope. How can I tell? Needs an air filter any have an air filter for a 3.5ltr straight?*

the ratio will be embossed on the diff casing but why don't you just ring/text the previous owner as he'll probably know!

Some of the lads on here will be able to advise ratio's etc.

Willnz is pretty good with this stuff, he told me that the 320i box is an "overdrive box" so you might need to change if it is that but am guessing you would have an M30 gear box?

Doesn't seem too bad a buy for £1500 by the way.

One last thing, reduce the size of your avatar pic if you can because the mods will remove it for being too big.....

[swali]

Thanks mate.. What would I change it to. Sorry for all the questions (newbie) I don't have much mechanical knowledge.

[swali]

The seller says to the best of his knowledge the diff ratio is 3.64... Does that mean anything? What should it be?

[nickso]

it will be using the m30 box.

best diff ratio i had on mine was 3.46, went like a rocket and wasn't bad for top end either. 3.64 is a bit of a compromise.

nice looking car BTW, love lazer blue.

[swali]

it will be using the m30 box.

best diff ratio i had on mine was 3.46, went like a rocket and wasn't bad for top end either. 3.64 is a bit of a compromise.

Will that bring down the revs? How can I change this is it something I can do or will it need a mechanics touch?

[pnd]

hard to find a 3:46 and yes you want a mechanic to change the diff its not that easy or pleasant.

[nickso]

yeh 3.46 isn't exactly dropping off trees but well worth the search.

[swali]

hard to find a 3:46 and yes you want a mechanic to change the diff its not that easy or pleasant.

So does that mean I have to buy a new gearbox or just have the ratio changed?

[pnd]

you ideally need a 3:46 ratio differential which will make it less revvy but like I said they are hard to find so just enjoy it with the 3:64 for now others seem to get on fine with it though like you say first is superfluous.

[Speedtouch]

It's unlikely to have the original 320i gearbox, because it was an automatic!

Many 320i and 325i's had the 3.64 diff as standard. This Wiki guide gives some pointers.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ferentials

[swali]

It's unlikely to have the original 320i gearbox, because it was an automatic!

Many 320i and 325i's had the 3.64 diff as standard. This Wiki guide gives some pointers.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ferentials

Thanx dude.