gearbox?

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moggie
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Post Sun Mar 24, 2013 9:31 pm

am i reading right that the standard e30 sport gearbox bolts straight to the m50/m52 engines?
ross_jsy
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Post Sun Mar 24, 2013 9:42 pm

Yes, you need to modify the crossmember and linkage though as it sits at a different angle.
magpie
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Post Sun Mar 24, 2013 9:45 pm

it will bolt on using only the large bolts but you have to modify the g/box mount bracket and the gear shifter arm .

Image

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the m20 box sits very close to the tunnel ,when i bought my m50 conversion it had an m20 box stuck on it with the parts above modified to fit.Needless to say i sold those parts and fitted an m40 gearbox instead although the 318is box is much more preferred as they take more stick ...it just so happens i have a good 318is g/box for sale if interested :)
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m52 b30 stroker 6-speed 318is Galvanizer
m42 touring
+ a yard full of scrap turds :)
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moggie
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Post Mon Mar 25, 2013 7:16 am

i see,lots of options,which would you say is best for turbo applications?
ross_jsy
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Post Mon Mar 25, 2013 10:05 am

M20 box is rated for more torque but they should all be ok. What power levels/use are you planning?
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moggie
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Post Mon Mar 25, 2013 7:25 pm

no less than 400hp,i was going to to do an m52b28 but reading the wiki it says to stay away from them for turbo applications due to the alloy head,so im going to start building an m50 shortly ready to drop in next winter,that way i can still use the car this summer to get to some meets,[325 sport by the way],im hoping to do it for around 4000ish,ive already done the suspension and brakes so engine money is engine money :D
magpie
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Post Mon Mar 25, 2013 7:53 pm

i've got an m50 with m42 g/box if interested in those,the engine is in my car at the moment.
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m52 b30 stroker 6-speed 318is Galvanizer
m42 touring
+ a yard full of scrap turds :)
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moggie
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Post Mon Mar 25, 2013 7:59 pm

i will give you a shout when im looking to buy or should i say when ive made space in my garage im having a good clear out before i start building engines
ross_jsy
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Post Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:05 pm

I would personally be going with the m20 box, it's rated for more torque and is the one I used on my m50 conversion with plans of a turbo down the line. It's also the box you see a lot of m20/m50 turbo conversions using with a fair whack of power.

Alternatively e36 zf boxes are really strong, but that will require a different prop/diff
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moggie
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Post Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:14 pm

if the m20 is sufficient i will use it seen as tho i already have one :)
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moggie
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Post Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:20 pm

m20 box that is