E36 M3 gearbox

[Cooper87]

Hi,

Was after a little guidance has anyone ever used the 6 speed box from a E36 M3 for the M50 swap?

I'm in the process of doing a M50 swap, the engine I'm using is from from an E34 auto, and as my car was originally an 316 auto a few weeks ago began hunting for a manual gearbox for my conversion when I came across a E36 M3 6 speed box at a good price which I bought without hesitation. However there's no mention in the http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... _M5x#Servo guide about using this box, so was wondering if anyone's tried this before, if so what flywheel, starter, clutch, and propshaft was used? Any help would be really appreciated.

Cheers

[nickso]

You will need to think about the diff too. I'm using the gearbox off my e36 donor, only a 5spd though. I'm using e30 m3 diff and prop. M20 starter clutch and lightened flywheel.

[Motorhole]

Yep, will need a diff somewhere around 2.93 - 3.25 if using the E36 6-speed. I'd guess you also need the prop from the E36 M3 too.

[nickso]

6spd maybe has the same output flange as the 5spd.....worth checking.

[jmc330i]

Yep, will need a diff somewhere around 2.93 - 3.25 if using the E36 6-speed. I'd guess you also need the prop from the E36 M3 too.

Not exactly.
The E36 M3 5spd box needs a diff at around those ratios - I found the 3.15:1 from a Z3M to be perfect for a road car. The E36 M3 prop is no good, the E30 M3 prop is a straight fit, or the E36 328i prop with an E30 centre bearing I think.

With the E36 M3 6spd box, the usual E30 ratios will be fine. From memory, the 3.64:1 is a good compromise for a road car.

Propshaft wise for the 6spd box, you will need a custom front section. I seem to remember Ian332isport on here used a shortened E36 front section and standard E30 rear - recoprop did the work IIRC. Have a search for Ian332isport and S50 and his threads should pop up.

You will also need a custom/modded E30 gearbox crossmember, I can't remember what gear linkage is needed.

[Cooper87]

Thanks for the help, I was hoping the 328 prop with the centre bearing of the e30 would fit, but ill have to try it and see. If not keep might opt to switch to a different gearbox to keep things more straight forward and costs down. I hadn't got as far as thinking about diff ratios so that's something to bear in mind as well I suppose. Was also hoping to use M20 clutch and flywheel but need to check it will match up to gearbox input shaft. All good fun.

[randomspeedfreak]

how strong is the E36 M3 6 speed? weaker than the 5 speed?

what are their respective ZF numbers?

Cheers,
Matt

[jmc330i]

Thanks for the help, I was hoping the 328 prop with the centre bearing of the e30 would fit, but ill have to try it and see.

E36 328i prop will only fit with the 5spd box - the 6spd box is a different length.

If not keep might opt to switch to a different gearbox to keep things more straight forward and costs down. I hadn't got as far as thinking about diff ratios so that's something to bear in mind as well I suppose.

Recoprop charged just over £100 for altering my mates prop for his 6spd S50 conversion. That was a few years ago, so prices may of gone up by now.
You've already got the 6spd box, so its just a bit of fab work for the crossmember - I'm sure there is pics on here somewhere.
If you change to an E36 5spd, you will be looking at £350+ for an LSD with an appropriate ratio.

Was also hoping to use M20 clutch and flywheel but need to check it will match up to gearbox input shaft. All good fun.

I think the M20 flywheel and clutch should be fine with the E36 M3 6spd box.


The M3 5spd is a strong box, apparently the 6spd is weaker and not easy/cheap to rebuild.

[nickso]

M3 5spd is the same as a 328i 5spd isn't it?

[jmc330i]

Yes, the same ZF box.

[HairyScreech]

The 6 speed is not "weaker" it can actually handle more in gear torque, the trouble is the syncros do not like hard use and when they are gone their gone.
Rebuilds are possible but parts are really hare to get hold of and few places will touch them.

On the plus side I have a good m3 6 speed box available if anyone needs one, car used to belong to a stoner that was scared to death of it so the box has lived a charmed life but will be getting swapped for a 328 box for track use.

[dusty23]

The 6 speed is not "weaker" it can actually handle more in gear torque, the trouble is the syncros do not like hard use and when they are gone their gone.
Rebuilds are possible but parts are really hare to get hold of and few places will touch them.

On the plus side I have a good m3 6 speed box available if anyone needs one, car used to belong to a stoner that was scared to death of it so the box has lived a charmed life but will be getting swapped for a 328 box for track use.

How much do you want for the box?