Going from auto to manual in a 323. What gearbox can i use?

[Matto323]

Hi all. I have an 1983 e30 323 that i want to change from auto to manual. What other bmw's can i get a gearbox from? Anything with a m20 motor? Also will need a flywheel, clutch, pedal box, clutch master/slave/line and tailshaft. Can these be sourced from another bmw if a e30 manual isnt available at the local wreckers? Thanks

[aimlessrock]

unsure about a 323 but you can use a box from a 320I- the 240 box is supposed to provide good ratio from what i have read.

where are you bassed?

[Brianmoooore]

240 box from a 320 or 260 box from a 325 can be used, along with matching gear lever linkage and propshaft.
You will need all that you list, plus a spigot bearing to push into the end of the crankshaft, gearbox crossmember, clutch fluid reservoir and mounting bracket, bracket that holds the rear end of the gearchange linkage and reverse light loom.
Pedal box is the same, and it's possible to change the brake pedal and add the clutch pedal, but it's easier to change the whole thing.
Second hand parts can be used, but the spigot bearing should be new, and it would be advisable to fit new clutch components as well. If you use second hand master and clutch cylinders, don't be surprised if they fail shortly after you start using them.

[Matto323]

So when u say a box from a 325 can that be any 325 running a m20 motor?

Btw im based in south australia

[Brianmoooore]

So when u say a box from a 325 can that be any 325 running a m20 motor?

As in not from an E30? Probably, but the gear linkage with it stands a good chance of not being suitable.
Just thought of another problem. If your car has crankshaft sensors mounted in the gearbox bell housing, then you'll need a replacement 'box that takes these and a flywheel with the indexing pin, or will have to convert to a later Motronic system using a sensor off of the crankshaft nose pulley.

[Matto323]

Ok so i have a chance to get all the manual parts from a 320i. Will the gearbox, prop shaft fit to my 323i? I understand this will be a 240 gearbox. Are they good enough to withstand a mild 2.3 turbo setup?

[Brianmoooore]

Never used one myself, but many on here have used 240s with M52B28 conversions without problems (AFAIK). 323i propshaft is probably too short. 260 box is longer than the 240, so the 260 prop is shorter than the 240.