differential & gearbox

[suzie650]

Hi zoners!

I wanted some info about the differences between a 5 speed and a 6 speed gearbox for an S50B32 swap. Does it make any big difference? I thought the 6 speed might be easier to source (directly with the engine) and slightly more painful to fit (custom mounts and propshaft, if I'm right?). But is it worth the hassle?

And what diff do you use to put the phat power to the road? 3.2? 3.4? Could you also tell me about the average costs for these?

Thanks!
Seb

[Brianmoooore]

From what I've read, the six speed is big, heavy, expensive and unnecessary.

[suzie650]

Hum...
Did I badly overestimate the number of these swaps on the forum, or does the information stand elsewhere

[Gunni]

5 speed lover the 3.25, I had it and it was great

[e30_Turbo]

Hum...
Did I badly overestimate the number of these swaps on the forum, or does the information stand elsewhere

There are two evo engined e30's on the zone, Buster and Ian332i.

Ians conversion is the longest finished and Busters is a few months old now.

IIRC Alex, (turbobrown) has a 3.2 evo lump in his care but I don't think it's gonna end up in a e30. Dips has a V12 e30 with the 6 speed box, he maybe able to help you.

HTH, Mark.

[DanThe]

Depends on your driving really. I have an M50B25/box with a 3.25 diff, for me the gearing is too high at cruising speeds, although the acceleration is nice
At 3000 rpm im doing an indicated 70mph which in reality is more like 65mph, ive bought an E46 6 speed box with 0.83 overdrive 6th which should bring the rpm down 500 revs

As I understand it, the only modding needed to fit the E36 6 speed is the prop

[suzie650]

Thanks for all that information!!!

[Jhonno]

And a custom mount

Plus it isnt as strong and they cant easily be rebuilt

[DanThe]

Oh yes, custom mount, just like I need