Track car + DD question

[craz azn]

IIRC, the 318s Getrag 240 could be used with the original transmission brace as it sits at the correct angle with the M5x engine, whereas the 325s Getrag 260 needs to have a custom brace made to deal with the additional angle as well as having the shift linkage tweaked for it to fit. Not sure on driveshafts with the 318 trans though.

There is nothing wrong with using either trans for the swap though. A 260 will easily handle the power you can throw at it... A 240 will take an S52 for awhile, but you'd have to be careful with it. My actual personal preference is for the 260 though. I might swap one back into my E30 because I hate the E36 getrag that is in there currently. I feel the Getrag 260 communicates much better, even though it is slow and clunky to shift in comparison.

[richie_s999]

The only thing on the 318 is the small case diff, which should be good to 250-300hp, lots of people run the small case diff with no problems though

If its a small case LSD as its harder to find you can sell for the same or more then a medium, so it's a wash on price.

Like said before, go for a solid shell, anything beyond structural parts are easily changed and parts are not overly expensive.

I'm running the m20 this season, and maybe next, after I get the suspension, and cage in, I am planning on a 302 v8 swap. All parts $3000 and should have 350hp at wheels natural aspirated.

[voluted]

M42 driveshafts don't work for that swap. Also, the small case diff won't last long on even a stock M50.

[poleposition]

Thanks for all the responses so far. I went with car 2. The body was in similar shape for both, needing some rust work, but for my budget any e30 would. But car two had a lot more in terms of maintenance records. I wanted to find the cheapest E30 that was in decent shape so I would have money left over for the mods I want to do. It does require some engine tune-up, but I just ordered every part I could think of for a good tune up and wasnt too bad. I know part costs add up. For now I just want to fix all the wear items and have some fun


richie_s999 - Thats along the lines of what I want to do. Purists may not like it but an american v8 seems like the best bang for buck, and a lot of people have done it and its well documented. If I go this route the tranny, driveshaft, diff cant be used anyway.

[Yamahammer]

Cool! lets see some pics

[poleposition]

Yes most definitely, as soon as I fix up a few things and give it a wash!

Ive searched for this but couldn't find anything solid on Max. Where do you guys buy your parts from? Any local shops or is online my best bet? Looking to replace the rotors/pads asap. Any brands you recommend for street use?

[Yamahammer]

For oem parts there are many places such as:

Bluntech: http://blunttechclassic.com/

Just email them

Bimmerspecialist: http://www.bimmerspecialist.com/

pelican parts: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/index.htm

As far as brakes go, for street use, people typically use Hawk HPS pads, and then you can use the Brembo or Zimmerman oe blank rotors.

http://www.autopartsway.ca/

This place sells HPS pads for about 90 a set with free shipping. They also have brembo blanks for about 50 a piece.

[poleposition]

Thanks for all the help so far, we have a great community here.

As promised here are a few pics I bought it from a Max member so may look familar to some of you.

[Yamahammer]

Nice plates!

[Ryan1212]

Looks good!