E36 M3 GEARBOX NEEDED

[ALS M3]

Im after a 6spd man m3 gearbox and just wondered if anybody on here might have 1 !!

i have a bodged converted smg to manual with no detent springs and a really heavy clutch! im not sure how to go about getting or fitting the springs so was just going to swap the box! what you think people ?? or can anybody fit me the springs and know why the clutch is heavy ? will i need a new clutch or other parts ??

cheers guys

[MarkwG]

Have you driven a different car, though? Evos always get stick for heavy clutches with a low biting point; my wife would rather walk in the rain than drive mine (& since I prefer her with attractive lady-legs, rather than a left leg twice the size of the right, that suits me fine!). It's been the same for over 100k - so a replacement may well be the same & not improve your situation.

[TheEnd]

You can change to the less problematic 5 speed from the M3 3.0, same gearbox used on the 328 so plenty and cheap compared to the 6 speeder.
M3 3.0 longer prop needed too.
Gear ratios are very close, with 6th on the 3.2 being an overdrive, both 5th gears are 1:1.

[ALS M3]

No i haven't been in another evo yet but although it kills my left leg in traffic im used to the clutch now and can live with it. need to sort the gearbox out though and have been considering the 5 spd,i can get 1 local for £95 so might get that and try and get the sprigs fitted to the 6spd while its out.

iv been told the box's are the same ratio but someone else told me people put the 5 spd box in mainly for track days and that the ratios are quit a bit different, was told it wld be quicker but use more juice!! i dont have a clue lol

have been offered a 6spd with 100k on £500 delivered or the 5 spd £95 lol !!

[TheEnd]

The ratios are essentially the same, they are used on track because they are smaller and lighter, cheaper, and the 6th gear overdrive isn't needed anyway.

[ALS M3]

will the 328 prop do the job or does it need to be the 3L m3 ?

should i be looking for a used prop or can you stil get them new and cheap enough and will i need any other parts ?? donut , new gasget or anything before i start the job ??

Edited by ALS M3 on Friday 7th January 22:04

[buggalugs]

I saw quite a detailed thread by some bloke who did an SMG to manual conversion on one of those boxes with the little springs for neutral and all that. Think it was on the e30zone engine swap section of all places!

[TheEnd]

You may be able to mix and match, but you wouldn't be able to use a 328 prop unless you swap the input flange on the diff.

The gearboxes are the same, same big donut, but the M3 diff had a 6 bolt CV join, and the 328s etc had a 4 bolt UJ.
The flanges can be swapped on the diffs though.

[sniff diesel]

TheEnd said:

The flanges can be swapped on the diffs though.

On a 3 litre yes, just go for a 4 bolt flange off any medium casing diff. But I can't think of any large casing diff that uses a 4 bolt flange?

[TheEnd]

sniff diesel said:

TheEnd said:

The flanges can be swapped on the diffs though.

On a 3 litre yes, just go for a 4 bolt flange off any medium casing diff. But I can't think of any large casing diff that uses a 4 bolt flange?

correct, I had a custom prop made up, 6 bolt CV, and the little 325 box front flange.
Maybe I did see someone say they could still swap the 3.2 front flange, but I can't quite remember, so don't count on it. I'm not a fan of self swapping them, they have certain special torque requirements and crush washers/tubes.

[ALS M3]

cheers for your advice guys, i ended up getting a 6 speed box yesterday. only problem is the who's going to swap me the box hasnt done an m3 before and is worried that the ecu might not accept the man box with the car origionally being an smg!! anyone know about this ?? will i have to swap anything else or is it just a straight forward gearbox swap ??

got a nice set of vader seats aswell so looking forward to getting it all together.

cheers again guys