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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: gtatbrissy on June 22, 2010, 02:36:10 AM

Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: gtatbrissy on June 22, 2010, 02:36:10 AM
Hi all
just wanted to know if a e30 325 lsd center fits into the case of a 318is with an open center...
thanks
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: BMWGM42 on June 22, 2010, 09:56:36 AM
no, youre going from a smaller case to a bigger case.  why not just swap the diffs?
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: 1991 E30 M42 on June 22, 2010, 07:13:28 PM
Quote from: BMWGM42;93815
no, youre going from a smaller case to a bigger case.  why not just swap the diffs?


Yes it fits with no modifications, I am running a 3.73 from a 325, they hold more power and you can actually get parts for them. I think a Z3 diff will fit as well.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: jscribble on June 22, 2010, 07:27:59 PM
Good to know. 325 lsd common? I remember reading something about a z3 diff with a different (better?) kind of locker too...
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: Wizard on June 22, 2010, 07:39:51 PM
You can install the entire differential into the 318is but you can not swap internals...The 318is came with a SMALL CASE diff...The 325 uses a MEDIUM CASE diff...
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: deekay on June 23, 2010, 01:05:46 AM
Quote from: 1991 E30 M42;93828
Yes it fits with no modifications, I am running a 3.73 from a 325, they hold more power and you can actually get parts for them. I think a Z3 diff will fit as well.


confirmed, i'm running a z3 torsen diff in my car. had to swap the cover over but it's a bolt-on deal.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: BMWGM42 on June 23, 2010, 02:12:55 AM
Quote from: Wizard;93831
You can install the entire differential into the 318is but you can not swap internals...The 318is came with a SMALL CASE diff...The 325 uses a MEDIUM CASE diff...


thanks, i knew i wasn't wrong...
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: jscribble on June 23, 2010, 09:21:34 AM
Quote from: deekay;93838
confirmed, i'm running a z3 torsen diff in my car. had to swap the cover over but it's a bolt-on deal.


Awesome. Thank you.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: EN318isPDX on June 23, 2010, 01:12:55 PM
I have a medium case LSD that i put in to replace my blown small case (harder to find) 4.10
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: DesktopDave on June 23, 2010, 11:03:56 PM
I replaced my small case open 4.10 too when it started the coffee grinder routine.  Bolt-in swap was pretty easy, just clumsy to lift that heavy medium diff while under the car.  I like the 3.73 I put in, makes the car slower but more driveable in suburban stop-sign hell.  LSD is overrated, but I might go for a Torsen if one comes up.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: jscribble on June 23, 2010, 11:59:24 PM
Are all the z3 diffs torsen?
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: deekay on June 24, 2010, 01:31:15 AM
no, you're gonna be looking for a specific 6cyl based on what ratio you want. the info is out there, but i don't have a link handy. i got mine from Jordan S. @ Lone Star in TX, and he got the ratio i asked for and beat every FS price i've seen on bfc by about $100.

you can either find him on e30tech (username "Stück"), or shoot me a PM and i'll pass along his email addy.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: harvey2 on June 24, 2010, 11:59:10 PM
The most complete info I have found on quick search is this from E30tech:

Good diff. info. in this thread, thanks to the OP for posting his experience. I'll just add that a good source for Torsen diffs. is the non-M Z3s (MZ3s only had clutch packs). Here are the ratios:

Clutch Packs:
Z3 M52 2.8 Manual 3.15
Z3 M52 2.8 Auto 4.10

Torsen units:
Z3 M52tu 2.5 Manual 3.15
Z3 M52tu 2.5 Auto 4.27
Z3 M52tu 2.8 Manual 3.15
Z3 M52tu 2.8 Auto 4.10
Z3 M54 2.5 Manual 3.46
Z3 M54 2.5 Auto 3.64
Z3 M54 3.0 Manual 3.07
Z3 M54 3.0 Auto 3.46

Clutch Packs
Z3 S52 3.2 Manual 3.23
Z3 S54 3.2 Manual 3.15

Info. on the Z3 Torsen on this site: http://www.zvolution.com/documents/0...troduction.pdf

full thread here:http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83982


I've got the 4.27 ratio torsen in my 318.  It is truly great in autocross competition.  You need to force the rear end to stay on the ground by stiffening up the front sway bar as much as you can, that's what works for me.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: jscribble on June 25, 2010, 08:01:03 AM
Awesome info, thank you!
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: no1_jazz on June 25, 2010, 03:19:06 PM
hi there mate i have a 325i motorsport 3.91 LSD in my 31.8is and i can say that it is quicker of the line than the standard 4.10 open diff that i had on there before also top end is reduced using the 3.91LSD you will get more top end out of a 4.10diff to a 3.91.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: jscribble on June 25, 2010, 04:58:05 PM
Actually, just the opposite. 4.1 turns on the input side = 1 output turn, vs 3.91 turns on input side. Top speed would theoretically be increased with the 3.91, but not by much, and only if the car has enough power to push into the wind at 150 ish...  good to know it doesn't murder acceleration though.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: zmannz803 on June 26, 2010, 07:41:17 AM
I got to drive an all stock car with the 3.73 lsd and compared to my 4.10 lsd it just feels like I have a lighter flywheel with my taller gear. Not enough difference to matter in street condition. I felt a little less confidence in my rear end "sticktion" around a turn where the rear is all the way down on the outside. WOT throttle away from a safe public-speed turn feels less spirited. Just needs a for more ponies to go with it if you ask me.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: Warsteiner on June 26, 2010, 07:55:25 AM
I can tell you right now that if you had a real measuring device that you would be very intrigued. The 3.73 will be slower off the line and have more run out on top end. The 4.10 will be faster off the line and will not have the top speed of a 3.73 or a 3.91. The 4.27 will be even faster off the line but again slower at top speed. It all depends on your driving habits of city, highway or combined.
But if you change the gearing in the transmission then its another ball game.
I can hit 60 in 2nd gear with my 188 4.10LSD:D
Cheers,
~Ralph
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: jscribble on June 26, 2010, 08:08:33 AM
I had to chip mine to get close to 60 in second with a 4.10.
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: Warsteiner on June 26, 2010, 11:42:37 AM
I also have a chip..JC/Turner

~R
Title: 325 lsd into 318is
Post by: BMWGM42 on June 27, 2010, 11:29:44 PM
Quote from: Warsteiner;93914
I can tell you right now that if you had a real measuring device that you would be very intrigued. The 3.73 will be slower off the line and have more run out on top end. The 4.10 will be faster off the line and will not have the top speed of a 3.73 or a 3.91. The 4.27 will be even faster off the line but again slower at top speed. It all depends on your driving habits of city, highway or combined.
But if you change the gearing in the transmission then its another ball game.
I can hit 60 in 2nd gear with my 188 4.10LSD:D
Cheers,
~Ralph


well put