Author Topic: upgraded gearbox for m42 (Read 4446 times)

gtatbrissy · « **on:** July 10, 2010, 08:37:16 PM »

i was just wondering if any knows anything about upgrading the gearbox in an e30 318is m42. i have heard u could put an m44 e36 gearbox in, but would this be any stronger. are there any 6 cylinder gearboxes that fit. i ask this because it seems all the diffs are interchangable, so maybe the gearboxes are as well.
thanks guys

jscribble · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2010, 08:40:04 PM »

Not all the gearboxes are, but from what I understand, the e36 318is trans are interchangeable with e30. IIRC, steeper (faster off the line, lower top speed) gear ratios from the e36 box.

gtatbrissy · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2010, 09:48:58 PM »

do u know if the e36 box is stronger?

jscribble · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2010, 10:12:10 PM »

I don't know for sure, but I doubt it is significantly stronger. Does anyone know what they put behind the s42 engine?

Hey-u · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2010, 01:27:17 AM »

Is there a 6 speed that will fit?

jscribble · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2010, 10:43:39 AM »

Quote from: Hey-u;94542

Is there a 6 speed that will fit?

Hmm. Good question. Looks like it's possible.

e30/e36 discussion

R3V thread discussing 6 click m42

I'm sure someone has a definitive answer.

Romrog318is · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2010, 10:52:36 AM »

i had an E36 box in mine and yea it was nice while it lasted... i blew it up within 4 or 6 months... but the gear ratios are a little nicer
2nd i could get 69-70 3rd i could get like 106

you can put a GR260 from the 325 and it would work but you would need a different driveshaft or shorten urs, a custom tranny brace, heat and twist ur shift linkage 12*
and yes the gr260 is stronger

MikeDE · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2010, 03:23:03 PM »

For 6spd, the E46 M3 trans will physically fit. As for clutch/DS/etc, someone has to blaze the trail. Also, this trans is big and from what I remember, a tad noisy, especially in 1st and 2nd, and notchy. The 6spd out of the 330i ZHP will also fit. It's a smoother trans, but then again, somebody has to blaze the trail....or they already have and are too stubborn or selfish to share what they have learned.:rolleyes:

Hodge · « **Reply #8 on:** July 27, 2010, 07:27:39 PM »

The 250 from E36's will fit and yes it is slightly stronger. It is after all behind E36 325's as well.