JRW'S 91 318is turbo build

[jrw21]

I bought them from uuc and they came that way.

[jrw21]

Z3 2.8turn steering rack all cleaned up and installed. Unfortunately that's all I will be accomplishing this weekend as my day was cut short as I cracked the differential cover attempting to press out the "frozen" bushing. Any leads on a new cover would be great!

[Jaker]

Lost track. Is you diff a small or medium case? I have a spare small case rear cover for sale if it's correct.

[jrw21]

I am using the large case. Don't have one of those laying around by any chance?

[Tgoode318]

Those diff bushings are a bitch! Mine put up quite the fight, luckily I didn't break any thing though

[Jaker]

I am using the large case. Don't have one of those laying around by any chance?

Nope. Sorry.

[jrw21]

So, spent some time searching for a replacement cover and gave up. Ended up finding a finned cover and pulled the trigger so here we have my final drive! 3.46lsd:

[jrw21]

Ok, not sure why I didn't notice this sooner but... My new axles have a different variety of dust shield which is not allowing a good seat on the diff output flange. So, trying to decided if I should:

1: Torque the bolts down and see if the thin aluminum dust shield will "crush" into place.
2: Buy 2 new axle boot kits (Since the dust shield doesn't appear to be sold individually)

Original dust shield axle:


New axle dust shield:


as you can see the only difference is the crown ledge. Diameter is identical.

[jrw21]

Option 1 worked like a charm. Torqued the bolts down in a criss cross  pattern and crushed the aluminum shield perfectly.

[Nick_318is]

Nice! I love me a finned diff cover.

[Tgoode318]

Do you think your axles will be able to handle the power you'r putting down? Only reason i ask is because i have broken 2 (1 O.E, and 1 El Cheapo) and im only making around 150bhp though i was getting pretty rowdy with it (lots of corning/drifting). Right now i am on my third one and so far so good but i have been thinking about beefing them up especially after i finish my engine build and am putting down more power. What are you thoughts on this?
-Tyler

[jrw21]

That's a good question. I and I will certainly find out if I ever finish this build. From my knowledge the e30 28mm diameter axle shaft is a tiny bit beefier than the e36 318 26mm axle shaft. The late model e30s all have the same 28mm axle. I am not aware of too many failures with the 325 turbo guys. If I run in to any issues down the road an option would be the custom axles from the driveshaft shop.

[Darky]

Hi
I thought the fined diff cover only came out on the m3? But very nice anyway.
That's a pretty high diff ratio your using?

Cheers

[Nick_318is]

The finned diff cover fits with some longer bolts. I believe they came on the Z3Ms.

[jrw21]

Yep, this cover was from a z3m and does require longer bolts for the added .5L capacity.

The 3.46 will be paired with the non overdrive 5th from the zf310. The diff will be on the short side but, I am looking to gain the "torque" that this ratio should offer. I have a 2.93 also so if I feel the 3.46 is too much I can switch fairly quickly.