Help with Tranny swap question.....

[Hobbs64]

Hi Guys:

I'm looking for some info on a 5 to 6 speed swap. Since I am buying an M5 trans, I thought You guys would know this. Also, 5 cars can run a 5 or 6 speed. What I need to know is how much longer thw 6 is over the 5. I belive it is 4 inches or 122mm. Anyone know for sure? Let me know if you can help. Thanks.:atom

[Brandon J]

What car? e34 m5?

[Dark Helmet]

no, E39 M5.... it is longer, but I don't exactly know. the easy way would be to hunt down a 528 and an M5 and measure the length of the front drive-shaft half.

that would give you a very measurable difference (vs. eye-balling the tranny dimensions.

[Hobbs64]

Das:

Thanks. I am not crazy... just difficult. Good idea though.

[Hobbs64]

BTW.... I know the Evo's getreg is 102mm longer but I don't know if these trannies are from the same family. Oh well.

[Brandon J]

Originally posted by dasMafia
no, E39 M5.... it is longer, but I don't exactly know. the easy way would be to hunt down a 528 and an M5 and measure the length of the front drive-shaft half.

that would give you a very measurable difference (vs. eye-balling the tranny dimensions.

I would acutally measure from the block back to the end of the front driveshaft half. The V8 engines and 6cyl engines have different lengths and can sit with the rear of the block either closer or farther effecting the length of the driveshaft. So the best bet would be to measure from the block back and subtract the tranny.

I know that the e39 M5 and the e46 M3 share the same tranny, but are the bellhousings different? Are they different to fit the different engines? Why not use a e36 euro M3 6spd? May be a better choice in matching the engine. An e39 M5 has a 3.15 rear diff ratio with a 3.45 as an upgraded ratio, and (trying from memory) both e36 euro and e46 M3 have a 3.64 rear diff ratio.

Look here for info about a 6spd conversion: http://www.racemarque.com/editorials/ed_main_european_car_20000801.htm

If ever doing a tranny swap like this, it is best to get the correct length driveshaft built. It should cost between $350-$500, but it makes sure that there are no vibration problems or destructive problems later on. That would just suck to have a driveshaft go on you and have the floor pan, the tranny or differential go as a consequence.

[Hobbs64]

Hmmmm.... This is raising a bunch of questions. Aren't the bolt patren of the e36 and e39 engines the same? I am almost certain they are. In addition, the e39 M5 6 speed is the same as the 540...isn't it? I know the 540 swap has been done into the e36 and the Z cars. I think the evo 6 has been used more, because there are more of them. As for the driveshaft, I am having one custom made. Any of you guy with 5 cars have a couple of driveshafts you could measure for me? I need the length of the front half of a 5 and 6 speed driveshaft. Thanks.

Coz