6.0 Truck motor and Z32 5-speed into E46 gearing question

[Sebasc300]

Ok, I have the chance to get a Z32 5-speed transmission for $90 and I happened to find a kit to put this transmission behind an LS for $599.

I'm not versed on gear ratios so can someone please chime in on what rear end ratio would be ideal for maximum performance since it's going behind a 6.0 V8, and if I c an easily get that ratio in an E46 diff.

It's going into an E46 non-M, auto diff in there now.

Here are the ratios:
1st: 3.214
2nd: 1.925
3rd: 1.302
4th: 1.000
5th: 0.752
Rev: 2.275

[sdobart]

3.64 rear ratio (common for e46) should do pretty well.

Gear 1 Max Speed - 41 MPH at 6500 RPM Shifting at 6500 RPM puts you at 3900 RPM in Gear 2

Gear 2 Max Speed - 69 MPH at 6500 RPM Shifting at 6500 RPM puts you at 4400 RPM in Gear 3

Gear 3 Max Speed - 102 MPH at 6500 RPM Shifting at 6500 RPM puts you at 5000 RPM in Gear 4

Gear 4 Max Speed - 133 MPH at 6500 RPM Shifting at 6500 RPM puts you at 4900 RPM in Gear 5

Gear 5 Max Speed - 177 MPH at 6500 RPM Cruising RPM at 70MPH in Gear 5 is 2600

65mph in 5th gear will be 2500rpm.
80mph in 5th gear will be 2900rpm.

This is all on a 25" tire (255/40/17 or 255/35/18)

[Sebasc300]

^great post. I can't thank you enough for providing the great info.

I was still on the fence on whether I should get the trans or not, I'm sold now.

I will be sharing my build on here once I get the mounts.

I'll be pulling the donor trans tomorrow and I might just end up using the stock 300zx clutch for now if there is ample life left.

Here is the adapter I plan on getting in case anyone is interested:

http://www.crossmembers.com/shop/con...kit-p-453.html

[unnatrl]

I'm curious to see how you like the Z trans. Sounds like a decent alternative!

[Sebasc300]

I'll keep you posted on my impressions of the Z transmission.

I'll more than likely turn this thread into my build thread.

[Jkpgt96]

Will it fit in the tunnel? How does it compare in size to the cd009?

[Sebasc300]

It will fit since the E46's have wide tunnels. The Z32 trans is about the same width of a CD.

Perhaps I can measure mine and we can compare notes?

I got the transmission home yesterday. The center of the shifter is 35" behind the bell housing.

I've found a shifter that can get it down around to 31"

I'm hoping that won't be too big of a deal. Worst case scenario I'll have to cut the shifter-hole a bit.

[ponchiz318]

Us 5.0 guys have to trim the shifter hole. No big deal really and you could easily modify a shifter to get it centered. Good luck with the install

[Jkpgt96]

It is the width at the engine that is the issue when mating it to a I-6, but perhaps with a shorter v8 it won't be an issue.

[Sebasc300]

Here are comparison pics of the Z32 transmission next to a ZF320

[Jkpgt96]

R154 vs 420g vs CD009

[unnatrl]

You will be fine. I fit a 4L80e in my E36. It took a little massaging, but it fit. The issue was the width of the trans pan, which you won't have to worry about.

[Sebasc300]

Thanks Unatrl. I have the Z trans stored next to a 4L80e as well and it's considerably smaller. It will fit fine.

Now it's time to figure out the oil pan situation. I don't want to spend $380 on an oil pan so I've been looking at alternatives.

I plan on using the CX Racing mounts and I believe a Holley 302-1 clears the subframe with their kit.



I found this pan for $180 that's only .31" deeper than the Holley 302-1.


http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/131650061002

I'm thinking it should clear fine. Any thoughts?

[EmotionlessM]

Better you than me!

[unnatrl]

Thanks Unatrl. I have the Z trans stored next to a 4L80e as well and it's considerably smaller. It will fit fine. Now it's time to figure out the oil pan situation. I don't want to spend $380 on an oil pan so I've been looking at alternatives. I plan on using the CX Racing mounts and I believe a Holley 302-1 clears the subframe with their kit. I found this pan for $180 that's only .31" deeper than the Holley 302-1. http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/131650061002 I'm thinking it should clear fine. Any thoughts?

That pan looks very similar to the Autocraft pan.

Most people use an FBody or CTSV in the E36. It might be close where the pan goes over the rack. The sump will clear with no issue.

[Dgr2kzd1]

I'll keep you posted on my impressions of the Z transmission.

I'll more than likely turn this thread into my build thread.

How did you mount the trans? Did you make
Your own mounts? I doubt there are any, if so help would greatly be appreciated since I do plan on doing this to my e46

[N3rd15]

Here are comparison pics of the Z32 transmission next to a ZF320

I was wondering if you could re-post these pics? or maybe share a link of where they're stored. I plan to do this exact swap, just in my e39, and wanted to see how different the shifter lineup is.

[broncobronson24]

Hoping to get an answer, has anyone build a driveshaft that has Z32 yolk and bmw shaft??