96 328 Trans VS 98 323 Trans

[rcollins2]

I've been searching online and here, and can't find the answer.
I had a 98 323 with 240k that I wrecked. I rebuilt the trans at 230k(I know dumb). I found a decent shape 96 328is, with 130k. I have been slowly modding it. The trans shifts pretty firm, but I've no idea how long it'll last

I've been trying to find the difference between the two, 96 is A4S 270R-RX the 98 is a A4S 310R-VK. I still have the TCU from the 98, can I just stab the 98 trans into the 96. Or will I just kill it in short order.

Whats the power rating difference between the two.

I have done S52 cams, Dinan CAI, ASC delete, catback, cat delete, underdrive pulleys, electric fan, M50 intake.

Thanks for any help.

[sundernaix]

I think but im not sure that the 270r can holds up to 270tq and the 310r holds 310tq at least thats what someone told me but i cant verify.
Although they are all 4l30e and that trans was used on about 40 diffremt vehicles. You can easily found max tourqe and what not on an american or gm forum.

[gdavid]

I can't answer your question exactly but can tell you that the automatic transmissions from my 1996 and 1998 328's had a different style round wiring connect on the back of the transmission. The 1998 had a larger plug. I put the engine and transmission from my 1996 into the 1998 and had to use the wiring harness from the 1996, it is running on the 1998 transmission control module and seems to work but I don't have the new car registered yet (our MVA is closed) and can't really test it out.

[rcollins2]

I think but im not sure that the 270r can holds up to 270tq and the 310r holds 310tq at least thats what someone told me but i cant verify.
Although they are all 4l30e and that trans was used on about 40 diffremt vehicles. You can easily found max tourqe and what not on an american or gm forum.

I've read similar things. I thought about selling it, but I don't all the vehicles it would work with.

- - - Updated - - -

I can't answer your question exactly but can tell you that the automatic transmissions from my 1996 and 1998 328's had a different style round wiring connect on the back of the transmission. The 1998 had a larger plug. I put the engine and transmission from my 1996 into the 1998 and had to use the wiring harness from the 1996, it is running on the 1998 transmission control module and seems to work but I don't have the new car registered yet (our MVA is closed) and can't really test it out.

What was the build date of your 96, I read somewhere thats when they switched. So 96 would be a split year for that.

[gdavid]

04/96 I believe. 1996 was a split year for a bunch of little things.

[rcollins2]

I think thats the same as mine. I may have my old 98 engine harness.

[gdavid]

I have one laying around if you need it. I didn't bother to count the number of pins of the connector, I just went to plug it in and realized it was different so I swapped it out. It was one of the first plugs I started to connect so I didn't have too much backtracking to do.

[rcollins2]

I have one laying around if you need it. I didn't bother to count the number of pins of the connector, I just went to plug it in and realized it was different so I swapped it out. It was one of the first plugs I started to connect so I didn't have too much backtracking to do.

Yeah I definitely dont want to rewire my car. but I might be able to repin it? We'll see I guess.

[gdavid]

Yeah I definitely dont want to rewire my car. but I might be able to repin it? We'll see I guess.

It's not the chassis harness, just the engine harness which isn't too bad. If you are swapping the transmission, I imagine you are probably removing the intake manifold and with the intake manifold out of the way, the wiring harness is pretty easy to change.

[rcollins2]

It's not the chassis harness, just the engine harness which isn't too bad. If you are swapping the transmission, I imagine you are probably removing the intake manifold and with the intake manifold out of the way, the wiring harness is pretty easy to change.

When I do the trans, the manifold will stay in place. I have an extension thats the prefect length to get the starter bolts. I'll look into splicing them together first, the harness that was in the 98 had a short in the trans loom somewhere. It wasn't getting consistent power, probably what killed it. The trans shop ran a new power wire and it stopped throwing random codes. Those guys pulled that trans, at least three times. lol

[flyfishvt]

All non M3 e36s used a GM 4L30 auto tranny. Other than minor exterior changes they are all the same.