Logistics of a 325i 5spd Conversion
I've talked about this before, but now I'm getting serious and decided to start a thread about it.
Here's the setup: I've got an '84 318i 5spd with a cracked block and loads of rust; it's now a parts car (Anyone want anything? See footnote.) I also have an '89 325i which recently suffered a seized diff (Spun too much going uphill in snow). Now, I can get a new diff from a local source but the big question is, of course, will the 5spd trans from the M10B18 bolt up to the M20B25? Other issues are myriad, but a good base would be what's missing in this list of parts I'll need from the donor car:
Naturally I'm wondering about gear ratios.. but as I remember the 5th in the 318's trans was fairly high, and should (could?) work with the M20B25.
If anyone has done this swap, knows someone who did this swap, has a dog who was in the shop while someone did this swap, did this swap in a previous life, etc... Please give me any info you have; it's probably more than I have right now
)
Just as an FYI, I've got a Bentley Manual, I'm a decent shadetree mechanic, and the most complicated thing I've ever done on a car was a head gasket on a 318i. This would definitely be my largest mechanical undertaking, but it's also the biggest performance mod I can do for the 325i. The car has 206k on it, and the automatic trans is showing the first signs of the end of life. The motor and body are in great shape, and so I naturally want to try to keep it going as long as I can.
Thanks in advance for any posts.
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Footnote about 318 parts: The interior is mostly crap, but I do have a couple of center console panels (Radio, clock, HVAC controls) for sale. Shoot me an email (bosh@ptd.net) for info on parts.
I've talked about this before, but now I'm getting serious and decided to start a thread about it.
Here's the setup: I've got an '84 318i 5spd with a cracked block and loads of rust; it's now a parts car (Anyone want anything? See footnote.) I also have an '89 325i which recently suffered a seized diff (Spun too much going uphill in snow). Now, I can get a new diff from a local source but the big question is, of course, will the 5spd trans from the M10B18 bolt up to the M20B25? Other issues are myriad, but a good base would be what's missing in this list of parts I'll need from the donor car:
- Transmission & mountings
- 318's clutch assembly and flywheel
- 318's driveshaft
- Manual brake pedal
- Clutch pedal & mounting
- 318's master cylinder & clutch hydraulic lines
- Lots of time, friends, and alcohol.
Naturally I'm wondering about gear ratios.. but as I remember the 5th in the 318's trans was fairly high, and should (could?) work with the M20B25.
If anyone has done this swap, knows someone who did this swap, has a dog who was in the shop while someone did this swap, did this swap in a previous life, etc... Please give me any info you have; it's probably more than I have right now
)Just as an FYI, I've got a Bentley Manual, I'm a decent shadetree mechanic, and the most complicated thing I've ever done on a car was a head gasket on a 318i. This would definitely be my largest mechanical undertaking, but it's also the biggest performance mod I can do for the 325i. The car has 206k on it, and the automatic trans is showing the first signs of the end of life. The motor and body are in great shape, and so I naturally want to try to keep it going as long as I can.
Thanks in advance for any posts.
---------------------------------------------
Footnote about 318 parts: The interior is mostly crap, but I do have a couple of center console panels (Radio, clock, HVAC controls) for sale. Shoot me an email (bosh@ptd.net) for info on parts.
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