Tranny swap

[Duke]

Hi, it seems that I might be getting a 325is e30 pretty soon for dirt cheap. My boss is gettting a new 330ci and wants to just basically take the 325is to the dumpster I told her I'd take it off her hands. So if all goes right it should be in my hand soon

Anywho, the car has about 300k km on it, and is an auto. I havent drove it but she says teh engine is running strong. My main focus at first would be to put in a 5 speed tranny. What I was wondering is how much would one run for 88-89 E30. Also do I have to put in new software when I change the tranny.. I would assume so. I havent done much research into this just sort of throwing ideas out of my head. Also If the engine eventually dies on my for how much could I get a say m3 engine or maybe another 325 engine. All the installation would be done by me so I am just looking for figures for the parts. Thanks a lot.. and wish me luck in getting the car. ALPINE WHITE .. wooo!

[myE30M-Tech]

this is just what ive heard so dont trust me word for word.... the tranny swap should be pretty straight forward, from what ive read its all just bolt on bolt off transfer as all the brackets and what not are there for ya, all you'll need is the tranny, cluctch set-up (master & slave cylinder + piping connections and pedals (you need smaller brake pedal) also need gear shift assembly but not sure what it consists of.

about the computer, i doubt you'll need other software as it gets all its info from engine sensors (throttle position(tps), afm, icv, o2, cam sensor) so you'll prob be left with loose wires from the auto gearbox.

About the engine, my guess would be to stick with the 2.5L, they can be tuned harder and from what i hear, if ya change the diff ration they'll keep up with the m3, you just wont have the lighter car for handling and also with the gearbox i think the m3 uses a different one compared to other e30's (not %100 sure)

Well hope that helps, good luck