new diff? what would you do?

dvillain · #1 (**permalink**) 07-15-2003, 11:24 PM

right now i have a 3.91 diff with a 98 M3 motor. acceleration is crazy, but it's not exactly the easiest car to drive around town. it's really fun when you need it to be, but can be tiring and i'm getting a little tired of it. 1st gear is almost useless unless i want to really fly from a standstill. other than that, i just start in second gear.

i can get my hands on a 3.23 diff from a 98 M3 really easy . . . or should i try and get a 3.64 or 3.73. hmmm . . . what would you guys recommend i do?

CMT · #2 (**permalink**) 07-16-2003, 08:42 AM

I run a Jim Blanton-built 3.46 rear diff sourced through Turner Motorsport and I have to say that it is perfect. 1st gear is totally usable, and the acceleration difference over the stock 3.23 is considerable - to the point where my car can hang with cars that have much more horsepower than mine.

Until I run out of gear, that is. My top speed with Dinan Stage II SW and stock tires is "only" 146 mph, but I do not care to be up there very much anyway. One thing that I like about it is that my engine isn't particularly stressed, and acceleration has still been greatly impacted.

My vote is for the 3.46.