When I come back home in the winter I want to put a new diff on the M. What are my options and where is the best local place to get one? Or should I buy over the net? Any input is more than welcomed. Also note I will be running this diff with a LTW flywheel if that will affect anything.

You need not only to decide on the ratio, but what type of diff.

Open
LSD
LSD - Quaife
LSD - Torsen

Then I would also install the M-Couple cooling cover if you think the diff will be getting a workout.

As to where to get one.
As for LSDs off the net, a LSD with clutch plates have to be rebuilt as needed. Quaife are gauranteed forever (or maybe orig owner). Torson is what is used in the later M-Coupes. A new Quaife is $$$.

I don't know anything about ratios. I hava a 3.46 (or maybe 3.45). You rev a bit higher on the higher but you have quick acceleration.

This topic is often discussed in the 3 Series (E36) section (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14)

I put a 3.38 (up from a 3.15) from a 97 auto M3. Found it over the web, $850 shipped, 60k.

great upgrade and BSP legal!

I put a 3.38 (up from a 3.15) from a 97 auto M3. Found it over the web, $850 shipped, 60k.

great upgrade and BSP legal!
oh man, that was a great find!

oh man, that was a great find!

actually I was very surprised how easy it was to find one. I did a search on a big used car part site and it sends your request out to salvage yards across the country. I actually found 3 of them within a week. Ranging from $800 - $1000.

I got my 3.15 LSD (Used not rebuilt) from VAC motorsports for $450-500. They are up in Philly so its pretty easy to drive up there and pick it up. Then you can get some cheesesteaks!



Pete

member Bill on this forum is parting out his M3 - he has a 3.38 LSD that he picked up from me. Ask him what he wants for it.

Also, I don't believe the mcoupe diff cover fits on there. Rogue Engineering and Alpina make finned diff covers for the E36 6 cylinder diffs.

I have a 3.38 LSD in my own E36 and I love it. Very reasonable on the highway and excellent around town driving manners.

If my memory serves me right, 85mph is at 4500k I believe.

Sorry to hyjack this thread a little but does anyone know where one could get a non-BMW LSD diff??

I am particularly interested in a 93-94 Infinity J30 diff.

I don't remember if the J30 ever had an LSD option. if it did, go hunting for the J30t to see if you can source one.

also, the 300zx was it's sister car, see if you can find something from there.

-Ron

I don't remember if the J30 ever had an LSD option. if it did, go hunting for the J30t to see if you can source one.

also, the 300zx was it's sister car, see if you can find something from there.

-Ron

Ron,

The J30 did have an LSD. It is a popular swap for the 240 guys because it is a direct plug and play diff. We can use our stock drive shaft with the J30 diff.

Now I just need to find a place to get one. :dunno

www.findpart.com - you can say thanks after you find one. :)

-Ron

Rebuilt 3.46
Diffsonline.com