E36 Diff Options...

[Rompsku]

Hi guys

Was wondering what options do I have when it comes to LS Diffs for my e36 328i?

Before you all shout M3 3.0, what other options are there? Any other LSD's that will bolt right on? I've also heard about taking the internals of a E30 LSD and putting it into a E36 diff... is that possible/feasible?

This is something I need to do in the near future and want to know all my options.

I also heard of someone on the forum that builds LSD's, not sure if I read right. Who is this and how many kidneys do I need to sell in exchange for a custom built LSD? :fencelook:

 

[moranor@axis]

talk to Gizmo think he can build one up for you...

 

[Rompsku]

Thanks moranor, will def pm him.

Would you consider this the best/cheapest option?

Use the car for dd mostly, but would like the capability to swing out that huge ass once in a while. Is there nothing besides M3 diffs that are direct fit?

 

[Gizmo]

The E30 LS portion will bolt into your diff. I unfortunately have bought and sold all the cheaper ones from the scrapyards, the only ones left they are asking too much for...Happy scrapyard hunting!

 

[Rompsku]

The E30 LS portion will bolt into your diff. I unfortunately have bought and sold all the cheaper ones from the scrapyards, the only ones left they are asking too much for...Happy scrapyard hunting!

Sounds like fun!
So what would be my options? What would be the best diff to get for best lockability? Want to practice drifting with the car until I can get a proper project car.

 

[328ii]

BMW 'stealers' do provide a 3.15 LSD for around R20K

8?>

 

[Rompsku]

BMW 'stealers' do provide a 3.15 LSD for around R20K

8?>

Would be cheaper to buy an E30 at that price!
Think I'll rather go scour some junkyards.

 

[328i ninja]

just my 2c guys.

i got a 328i. all i have done is software and have experimented with 3 combinations of diffs so what im saying is just from what i have felt not tested with vbox etc.

with the standard 328 diff my car felt much stronger on the top end. when the vanos kicked in it came in violently like the car was coming onto boost.

i then changed the diff and put in a 325i diff that i had welded. the car felt like it was down on power but the revs came up quicker. took it to the local spinning practice venue in pmb and made it step. car revved quickly to limiter in first and went quick to limiter in second. car swung nicely and produced the white smoke that we all looking for.

i then changed the diff again and put in a 318i manual diff. the car now spins so quick its unbelievable. it does not hit the limiter though. power seems to die off at about 6000 rpm and car does not want to hit the limiter. but it is smoking though. first through to third its smoking my tires. i have not been able to see if u can put fourth as the space i pracitce in is not that big.

i prefer a welded as there is always a even distribution of power (atleast that is what i was told). so my advice even though i am new to the spinning thing is keep your 328i diff open for town driving etc and buy a 318i diff and weld it for spinning. its not that hard to take out and out back on.

but please bear in mind that i have not used a lsd so i dont have a feel for it. but if you want welded 318i is the way to go to make some insane smoke and keep your wheels spinning at low revs.

if you want let me know and i will tell you how i welded mine. nice and thick so that it wont break.

hope what i have to say can help you guys.

 

[moranor@axis]

328i ninja dont forget that those diffs have different gear ratios this will effect how the torque is delivered to the wheels...

agree welded is the way to go for spinning but i dont think the OP is into that