This is a different box. But yeah it’s quite popular to buy the E46 M3 Smg box and convert it to manual. Same process as fixing the indent pins just this time your fitting reverse and5/6th. Again the boxes are expensive for that reason.
#ZedShed Dino’s Track toy 2.8 (6-Speed Gearbox Conversion)
- Thread starter Lee
- Start date
Will need to be a bigger drum sequence than Eastenders because I’ve got a new job so will be going back into a dormant Zedshed state again.Lee should end all his updates with the Eastenders drum sequence
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2014
- Points
- 181
- Model of Z
- Z4 coupe sport.
Today was the big final push. We very nearly made it but with so many custom parts there’s always something waiting to slip you up.
The first big headache this week was the drivers side trailing arm, Dino managed to get a beam and pair of arms from Traceys crashed 2.8 it took a harder hit than we thought. The drivers arm had a very subtle twist and was a nightmare to line up on the beam the final nail in the coffin was trying to line it up with the shock, the angle was all wrong so we needed a new arm. Luckily all sorted and refitted today.
rear end now looking pretty.
with all the spare time I had a chance to make a better job of the gearbox bracket. Now happy with the solution for now.
Another little surprise, Dino was well over due a brake upgrade so he ordered a nice big set of AP brakes, these are identical to the brakes on my Zed so he’s got no excuses on track now. They did need a bit of fettling to fit and I wouldn’t expect anything less from Dino.
First up the brakes we just built removed.
Comparison between the two. 300mm discs vs 340mm floating.
First up making room for the new callipers. Remove this tab.
Fitted.
Some chunky pads going in.
The moment of truth they do fit behind the wheel.
So today we smashed a 9 hour day and made it all the way to the exhaust being the last part to fit. We need to make a bracket to support it, normally this was done off the gearbox but we now have a different box this leaves the car looking like this.
so close to wheels down.
really looking forward to driving this now. I’ve done a few Rev comparisons at some speeds to see how it’s changed with this 6-speed box. Really interested to see the outcome. We also fitted new sills today and totally forgot to take some pictures.
Its hard to tell but the car is so dusty.
The first big headache this week was the drivers side trailing arm, Dino managed to get a beam and pair of arms from Traceys crashed 2.8 it took a harder hit than we thought. The drivers arm had a very subtle twist and was a nightmare to line up on the beam the final nail in the coffin was trying to line it up with the shock, the angle was all wrong so we needed a new arm. Luckily all sorted and refitted today.
rear end now looking pretty.
with all the spare time I had a chance to make a better job of the gearbox bracket. Now happy with the solution for now.
Another little surprise, Dino was well over due a brake upgrade so he ordered a nice big set of AP brakes, these are identical to the brakes on my Zed so he’s got no excuses on track now. They did need a bit of fettling to fit and I wouldn’t expect anything less from Dino.
First up the brakes we just built removed.
Comparison between the two. 300mm discs vs 340mm floating.
First up making room for the new callipers. Remove this tab.
Fitted.
Some chunky pads going in.
The moment of truth they do fit behind the wheel.
So today we smashed a 9 hour day and made it all the way to the exhaust being the last part to fit. We need to make a bracket to support it, normally this was done off the gearbox but we now have a different box this leaves the car looking like this.
so close to wheels down.
really looking forward to driving this now. I’ve done a few Rev comparisons at some speeds to see how it’s changed with this 6-speed box. Really interested to see the outcome. We also fitted new sills today and totally forgot to take some pictures.
Its hard to tell but the car is so dusty.
Bit speechless seeing all that lot attached to a car that I believe is mine but looks nothing like it did a few weeks ago, so much going on under there!
So many little details. I think I’m going to have to get a mirror to park it over so I can see it all every time it’s put to bed
It’s going to be an interesting experience getting to learn it all again. Totally different brakes, gearbox, clutch and fresh chassis and drivetrain components, just mega.
Simply legendary work happening in that single garage! Hats off you both @Lee @Oldguysrule.
So many little details. I think I’m going to have to get a mirror to park it over so I can see it all every time it’s put to bed
It’s going to be an interesting experience getting to learn it all again. Totally different brakes, gearbox, clutch and fresh chassis and drivetrain components, just mega.
Simply legendary work happening in that single garage! Hats off you both @Lee @Oldguysrule.
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2014
- Points
- 181
- Model of Z
- Z4 coupe sport.
Love the gear box mounting system even though it may be temp. 
Another great read, (BMW main dealers eat your heart out).
Roy.
Another great read, (BMW main dealers eat your heart out).Roy.
Great Post again. Pulled up a chair with the Popcorn out to enjoy this thread.
Floating rotors was something I had looked into a little but balked at the price of them.
How do the floating rotors compare weight wise to the old rotors? Much weight difference in the calipers?
I had seen that the 340mm brembo bmw sport brake actually fit over 17s too but its v close. Don't want any stones in there.
Would be ott for my car as the brakes are more than fine and wont be anywhere near a track but looks so good...
Great work and well done to all in involved.
Floating rotors was something I had looked into a little but balked at the price of them.
How do the floating rotors compare weight wise to the old rotors? Much weight difference in the calipers?
I had seen that the 340mm brembo bmw sport brake actually fit over 17s too but its v close. Don't want any stones in there.
Would be ott for my car as the brakes are more than fine and wont be anywhere near a track but looks so good...
Great work and well done to all in involved.
Today was the day I got to see if the last months efforts were worth it. With so many custom parts and mixed parts from other cars it was a very nerve-racking test drive. Started off slow and steady and all was well. Only thing I noticed was the brakes either have some air in them or need bedding in.
After 20mins of allowing everything a chance to warm up and settle I started giving it some beans. At 70mph she now sits at 2600rpm and 80mph at 3000rpm, 6th gear has dropped everything nearly by 500rpm. I’ll get some pictures of the revs to show comparisons in the coming weeks.
Cooling down.
After 20mins of allowing everything a chance to warm up and settle I started giving it some beans. At 70mph she now sits at 2600rpm and 80mph at 3000rpm, 6th gear has dropped everything nearly by 500rpm. I’ll get some pictures of the revs to show comparisons in the coming weeks.
Cooling down.
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2014
- Points
- 181
- Model of Z
- Z4 coupe sport.
Yep anything’s possible down hill with the wind behind you.That’s a nice improvement!
Can’t remember what it was on the stock 3.15 diff but always felt like you wanted another gear even back then.
so 80 at 3000 rpm should give us 160 ish at 6k rpm
Roy
A great refurbishment, and yet again pushing the end game.
Well she’s back home 
was like taking delivery of a new car - so nice to look underneath and see no crusty bits!
have only managed a run round the block but its a different car in a few ways - gearshift so slick and short, clutch is smooth and light, seems more lively now and the brakes just need a light press of the pedal. Need to recalibrate my arms and legs- no longer needs so much effort to a shift, de clutch and brake - the brakes will take getting used to as it literally needs what feels like half the effort to pull up.
Oh and there is an extra gear in there
(Good thing I don’t have any numbers engraved on the gear knob
Can’t wait to get some seat time to learn it all again.
It only takes 2 secs behind the wheel to remember why there is much love for these little cars!
@Lee did a smashing job on it last time - it’s actually 6 years this week I picked it from its first visit!
Pic from 6 years ago- was freezing!
Looks a little different these days, inside, outside and underneath are all different now, about the only thing that’s the same is the engine!
But he’s really knocked it out the park this time - looking underneath and it’s unrecognisable
Many
to @Lee and @Oldguysrule.
Some much needed cheer from what has been rubbish winter to say the least.
roll on the good weather as I don’t think I’ll be driving it unless it’s dry
was like taking delivery of a new car - so nice to look underneath and see no crusty bits!
have only managed a run round the block but its a different car in a few ways - gearshift so slick and short
, clutch is smooth and light, seems more lively now and the brakes just need a light press of the pedal. Need to recalibrate my arms and legs- no longer needs so much effort to a shift, de clutch and brake - the brakes will take getting used to as it literally needs what feels like half the effort to pull up.Oh and there is an extra gear in there
(Good thing I don’t have any numbers engraved on the gear knobCan’t wait to get some seat time to learn it all again.
It only takes 2 secs behind the wheel to remember why there is much love for these little cars!
@Lee did a smashing job on it last time - it’s actually 6 years this week I picked it from its first visit!
Pic from 6 years ago- was freezing!
Looks a little different these days, inside, outside and underneath are all different now, about the only thing that’s the same is the engine!
But he’s really knocked it out the park this time - looking underneath and it’s unrecognisable
Many
to @Lee and @Oldguysrule.Some much needed cheer from what has been rubbish winter to say the least.
roll on the good weather as I don’t think I’ll be driving it unless it’s dry
bet your chuffed to bits
Your emergency stop will certainly be with in the Highway code guidelines.
but not the quoted speed v distance.Your emergency stop will certainly be with in the Highway code guidelines.