Re: Engine Mods & 6 Speed (archive)

The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.

In Reply to: Engine Mods & 6 Speed posted by Bimmerhead on February 24, 2001 at 09:25:03:

But like the E38s, the SS is too heavy to be able to gain that much in performance. It is very hard to gain two seconds in elasped time in the 1/4 mile. We are talking about 4300 pound cars here. And to be able to beat factory stock 'Vettes,Camaros, TransAms and the like, that is the gain you must achieve. Most of these cars run in the 12s. Would you think that the new M5 would be able to run with these car if it had an extra 100 HP? And it is already 500 pounds lighter!

And to take out an excellent automatic trans in favor of a 6 speed ruins a fine luxury car. I would say that you will only gain about.3 of a second improvement in the quarter mile at a cost of perhaps $10K!

I have had visions of what a 740il should be since I bought my 97 last year. I believe that properly modified it could smoke anything, perhaps excepting Vipers & twin turbo 996s etc.
I am looking into having a 6 speed done this summer as a first step to a major engine modification, to be done next year. (married w/ kidz)
An AMG/Mercedes tuner from Scottsdale, AZ. proposed installing a supercharger in my 4.4l., however he proposes to work the heads, install dished pistons (drop the compression to 9:1), as a move to prolong engine life,and install Kevlar clutch packs in the trans. I am told that Kevlar handles the heat better that the organic compound in a stock setup.
My thinking is that to spend all this $$, I should convert the trans first and just do the engine as a seperate unit second.
From first hand experience at Pocono Raceway with the DelVal BMW CC, the lack of a manual transmission is a disadvantage. Not having the clutch to downshift prior to entering a turn causes me to lean hard on the brakes which causes both a major wear issue & also unsettles the car's suspension as all the force slowing the car is at the front. I think that to do the motor properly and push it's output into the 500 hp. range requires a manual setup to control the car.

Is there a tuner that can install a 6 speed from a 540i here in the States? There are rebuilt transmissions available from the folks in Hackensack NJ., but the rest of the package is difficult. Clutch, flywheel pedals & electronics are the real issue. One last question...are the crankshafts of motors setup with automatic transmissions drilled and tapped for flywheel attachment at the factory?

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.