Tranny is probably TH-350 (more) (archive)

I didn't save the archive link, but we did discuss this a few times and IMO, a Ford would work better due to the sump location (yes, I know you already have the Chevy).

My mom had a Caprice Classic, which I swapped the 350 & TH-350 into my '57 Chevy (w/ mods, of course!). The TH-350 is smaller and here's a bit of trivia: it's the most-common tranny in the world!

Don't forget the driveshaft & mount issues you'd have to deal with.

Yes, the speedo would still work, but the tach would be off.

I have been giving this idea some thought for a while now and would like some opinions. My transmission is scraping every gear but 1st and 5th so it's time for a new one. The cheapest i can find is $800. Also my engine is starting to burn some oil(about a quart and a half every 3000 miles). My thoughts are going to this. I have an old Chevy caprice classic with a good running 350 v-8 and auto tranny. Would it fit in my 83 533i without major problems. I know i would have to have the driveshaft altered and make motor mounts, but my big concerns are these:

1. is the transmission tunnel wide enough to hold the auto ( i believe it is a th-400)?

2. is the engine bay wide enough and deep enough? Length sould'nt be a problem (staight six to v-8)

3. How would i mount the power steering pump? (533i pump runs both steering as well as brakes)

4. How would i tackle the gauge problems? would the speedo still work because it reads off the rear end?

5. Has it ever been tried before?

Thanks in advance to all your thoughts or ideas. I am posting this seriously and don't won't any big arguements about how a BMW should stay BMW with out any other brand parts in it.

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