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In Reply to: Six-speed vs. Slushbox posted by Paul Michael Brown on February 04, 2000 at 00:25:39:
And I must respectfully disagree with the advice regarding major modifications. I've said it before and I'll say it again: If you want a nimble, tossable car with a free-revving engine that makes good power at the top of the rev band, buy an //M3. Why attempt to modify the E31 into something it's not?
>>>This is not the "to modify or not" issue we all loathe, but a simple observation and suggested correction... The primary advantage of a manual transmission is being able to increase the shift point to higher rpms to obtain more power. In normal trim, the 850i/Ci v12 doesn't fit this profile because its power is made at relatively low rpm.
Surely the suggested changes to an 850 6 speed sound familiar? The 850CSi? The sport version of the GT? The 6 speed-related suggestions simply parallel, if not duplicate, BMWs own very successful efforts to establish the CSi sport version of the car:
(1)2.93LS differential,
(2)Free flow exhaust
(3)Increased-capacity intake manifold,
(3)Revised engine management software (chip), and
(4)Sport suspension (stiffer/lowered springs, thicker anti roll bars, re-valved shocks).
As posted previously, if someone is considering a 6 speed for its sportier nature, please take note: The manual transmission is a bit of a mismatch to the low-revving engine unless at least a modified chip and free flow exhaust are added.
Greg Kovecses
1991 850 6 speed
1988 M5
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