m20 and m30 have different bolt patterns for the tranny, the cool combo for a m20 is the 88 super eta short block with the big cam, big valves/double springs and big ports i head, that'll build the baddest stock components m20 at 180-190 hp, add a cam and high comp pistons and a few other goodies and you can get around 220. as for trannys i think both brands were used depending on year and part of the world, i know the m50 units here were close ratio with no od, it will bolt to a m20 but it may be tilted a little and you need to twist the selector rod going to the tranny, as long as the tilt is not such that it interfears with the fluid level too much it's not a bad thing (i tried a tranny in my 90 325is, it's different espcially if you don't change the diff to a lower ratio numerically)

Originally Posted by
LordAlfa
Hi,
I am new to BMW. I am looking to purchase a 520i 5 speed manual here in Singapore. But being from the Alfa camp, we like to modify engines and mix and match.
My questions of engine and gearbox matching is:
1. Is the 520 5-speed a Getrag or ZF?
2. Is the 5 speed of the above model a shorter ratio than the 525?
3. Can a 325e '84(2.7L) crank fit into this 2.0L M20?
4. Can a 325e '84 Getrag 5 speed fit into the M20 2.0L engine?
5. Can a 5 speed Getrag '90 fit to a '94 M50tu engine?
6. Can a 5 speed Getrag '90 fit a M30 engine?
I know there is a lot of combinations here. I am exploring the options before I buy this car.
LordAlfa.
all america wants is cold beer warm cat and a place to take a poop with a door on it