Gearbox and LSD Combo

[WISE9UY]

I have slowly been accumulating parts for my E9 build. However agreeing with my wife it is time to start thinning my acquisitions LOL and I could use the dollars to continue. With this I reach out for opinions on what I have and what I plan to keep.

I have a Getrag Dogleg CR 5-speed and acquired the matching 3.07 Sideloader LSD with oil cooler to compliment this.

Equally, I have a Getrag OD 5-speed and 3.64 Sideloader LSD

While my understanding is that the first setup is the Holy Grail, my preference is actually the OD 5-speed. Both boxes are in driving cars and I simply prefer the OD gearbox feel and gate pattern. That said, both the drivers have 3.45 diffs. Given that my desire is to build a special E9 that I have no plan to sell, would the dogleg significantly improve it's desirability?

Given that I am NOT doing this build for a flip/sale, for this reason I would rather have what I like to drive.

The engine is still likely to be M30 either B32 or B35 with contemplation continuing on the turbo setup I have.

Cheers for input!

 

[JFENG]

I think it is highly dependent on what type of driving you prioritize and the power characteristics for your engine. If you are making most of your power in a narrow high rpm band, and you prioritize sporty driving situations (the twisted or track usage), I'd go with the CR box. But if you do touring I'll bet the OD box is better. If you were vintage racing, you might like the CR box combined with the shorter 3.64 diff because you will rarely need to hit 140 unless your doing LeMans and the Indy oval. But you want to get to 120 really fast, you want to have more overlap between gears, and you are refresheding your engine every few years anyway.

 

[Gary Knox]

I have an excellent 3.64 nonLSD differential if you choose to go that way. It was installed by the 3rd previous owner who was very active in Rally driving with the car. I replaced it with a 3.07, as the car has about 275 hp and ft lbs of torque, and I want a car for cruising, not acceleration.

 

[E911]

Both 5 spd boxes will benefit with a switch to the LSDs you described for them... IMO, the 3.45 is a compromise for either 5 spd so the way you perceive them now will change when matched to more appropriate final gearing. My personal favorite for a (mostly) stock 3.0 is the close ratio box with a 3.25 rear end (unless you live in Montana). Forced induction adds another set of variables. As far as value, I'm guessing there are a lot more people who value an overdrive as part of a complete car set up even though the close ratio boxes get the premium price.