The long and winding road
I posted this info a little while back in a parts thread, I'll repost it here since it's appropriate. This still doesn't answer the question of whether this particular tranny will bolt up to an M30 however.
Originally Posted by Nicad
Just wondering if anyone has converted the speedometer to run electronically? Seems to me that would open up some new choices. I might be interested in a CR gearbox one day, but I see no need for an overdrive as 80MPH is the sweet spot on a 4 speed.
While there are firms that will convert mechanical speedos to electronic, it isn't cheap at $350 and the odometer will be a digital one. Not the look I want. A electrical signal must be provided from a newer differential or other means. More on that in a moment.
Abbott Enterprises speedometer company in Pine Bluff, AR has another solution. They have a device called Cable X that takes an electronic signal speed input and had a motor to drive the speedometer. They provide a 3' cable to fit your speedo and they recommend the Cable X box live under the hood with the cable as straight as possible.
If you have a newer differential, that signal can be used and the box can be calibrated for true speeds. If you don't have a newer differential, a Hall Effect sensor can be placed near the drive shaft and four magnets attached to the shaft to provide RPM signals to the Cable X box. Another alternative is a GPS box that will sense your speed and deliver a speed signal to the Cable X. It must have a view of the sky to work, I don't know if there is enough opening in the metal of the E9 dash to allow it to be under the dash and still get a good lock through the plastic. Of course, it would stop working in long tunnels.
The Cable X is $340, Magnet Hall Effect sensor is $125 and the GPS is $225. So it's not cheap, but it would open up some other transmissions for use as the available pool of good '81 and older 5 speed transmissions gets smaller and smaller. Of course, some later transmission can take the speedo drive so that helps, but that seems difficult to determine, most sellers don't know if that's possible.
Abbott Enterprises
901 West 4th Ave.
Pine Bluff, AR. 71601 USA
http://www.abbott-tach.com/
TOLL FREE: 1-800-643-5973 Phone: 870.535.4973 E-mail:
[email protected]
Ian
1970 2800CS Chamonix waiting restoration in Austin
2005 X3 DD
1996 Z3 still living in the land of Aloha