Transmission tunnel size on early cars

[Dionk]

Does any one know if the transmission  tunnel on a 68 1600 (sept 67 build) is more narrow then later models -

 

i just measured my 68 and it’s about 8inches where  my 71 is closer to 9.5 - hard to measure and take a picture at the same time. 
 

71 2002 picture (dirty ) 68 1600 (cleanish)

[halboyles]

I believe the transmission support bracket is the same for all models and there is some adjustment in the slotted bolt holes.  Are the mounting brackets perhaps moved to accommodate a 5-speed?

[Lorin]

Both my '68 cars are definitely narrower than my '72 car was. When i 5 speed swapped the '68 2002 i couldn't use the same transmission crossmember mounts that i had fabbed when i swapped the '72. If i remember correctly, i even had to make one of them bolt in so i could add it after the trans was in. The trans wouldn't go in from the bottom with the mounts in place. Very snug fit in the early tunnels.

[Dionk]

I was trying to mount my transmission bracket when I noticed it was to wide

[Dionk]

10 minutes ago, halboyles said:

.  Are the mounting brackets perhaps moved to accommodate a 5-speed?

Apologies - should have mentioned I’m installing the getrag 245. The bracket is one from a kit.

[Dionk]

9 minutes ago, Lorin said:

Very snug fit in the early tunnels.

Well there you have it - thanks for confirming what I just figured out.

[Lorin]

 

I still have the template (and every template I’ve ever made) for the 5 speed brackets. 

Edited April 25, 2020 by Lorin

[Dionk]

28 minutes ago, Lorin said:

If i remember correctly,

Do you recall whether you removed the old trans mounts?

[Dionk]

1 minute ago, Lorin said:

Dionk, are you putting a 5 speed in the early car? 

Yes. Interested- my friend has a c&c machine and can fab me a new bracket to replace the larger one I have.

[Lorin]

5 minutes ago, Dionk said:

Do you recall whether you removed the old trans mounts?

I believe that I did have to cut off the original mounts. 
 

ill be glad to make a copy of this template and mail it to you if you are interested, or something similar. I used all stock parts and I think narrowed the stock cross member too. Maybe. 

[rcf925]

I mounted my Gertrag 245 in my 68 using the IE trans mount, Worked fine

[jgerock]

Dion- looks like you have the newest Blunt Mount.  I had to trim the ends of mine to fit the tunnel of my 69.   
 

So  I do believe BMW widened the tunnel for the Model 71 cars.

[jgerock]

5 hours ago, Dionk said:

I was trying to mount my transmission bracket when I noticed it was to wide

Bench or angle grinder is your friend.