engine and drivetrain Driveshaft length for 5 speed conversion...

[Mike Self]

I'm taking the front section of an E21 driveshaft (3 bolt flange) and the rear section of an '02 driveshaft down to the local driveshaft shop to have it shortened and balanced for my long-awaited 5 speed conversion--along with a rebuilt engine-hoo boy, I can hardly wait!) .

Can I quote them the overall length for a 2002 5 speed driveshaft as shown in the factory shop manual, or is there another figure.

I know you're supposed to remove 90mm from the 2002 driveshaft, but since I'm using a 320 front section, I'm not sure that's gonna be the same.

What's the straight skinny here?

TIA

mike

[Mike Self]

2002Haus, Aardvark or Metric Mechanic? I've heard good things about all three.

mike

[jgerry2002]

I can tell you its NOT the 2002 CR 5-speed length. Not sure what it would be with the 320i part. The spec for shortening a '02 driveshaft is around 3.6".

I've heard good things about the 2002haus kit (which I will be ordering shortly).

Metric kit is REALLY expensive. I've also heard a few complaints about rough shifting over the long term.

Aardvarc uses the relocated mounts. If you get the mounts wrong, it can be very difficult to align properly. Many have had excellent results with this kit though.

I don't want to cut, weld or alter the factory mounts, which is why I am going to get that 2002haus kit.

[BLUNT]

Iwas told theres variances between cars and to measure the specific car. dave at arrdvark told me this and wouldnt supply a driveshaft until my car was bolted together. so he owes me one. ive had great luck with dave and his kit. like others, hes always there to answer the phone and walk you through things

[Emyers]

I can speak for the Metric kit. Have had mine since 1996 and am very happy with the quality and functionality. There were not as many options back then as currently available. The 2002 Haus setup looks to be very well done.

Earl Myers

74 2002Lux

72 Volvo 1800ES

[Cruzr]

I sent him my 2002 driveshaft and the front end of the 320i shaft to be grafted. I was looking for the stronger 6 bolt guibo action.

The driveshaft I got in return fitted perfectly. In over 15k of driving I've had no problems with misalignment or the guibo for that matter.

[Rob7502]

I would recomend measureing your car after it is all bolted together. There are some variences, not much, but with out the slip joint you have no leway.

[Jack]

The way I did mine was to get the trannie and diff mounted, take a couple pieces of 1X1 or such , and go face to face and tape/mark/screw the sticks together for a "true" dimension. No guesswork/interpretation. Drill a sheet rock screw into the pair, disassemble, ship with the screw in place, reassemble and build to that!

[dlhoovler]

It was very well-made (very clean painting/powder coating/plating) and well-packed (secure, well-separated into subassemblies, all hardware loosely fastened where it was intended, etc.). Rob was very helpful with any questions I had (even on a weekend), and the kit avoids any modification of the car (outside of a little clearancing for the slave cylinder). Well worth it in my opinion.

Sorry; I don't know about the overall length. But you may want to try asking Rob or Dave Varco about it. I know both work with redoing driveshafts for the conversion.

-Dave