Okay, so...
I made some phone calls and think that I've found a 3.45 (3.46?) locking E36 318ti differential. The asking price is $325 plus shipping, which seems relatively reasonable.
I had thought about going with a higher ratio like 3.73 but to tell you the truth, I do some highway driving and am just a bit worried about the higher rpm's in the 70-80mph range, though admittedly I'm tempted by the in town boost the higher ratio would offer.
I also had thought about an E30 swap out, but I hate to go through the trouble of the half shaft replacement.
Am I correct to think that this is probably the easiest, best route for me to take. My #1 priority is getting my car back on the road. It seems that I would get a slight performance upgrade going from a 3.45 open to a 3.45 locking, though I realize I won't get the boost I'd get from a higher ratio.
Those of you who have experienced it...will I regret not going with a higher ratio? |