Posted by Eric Q on July 31, 2003 at 20:51:51 from 216.34.197.222
In Reply to: Early 3.5 Differences US-vs-Euro? Std. Trans?.. posted by TexasTim on July 31, 2003 at 19:53:15:
If this is an L-Jet 735i (up to 1980 or 1981) then this should be the (some say) more desirable "L" block or short stroke 3.5. This is a bit more free running engine than the later motronic Euro 3.5. Any Euro engine also has higher compression than the US, which gives it an additional 36 horsepower.
As far as transmissions, it should have a 5 speed, either the durable Getrag 265 or the rarer but more fragile dogleg close ratio. I don't think they ever put 4 speeds in a 3.5 (I could be wrong, though).
The Euro 3.5 is much stronger than the 3.3. The US 3.5 is only slightly stronger than the 3.3. You do not need the 320i intake runners with a 3.5, there is enough torque.