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2JZ Swap into a BMW E46 with the ZF Gearbox
PMC Motorsport adapter: 2JZ engine to BMW E46 gearbox, full install guide. Fitting the PMC Motorsport adapter plate and pilot bushing on a 2JZ to BMW E46 gearbox conversion: block prep, adapter plate, flywheel and clutch test.
What the problem is
The BMW bellhousing does not fit the Toyota block. The bolt pattern is different, the input shaft sits at a different height and the flywheel is different too. That is why an adapter plate goes between the engine and the gearbox, and a flywheel that takes a BMW size clutch bolts onto the JZ crankshaft.
The gearbox stays stock, so in the E46 you do not have to change the transmission mount or the shifter. That saves a lot of time compared with fitting a Toyota gearbox.
What the videos show
| Step | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Block prep | A clean mating surface and the input shaft pilot bushing fitted. |
| Adapter plate and flywheel | Dowel pins, bolts of the correct length, torque specs from the instructions. |
| Clutch | A pressure plate matched to your power. One video uses an E36 M3 pressure plate, another an ACT clutch. |
| Mating the gearbox | Gearbox on a transmission jack, slid in straight, never pulled in with the bolts. |
| Slave cylinder | The correct clutch fork pivot. The wrong pivot can destroy the slave cylinder. |
240 mm or 184 mm?
For most cars the version for a 240 mm clutch, the standard BMW size, is all you need. The 184 mm (7.25") version is for small performance clutches that rev more freely and hold a lot of torque. If you are not sure which one to pick, write to us with your target power and what the car will be used for.
More 2JZ E46 swap videos
PMC Motorsport kit unboxing: 2JZ to BMW ZF gearbox, E46 conversion
A lightweight aluminium flywheel, a thick adapter plate and a full bolt kit. The author explains why he uses a BMW E36 M3 pressure plate to handle the 2JZ torque.
Installing an ACT performance clutch with the PMC Motorsport conversion kit: 2JZ to E46
A stock clutch compared with a ceramic ACT clutch, the different dowel hole diameters on pressure plates from different BMW generations, and greasing the input shaft splines.
Mounting the ZF gearbox to the 2JZ with the PMC kit: final assembly
What the different length bolts in the PMC kit are for, fitting the dowel pins and lining up the gearbox on the transmission jack.
Slave cylinder problem on a 2JZ E46 build: the fix with the PMC Motorsport kit
Cracking slave cylinders: the cause was the wrong pivot ball stud. The longer brass pivot from the PMC kit changes the working angle of the clutch fork.
Parts from the videos
Adapter plates and flywheels for mating a 1JZ/2JZ to a BMW manual gearbox:
- Adapter Toyota 1JZ 2JZ - 5-speed manual BMW M50 S50 M52 S52 M54 ZF-5 - 240mm / 9.45"
- Adapter kit Toyota JZ - manual 5-speed BMW M50 S50 M52 S52 M54 ZF5 - 184mm / 7.25" (S)
- Flywheel Toyota JZ 1JZ 2JZ - BMW M50 S50 M52 S52 M54 S54 ZF5 Getrag 420G - 240mm / 9.45"
- Adapter kit Toyota JZ - manual 5-speed BMW M57 ZF GS5-39DZ - 240mm / 9.45"
FAQ
Can a 2JZ be bolted to the BMW gearbox from an E46?
Yes. That is what the PMC Motorsport adapter plate and flywheel are for. The first video in this post shows the complete install in an E46.
Does the same adapter fit both the 1JZ and the 2JZ?
Yes. The 1JZ and 2JZ share the same bellhousing bolt pattern, so adapters marked “1JZ 2JZ” fit both.
Which clutch should I use for a 2JZ with a BMW gearbox?
With the 240 mm adapter you use a BMW size pressure plate and clutch disc. For more power, go for a stronger pressure plate (an E36 M3 one in the video) or a performance clutch such as ACT. For very high power builds there is a version for 184 mm clutches.
Why does the slave cylinder crack after the swap?
Most often because of wrong clutch fork geometry, meaning the wrong pivot ball stud. In the video the problem disappeared after fitting the longer brass pivot from our kit.
Did you know… In the 1990s Japanese carmakers had a “gentlemen’s agreement” that no car could officially make more than 280 hp. That is why the Supra with the 2JZ-GTE was rated at exactly 280 hp on paper, even though the engine can easily handle several times that.
You will find more install videos of our parts on the PMC Motorsport videos page.
Recommended
Adapter Kit Toyota JZ - manual 6-speed BMW M57n GS6-53DZ HGD JGA HGA - 184mm / 7.25" (S)
Adapter Toyota 1JZ 2JZ - 6-speed manual BMW M57n GS6-53DZ HGD JGA HGA - 240mm / 9.45"
