Gear Box Advice

[thewelsho]

Hi Guys

I need to be thinking about getting an uprated gear box of sorts. While this is not likely to be in the very near future, I'd still like some advice about what I need. Basically I have two options: 1) PPG kit for my existing box; 2) Replacement STi 6-speed box. I don't know that there are any other options, but if there are, please tell me.

The PPG is just out of my league financially speaking and I think it might be a little bit over-kill for the my intents and purpose (daily runner with a few track days per year). So, it looks like it will have to be a replacement STi box. My car is a MY06 WRX, so what do I NEED to change in order to make the box fit as I am pretty sure it isn't a straight bolt on job. Also, can I use a box from 2.0 cars or do I need a box from a 2.5. And lastly, much is this going to cost 2nd hand and new?

Thanks for any help and advice offered.

John

[AlanG]

I had the PPG straight cut synchro box in mine John and was very happy with it, safe in the knowledge that it could take the power i was putting out. Yes it was noisy and maybe in hindsight, because it was predominently a road car i should have gone for the helical synchro kit for quietness, but after driving the car under the hands of the new owner with the 6 speed Forrester gearbox, that's the route i should have went down. That box has the right ratios, is quiet as a standard box and did gawd knows how many 1/4 miles last year with no issues. The new owner broke the selector rods on the PPG on his first ever 1/4 mile at Scoobyshootout last year, so with that amount of brutality, it's a credit to the strength of the 6 speed.

If you've got a 5 speed box John, you'll need the box, propshaft, gearlinkage, gearknob and possibly a rear diff but depends what 6 speed flavour you go for.

[thewelsho]

I had the PPG straight cut synchro box in mine John and was very happy with it, safe in the knowledge that it could take the power i was putting out. Yes it was noisy and maybe in hindsight, because it was predominently a road car i should have gone for the helical synchro kit for quietness, but after driving the car under the hands of the new owner with the 6 speed Forrester gearbox, that's the route i should have went down. That box has the right ratios, is quiet as a standard box and did gawd knows how many 1/4 miles last year with no issues. The new owner broke the selector rods on the PPG on his first ever 1/4 mile at Scoobyshootout last year, so with that amount of brutality, it's a credit to the strength of the 6 speed.

If you've got a 5 speed box John, you'll need the box, propshaft, gearlinkage, gearknob and possibly a rear diff but depends what 6 speed flavour you go for.

Thanks Alan.

I wouldn't be too fussed about noise, its all about cost really. So how would I go about sourcing a 6-speed forrester box and at what cost, any idea? It's encouraging to hear how much abuse the GB took. What did you mean "flavours"?

[AlanG]

I'm not that clued up on the 6 speed boxes John and i don't know what diff ratio you run on your car. As far as i'm aware and others will be able to fill you in better, I think there's basically the UK 6speed, Sti 6speed (UK and Sti might be the same ratios though?) and the Forrester 6 speed to choose from, but as i said i'm not that familiar. Others will clarify the options hopefully.

Personally i'd be looking for the Forrester box for its' ratios and then get the corresponding parts to suit the install.

Cost wise, haven't a clue, though I think you should still be able to source all parts needed for less than the PPG.

Edited May 19, 2008 by AlanG

[colin_ross]

Forrester box = 2.5 sti 6 speeder if that helps

[thewelsho]

Forrester box = 2.5 sti 6 speeder if that helps

Thanks guys! I wonder how much a new STi 6-speeder would be.

[fai17]

Thanks guys! I wonder how much a new STi 6-speeder would be.

lots

[cullenmin]

lots

How much is lots? 2k?

[colin_ross]

Because of my starting point it was cheaper for me to fit a ppg.

[thewelsho]

Because of my starting point it was cheaper for me to fit a ppg.

Ach well, at this rate I'm priced out of an upgrade for the immediate future and possibly period. It's looking like I will just have to not stress the standard box - pants!

Edited May 20, 2008 by TheWelsho

[RS Grant]

I think that Greers quoted me around £2000-£2200 to supply and carry out a 6spd conversion to a Classic that I was thinking about... however that was a wee while ago now, maybe 2-3 years.

Cheers,

Grant

[thewelsho]

I think that Greers quoted me around £2000-£2200 to supply and carry out a 6spd conversion to a Classic that I was thinking about... however that was a wee while ago now, maybe 2-3 years.

Cheers,

Grant

If I had known that the gearbox was as good as a chocolate fireguard with the power-upgrades, I probably wouldn't have done it. I've spent a fortune on the car since I bought it new 2 years ago (enough to buy another brand new car) including forking out over 2 grand for an engine re-build. I don't have a bottomless pit filled with lots of cash, so at this point I have reached a dead-end. If I track it I break it (most likely) so I'll never really get to realise the full-potential of the car... so what's the point? I suppose my only option is to hold onto it for another couple of years until I can hopefully afford the cash required to bring it up to the standards required for track use and that wont be the slightest bit frustrating, ha! Either that or sell it and get 50p for it. Ach well at least I still have what I have, and I'm sure there are plenty of people who'd love to have my "problem".

Edited May 20, 2008 by TheWelsho

[RS Grant]

Yea, however, if you treat it gently and look after it then it'll still give you some decent fun out on the open road... just unfortunate that you have got a bit of a taste for track stuff and that any potential weakness will be found out on track as the strain that all components are under is multiplied massively.

There are people who break modified cars rather than sell as a package and lose a lot of money.. so would be worth keeping an eye out on here, Scoobynet and also Pistonheads Parts section. Sometimes the PH Parts bit turns up parts that I havent seen on the other places I check.

Cheers,

Grant

[thewelsho]

Yea, however, if you treat it gently and look after it then it'll still give you some decent fun out on the open road... just unfortunate that you have got a bit of a taste for track stuff and that any potential weakness will be found out on track as the strain that all components are under is multiplied massively.

There are people who break modified cars rather than sell as a package and lose a lot of money.. so would be worth keeping an eye out on here, Scoobynet and also Pistonheads Parts section. Sometimes the PH Parts bit turns up parts that I havent seen on the other places I check.

Cheers,

Grant

Cheers mate. I was actually already offerred an MY05 STi box with the bits at 2k.

[scoobymark]

2 - 3 k bloody serious dosh for a 6 speed gearbox, would be better looking out for a second hand one.

in saying that these things always turn up when cash is tight!

[thewelsho]

2 - 3 k bloody serious dosh for a 6 speed gearbox, would be better looking out for a second hand one.

in saying that these things always turn up when cash is tight!

Yeah. I was a bit gobsmacked myself when I started to realise how much all this would cost. The 2k IS a 2nd hand one

[colin_ross]

Just how much power is your car putting out these days or is a case of operator abuse?

[thewelsho]

Just how much power is your car putting out these days or is a case of operator abuse?

340 Bhp and 400 ft/lbs Torque. Do you think if I am a little more gentle with it, it will last?

[colin_ross]

I ran a standard 5 speed with a fair bit more going through it but it was an STI 5 one. Using the right oil and treating it right can make all the difference too.

[RA Dunk]

theres a PPG on 22B site just now, but i bet your skint (always the case lol), linky!

http://bbs.22b.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?...c;f=34;t=001319

[thewelsho]

treating it right can make all the difference too.

What do you mean? Like NOT using it on the track or using it a certain way? Please enlighten me!

[scoobymark]

here you go

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/private-sale-gene...ed-gearbox.html

get the dosh out

[thewelsho]

here you go

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/private-sale-gene...ed-gearbox.html

get the dosh out

He's a man of few words that one. 6-speeder and that's it. Nothing about the car it came from, what it will and wont fit etc. £1250 isnt a bad price either is it? Looks minted too.

I wonder if I should sell that lung after all...

Good find

Edited May 20, 2008 by TheWelsho

[AlanG]

I ran a standard 5 speed with a fair bit more going through it but it was an STI 5 one. Using the right oil and treating it right can make all the difference too.

And i ran a 5 speed STi box at 525/560 for about 9 months before it gave up a gear. Think i had Redline in the box at that time for a while, before going on to Millers gear oil.

Edited May 21, 2008 by AlanG

[fai17]

And i ran a 5 speed STi box at 525/560 for about 9 months before it gave up a gear. Think i had Redline in the box at that time for a while, before going on to Millers gear oil.

so how often should i change gear oil in my spec of car?