Community Weigh in - Transmission Choices

[turboleg]

Hi All,
Been a while since I have been actively posting.

So now that winter has hit and the 91 Turbo Swap project car has been stowed away for the winter I have some time to begin working on her from a complete teardown standpoint whenever needed. So here I am considering my 300 AWHP goal. I know that the 4:11 5-sp tranny that I swapped in (which I got free) is nearing the 325K mile mark. So I am looking for my best option for the driveline upgrade. Once I get this upgraded I'll begin working on the engine performance.

So the question is, whats the best transmission option for a flat out fast car? Most of my driving is done on the street, I don't plan to rally this car, the most its going to see is the occasional 1/4 mile appearance. I need something thats a good balance between good drivability and toughness.

I keep going back the the STI 6-sp but the gear ratios look crazy to me (as if I'm shifting constantly). On top of that I live in Wester NY where good 6-sp trannies aren't growing on trees.

I've heard of people buying certain 5-sp and having them built, but is this really a good bang for your buck option after you consider shipping the tranny to a worthy shop (I don't think there is anyone local that I would trust to do this work for me)?

What are your opinions?

[kimokalihi]

The only trans that is probably going to be guaranteed to hold up is the 6MT. If you can afford it, I'd say it's the only way to go.

[sqc151]

sell your 5sp to this guy.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=2262355

then buy this 6sp.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=2236152

[Mattheww044]

or get a JDM set-up or an aftermarket gear set. VERY expensive but pretty much bulletproof from what I hear...
I'm hoping to pick up a JDM tranny if I can find a good deal

[x2hawt4ux]

dog box. they are 3k just like 6 speeds but they will not break. actually the company wants u to break them so they can make them even stronger. just get 1st-3rd straight cut and 4th and 5th normal. that way its not loud on the freeway.

[kimokalihi]

And they are loud. The straight cut gears I mean.

[turboleg]

Thanks guys. The 3K for the dog box is about half of what I've heard (perhaps its more for helical style cut?) Don't you need a speacial case for the a 5sp dogbox or can they fit it in the 4.11 casing? Who would you guys suggest for a dogbox?

[kimokalihi]

No clue. Never even seen one for sale before.

[evolutionmovement]

Phil who used to be on here worked at a transmission builder that sold straight cut dog boxes for about that and they use the same case. Doing away with the syncros allows the room to put in physically wider gears. However, you won't want a dog box on the street. You might say you will, but even Phil got rid of his after a short while. It is not something to live with off of a track. They also built syncro helicals good for more power than you're looking for, but they were about twice the price IIRC. You might be able to search and find the old threads about it. A 6-speed would probably be your 2nd cheapest bet, the cheapest by a long shot being to go RWD with a Toyota transmission.

[MikeyMeyagi]

buy a six speed. you will fall in love with your car all over again. ive installed probably 7 of them for other people and no one has regretted it. I love mine, id never go with another trans, yea you shift more, but the car always feels like its in the power.

[x2hawt4ux]

http://www.xcceleration.com/engine-pack ... pfitz.html

go down to where it says Subaru WRX 1st & 2nd str-cut (synchro). that means 1st and second are straight cut gears. the rest are normal. its 3,051 or something. and it says direct fit no mods needed.