what is a good gearbox and diff upgrade?

5L · 15-06-2008, 07:16 PM

my t5 in my XR8 has suffered a little bit of abuse, but nothing that i thought it should be able to take. im only putting out 200kw at the wheels so what is a gearbox upgrade you should suggest.

should i bother about putting another T5 in it, i just want something strong dont need a 6 speed, or anything fancy.

also the diff is clunky around corners now so my guess is spider gears are on there way out. i have spoken to a few people and they are all for minispools, then i hear that lokkas are the way to go.

at the same time i was thinking about putting some 3.9's in the diff.

how much should everything roughly cost, i just want to make sure the place isnt overcharging.

Windsor220 · 15-06-2008, 08:18 PM

Dont know about a minispool for the street. There not even legal. Ratio upgrade with a new LSD should be ok.

As for the box, Im pretty sure there is upgrade kits for the T5.

5L · 15-06-2008, 08:33 PM

an auto conversion could be on the cards also.

FTe_XR8 · 15-06-2008, 08:41 PM

NOOO dont go auto! if u've got the money look into a KAAZ lsd i thik its around the 1600 mark? and im sure most reputable gearbox places could rebuild ur gearbox stronger. and also i wouldnt recommend lokkas from wat i've heard.

RG · 15-06-2008, 08:42 PM

If you go auto I want that manual.

EvilChief · 15-06-2008, 08:52 PM

as for diffs, i have found a ratio between 3.7s and 3.9s to have best benefits between improved acceleration and retaining top end speed. There are several different diff centres you can choose from, i have had a car on teh road with a spool, dont get me wrong it was great fun to drive, but bloody damn annoying and the expense of chewed tyres all the time. Id either go with a KAAZ centre or a BW LSD, either will do a good job, just depends on your budget.

as for gearbox, the tremec T5s are not a bad gearbox to begin with, if you are looking for better shifting, a rip shifter will help imesnly with the 3rd gear trouble we all have, however if you are not afraid to spend some coin you cannot go past the TKO500 and TKO600 series.

do a search and a lot of info will be revealed on them.

MADED-6 · 15-06-2008, 08:54 PM

lokkas are better than spools as when there is no load on them they single spin but minispools are s%#t in my oppinion but i have one here in a centre u can have for $100.
but yeah they arent very nice to drive with.
cheers josh.

BlacklistedXR · 16-06-2008, 02:44 AM

I have 3.9 diff gears and a lokka in my diff. The diff gears are really good and i noticed a big improvement in acceleration and go from low revs. The lokka is always locked unless you take a corner then it unlocks and makes a ratcheting sound, when you take a corner and put your foot into it then it locks both rear wheels. Its okay at high speeds but in car parks at low speeds it does come annoying as sometimes the car pigroots when cornering. I found a way to drive around this though. I have some new springs for the lokka which will be fitted this week and apparetly it makes alot of difference to smoothness in low speed cornering whilst being just as effective with both wheels locked when power is applyed. I had my gearbox fully rebuilt after i blew third gear and it seems to be going alright so far. I paid $2000 to have everything replaced as everything in the box was pretty much stuffed, this included new bearings, synchros and all the gears and shafts. I will be getting a supercharger soon so fingers crossed it will be able to hold. There is alot of options out there and they vary on how much you want to spend. What problems are you having with your gearbox? For a good cheap and effective fix to your diff i would just get the LSD shimmed and throw in some 3.7 or 3.9 diff gears which should set you back about $2000 with new bearings and oil fitted at a diff shop.

5L · 16-06-2008, 06:35 AM

the problem with my box is it feels really tight, doesnt change smooth. its like it drops into gear then waits for the gears to turn around a little bit more before it slots into gear.so i am guessing synchro's.

i am still able to drive the car as hard as i normally would, but i dont know how long the gearbox will last. can still spin it into second and chirp 3rd when changing.

howesy · 16-06-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUXR8220

the problem with my box is it feels really tight, doesnt change smooth. its like it drops into gear then waits for the gears to turn around a little bit more before it slots into gear.so i am guessing synchro's.

i am still able to drive the car as hard as i normally would, but i dont know how long the gearbox will last. can still spin it into second and chirp 3rd when changing.

Have you changed the fluid? if not do it.
Ring Mal wood and he will tell you Auto fluid. Transmax Z fully synthetic with friction addatives already on board is the go for the T5 I put it in my sons and gearchanges are good. if the fluid is too thick the syncros wont perform and it will do what yours is doing.

stiddy · 16-06-2008, 02:21 PM

If you want to update your T5, get a T5 Z spec.. ~$2200 for one. Ive got one in my AU and they are great! Highly recommend one. (it did die from a fault from factory which was fixed and the box slightly rebuilt stronger again).
I run this with a 5 puck brass button clutch, billet flywheel and HD pressure plate, its had constant abuse(Rev dumps, flat changing, clutch pumping) and hasnt missed a beat.
With this box you WILL need diff gears as the ratios in the box are different. I got my diff done with a BW 3.7 diff. (I suggest 3.9's), Its built strong though, billet gears, billet axles, standard 4 pinion lsd center though but with 80lb springs. ~$1100-1200 (mates rates)

blackers10 · 16-06-2008, 06:05 PM

BI6TIM has a T5G box.. its got modified bearings etc.. they apparently use them in saloon car racing..and havnt broken one yet..
but broke several straight cut gearsets from various companys...

Hart Transmissions in Brendale do the box..
I believe its 1800 for the box (they rebuild the box AND perform the mods)

so far tims is holding up GREAT with 350+hp at the wheels in his turbo ED..

and as for Lokkas.. they are still working on new springs that work better apparently..
and are about $660 fitted from memory..

the E series guys swear by the Lokka's..which will all be thoroughly abused at Powercruise in august up here in Brisbane

5L · 16-06-2008, 06:39 PM

fluid was changed when i got the car, havnt changed it since though. might give it a shot. it might free up the gearbox a bit.

RG · 16-06-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUXR8220

fluid was changed when i got the car, havnt changed it since though. might give it a shot. it might free up the gearbox a bit.

Use Castrol Tranzmax Z. Great stuff for the T5 although it is a little pricey.

5L · 16-06-2008, 07:25 PM

yer ill get it done next wednesday. lol pricey isnt everything to do with cars pricey?

RG · 16-06-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUXR8220

yer ill get it done next wednesday. lol pricey isnt everything to do with cars pricey?

2 1/2 years ago 4 litres was $70 odd. You only need 1.9 plus IIRC there is also an additive that needs to go in.

stiddy · 16-06-2008, 08:36 PM

The additive being lubrizol.

V3RSAC3 · 16-06-2008, 09:53 PM

Dissapionting Shane

5L · 17-06-2008, 07:02 AM

lol nathan it was made to be driven, just wasnt made to be clutch dropped and slammed through gears.