Hi all
I would like some opinions on gearboxes for a Pinto turbo (or essentially an 8v YB...) with reasonably high torque (416 Nm or 306 ft lbs).
I have been running a stock Sierra Cosworth T5 but it's getting hard to get it into second gear, when cold you need to double clutch (warm is pretty much OK). While I do suspect this may be a bent shift fork I am a bit hesitant to rebuild a gearbox that probably is marginal.
The Gearboxman/Quaife gearkit with uprated forks is the "easy" solution, since it is a "bolt on" solution, no other changes necessary. But I have not heard from anyone running this kit?
A Tremec TKO 600 is in the same region cost wise, a lot stronger, but also larger (may not fit the tunnel). It also means new clutch and propshaft since the splines differ. Both of these (T5 and TKO) are not known for shifting well above say 6000 rpm.
Everybody else in Sweden cuts and shuts BMW (ZF or Getrag) gearboxes, but I am not really a fan of welding an alloy bellhousing. Plus, if that gearbox brakes down, you need to weld again = downtime. A bolted adapter plate may be an option. Again, new clutch and prop. So even if the gearbox itself is cheaper (say 1000-1500 USD for a completed kit) it's not that much cheaper than the T5 gearkit (and that will be new!).
So, motorsport gearboxes. Of course, the sky is the limit but keeping it at tree tops level, there is the Elite IL300 6S. Rated at 540 Nm is should be OK. With Ford type 9 form factor for bellhousing etc. its a rather easy fit. But it's a close ratio 6-speed, I really don't need that with the turbo engine. Price is around twice of the T5 gearkit. Not unreachable but a reasonable chunk of money. And service life of a motorsport gearbox on the street is an unknown.
What options am I missing?
See dyno chart, I don't think a close ratio gearbox really helps here? 3.92:1 final drive ratio, 225/45-15 wheels.
Thanks
Gustaf
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