1.7d Gearbox

[stevie43_uk]

Hi All,

I love my 1.7d which has the 5 speed box, but I would like it to be a bit more relaxed at motorway speeds.

The engine is sweet as a nut. It recently had an overhaul so don't really want to change it and I like the fuel consumption !

Question is - can I stick a longer legged petrol gearbox in to make it more civilised at motorway speeds - I appreciate it may struggle a bit up hills torque wise, but surely I just change down a bit more don't I ?
I'm interested if any one gone down this route.
Or would it be cheaper and easier to just stick 16" wheels on it.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Steve

[billy739]

Or would it be cheaper and easier to just stick 16" wheels on it

yes , or bigger 14 inch tyres or 15 inch (more common ) wheels and tyres

but long term yes you can stick a 5 speed petrol box in for better ratios 5 speed petrol is also same as 5 speed td ( internally)

first tho you need to check your ratios and any new box ratios you are interested in.

get the code from your box

then google gear speed calculator , enter the info and you can see the differences that can be obtained!

its also possible to have your present box rebuilt with better internals

possibly a good idea if you have invested in the engine!

[stevie43_uk]

Hi Billy,

Thanks for your reply - may try increasing the size of the wheels first.

I do fancy the off road look with some syncro type wheels and tyres - saw one with 16" mefros and general grabber AT tyres on the other day which looked awesome.
I believe Merc ML wheels will fit too which I guess will be cheaper.

Cheers
Steve

[billy739]

no problem , but you can go too big / high ratio

not enough power in the engine to pull

also tyres size is not quite he same as gear ratio change but close enough , and 2 big flywheels to slow when braking!