Club 80-90 Forums

Just a little query as I've heard different things said about 5 speed boxes, I've been told the following;

They aren't necessarily going to help with increase in mpg due to the 5th ratio being similar to that in a 4 speed.

There are several different 5 speeders, one of which will have a ratio that will improve mpg.


Any truth in any of this, is it worth me chasing down a 5 speed box, is there a specific code for a 'best' box? My van is a 1.9 DG - interested in your views, cheers, Mitch.

Some info on the ratios etc. here.....
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... fo/gbx.htm

Ta very much - I think, a bit baffled at the moment!!!! Where on the box is the code marked as I currently have no idea which one is fitted?

your looking for a aap code gearbox the no is stamped on the lower part of gearbox you should see this if you get under van

Thanks faggie, any chance of a slightly more detailed descriptipn of where to look, mine is pretty filthy and once under the van, it won't be that obvious! Cheers.

here is a clue,

top of the page click on the word ... wiki

then click on .... gearbox

then click on ..... Transaxle Code

What gets me is the 'perception' that higher gearing gives better miles per gallon. That would be true IF your engine were capable of pulling it....the fact is, the most suitable gearing for your 'stock' engine is the gearbox it came with.
The reason why you hear so much talked about AAP's and 'higher gearing' is that many on here have upgraded their engines to 1.9TD's and Subaru power....note* Power....

More power = the capability to pull higher gearing.

Same power = the inability to pull any higher gearing than standard......

The reality of higher gearing without more power may well be, lower fuel consumption due to having to 'change down' more frequently and 'rev out' in lower gears for longer due to the engines lack of grunt in top gear.

Martin

Agree^^^^
i have a lowly 1.6D and have optimised my gearing and trye size so i can just rev out, the benefit of 5 speeds to me are that as i have little power then the extra gear helps spread what i have so im not labouring so much
mm

Spot on martin.

what2d wrote: any chance of a slightly more detailed descriptipn of where to look,

OK, as always, thanks for your input. Once I get the van back from the garage (lpg conversion), I shall check the gearbox code, wheel/tyre sizes and return for some more advice. I take on board the advice offered but perhaps I sometimes reuire a hit over the head with the stick that tells me YES or NO because I'm not clear from what is being said if - big if; I can obtain better mpg (not after better acceleration or top end) with different ratios etc. Thanks for bearing with me, Mitch.

Mine was a 1.9dg 5speed and is now 2.1 5 speed I have to say that after 15 years of ownership the one thing I really hate about the van is the 5 speed box the horrible thuding clonk as you knock the gearstick over the 'gate' and back to get first gear iritates me beyond measure. The 4 speed is much more pleasant to drive and I did intend to change the box and linkage but unfortunately lost the storage for the doner vehicle and had to sell it complete

what2d wrote:OK, as always, thanks for your input. Once I get the van back from the garage (lpg conversion) I take on board the advice offered but perhaps I sometimes reuire a hit over the head with the stick that tells me YES or NO because I'm not clear from what is being said if - big if; I can obtain better mpg (not after better acceleration or top end) with different ratios etc. Thanks for bearing with me, Mitch.

Well the LPG conversion will give you an equivelent 70-80% increase, low to mid 30's I would have thought, compaired to petrol.
You do loose a little power on LPG...nothing drastic, a few percent.
Slightly bigger wheels/tyre combination on the rears might just give you a couple of MPG if driven slowly (below 55mph) but might have the reverse effect if you try and go any quicker.

Martin

Can't pick my van up till end of play Thursday!!!!!!! Manufacturer has sent the plumbing bits for the 4 hole tank to another installer up north and vice-versa - devastated.