Stronger transmission OK for weaker car?

[JAGsX]

Hi all, I just bought my '97 GSX a couple days ago. It does have problems and that's fine. I want to fix them and/or replace them all together in upgrading.

Transmission - If I were to buy a "Stage 2.1 ultimate synchro" transmission, would it hurt my car any to have a stage 2 transmission in a stage zero car? I've never had to deal with changing/replacing a transmission. I don't know what kind of clutch it has, but it's not stock. If specifics on the clutch are needed, I can call up the seller.

I'd just rather repair my transmission, while upgrading it at the same time. Kill two birds with one stone. I will eventually upgrade my engine/turbo/exhaust, but will upgrading my transmission first hurt my car at all?

The only things that are not stock are the BOV and clutch. The clutch is very stiff. Long stop lights are agony .

I did search here and google for a while before posting this. I didn't come across anyone asking about this. It is harmful to have a weak transmission with a powerful engine/turbo, but is it harmful to have a strong transmission with everything else being weak?

By the way, what is wrong with the transmission is fourth gear. It is missing a synchro ring.

The only maintenance I have done on it so far is an oil change. Belt and fluids all check out. Only other problems I know of are a boost leak and something being wrong with the fan on the right (looking down from the hood.)

 

[Twinturbo120]

You will be fine. But why waste money on something you don't need? If anything just do a stock rebuild to the transmission. If you plan to do extensive mods to the car then yeah, get whatever "stage" fits your goal.

 

[tkelly27]

I will eventually upgrade my engine/turbo/exhaust, but will upgrading my transmission first hurt my car at all?

Nope, nothing wrong with doing that. It will probably shift a little nicer too. When you do upgrade you will have a good transmission to handle the extra juice. You'll also be happier not having to drop the tranny to fix it again. It's pretty easy to break a stock 2g transmission with the stock engine if you drive hard.

Have fun : )

 

[Strm Trpr]

The clutch is very stiff. Long stop lights are agony .

Why are you sitting at a stop light pressing the clutch pedal?

 

[LouieAWDTSi]

^^was wondering the same thing.. use the brake pedal until its time to get a move on.

And if you got the cash, than sure get a strong tranny. If you have to pay someone to do a tranny swap and such, then just compare the TOTAL price of rebuilt stock tranny vs. a performance one and decide if its worth it..if moneys not an huge deal for you right now, then upgrade now.(which saves you later most likely)

 

[DSM1G90]

sitting at a stop light pressing the clutch pedal in..

And, putting pressure on the crank thrust bearings...? I sit at neutral until light goes green .. and also do this with automatic cars for two reasons: keep the creeping from happening so I don't touch the guy in front of me along with my right foot already resting on the gas pedal. Since you don't need to press on the brake to go from N to D, you're a bit quicker to get the car rolling from a dead stop.

AND... if I accidently slip my foot off the brake, I don't bang into the guy in front of me (used to drive a company car where being in neutral at a light was a mandatory procedure-insurance reasons).

-DSM

 

[WES_393]

But why waste money on something you don't need? If anything just do a stock rebuild to the transmission.

This.

If you don't plan to make over 400hp anytime soon, the Stage 1 rebuilds from Jacks are more than enough transmission for you.

I'm personally running a Jack's Stage 1.2 with welded center diff, and it's currently taking a lot more abuse than 400hp...

 

[JAGsX]

Haha! Thanks a lot for the input fellas. I really appreciate it. I do plan on making the whole car a lot stronger. I was just thinking that having my transmission rebuilt for the future would be a good idea. I don't plan on all the upgrades "any time soon" unless I happen to deploy. I'd come back with quite a bit of money. Until then, I'll have to save up bit by bit. Thanks again!