Transmission Selection!!!

[tdykes1234]

Ok, so I'm really tired of grinding and/or missing second gear completely when doing a 1st-2nd gear pull. I have a 1990 Laser RS Turbo, just broke 100k mi, basically everthing is stock! I'm looking at buying a new transmissions and have checked out both Shep Trans & Jack Trans. The only thing is, this is the only car I have running at the moment and don't want to have to rip out the transmission and be without a car for 2-3 weeks while waiting for mine to be returned. On a side note, this is my first 5-speed (yes I can drive one), the reason I make mention of that is because I don't know anything of how to make adjustments to things like the "pivot ball"...etc. The little things that make a huge difference in either having a great transmission...or destroying a great transmission. I know that there will be a lot of different opinions on this and I welcome all tips and advice. Thanks guys!!!

 

[boost97gst]

Its going to cost... alot . You really MUST use a LSD, quaife or wavetrac. The prior being a better choice.
Jacks stage 3(the one with a lsd, is gonna cost near 3000 after shipping. Thats a pretty big dent in my book. You can look in to shep and i think they have a stage 1 and you can add a lsd. Still looking at a bit north of 2 grand after all is said and shipped.
This is on my to-do list as well. My 5spd has over 200k on it and doesnt feel quite like new, wonder why ha.
If you ever plan on putting 550whp down(which you probably will), i think its best to go with jacks stage 3 and be done with it. He better put the speedo ring and everything in for that price though. jeez.

Conversely, you could get a local tranny shop to rebuild your tranny for probably 400 then drop about 8-900 on an lsd. Thats not a bad option either. If its not a track car, you might be able to hold some serious power for adecent amount of time. I consider longevity in a200+hp/L car to be 20k miles. We all know the trade offs. Good luck

 

[93AWDDSM]

I ordered stage 1.0 rebuild from jacks transmission. They are way backed up or something right now.... transmission arrived on 26th of April and is supposed to be done next week? anyways... the total price for a "basic rebuild" was 919.98.
also this is my daily driver as well so plan on more than 2-3 weeks.

 

[Alucards_blood]

How about TRE's exchange service?

AWD EXCHANGE SERVICES

 

[DSM1G90]

Have a tranny shop do the install, and you prob can have them get it for you. You need the F5M33 tranny due to the turbo option.

(I'm 191K and also all stock and with an original tranny with Redline MT-90 as the fluid)

There is a thing called JDM trannies that might be much towards a softer hit in the pocketbook.

Do some searches on this one. Good luck - DSM

 

[tdykes1234]

Thanks for the tips guys, I won't be pushing this engine past 400hp anytime soon. I already have a lifter ticking and I just want to keep it running right. I like to have fun with it and enjoy 1-2 gear pulls every now and then, but hate grinding and/or missing it completely. So that is why I am wanting to do this. I noticed too that Jacks offers a way you can order without sending yours in and then can return it in later? Anyone done this?

 

[WES_393]

I have a "Stage 1.2" from Jacks in my 95 TSi AWD and it was worth every single penny. I can't comment on shipping since I'm local to them, but I can vouch for the build quality. Gear changes are effortless anywhere from idle to over 8k RPM. I've launched the car dozens of times and usually put down mid-high 1s 60 foot times. It's driven almost daily at around 440hp and should see over 500 very soon.

the reason I make mention of that is because I don't know anything of how to make adjustments to things like the "pivot ball"...etc. The little things that make a huge difference in either having a great transmission...or destroying a great transmission.

If everything is new and installed correctly then you shouldn't have to worry about those things. Shimming the pivot and/or using an extended slave rod is typically a bandaid for using worn out parts. The most you'll need to do is adjust the clutch pedal. Just be sure to fill it with the right oil and replace/upgrade the clutch if necessary. I'd suggest South Bend for the clutch and DiaQueen (or MT-90) for the oil.

 

[NWHTanK]

Same here . I sent the awd parts car trans to jacks for stage three with all the bells and whistles. The trans had around 200, 000 on it, and they told me late fri that it needed a hard part. So im glad I sent it out , insead of just droping it in. Turn around time roughly three weeks.