Using a evo 2 transmission in a 2g

[renovatdkitchen]

So, as I slowly collect parts for next summers build, I came across a local seller who has an evo 2 transmission and t-case on sale for a good price. The seller says that I can bolt up the evo transmission and t-case and it will work fine with my rear diff (which I am replacing with the TRE evo 8 diff). What's holding me back is the support of the transmission. I understand it is very similar to the DSM transmissions, but when I look over Shep's or Jack's sites, I don't see a rebuild option for the evo 2 tranny.

I was also looking at getting the front differential insert, but am not sure if it will fit this transmission. I am also going to shoot off an email to Jack and/or Shep asking about this, but wanted a general opinion from you guys before I bother them.

This is the first time I am looking deeper into transmissions and with google as my friend look forward to creating a great drivetrain.

 

[JackM]

The EVO 2 trans is the same inside as a regular DSM trans except for the shift forks, front diff and gear ratios.

I am not 100% sure, but I believe the 1st and 2nd gear in those are terribly weak. It has been awhile, but I think I had to swap the input shaft, 1st and 2nd gears from the last one i built due to the horrid reliability the EVO 2 1-2 is known to have. I have to see the gears in order to know if they are the bad ones, though.

The front diff gear ratio is also not correct on those, so you will need a USDM front diff ring gear and output gear for it to match the rest of your drive-train.

You might have an LSD in the unit as it sits. It depends on which one you have. Some have a VCU front LSD, some have a clutch pack. The clutch pack is the best out of the bunch. I can machine the USDM front ring gear to fit the JDM front diff LSD if need be.

Can you take pics of the front diff? Just a good close pic where the CV shaft goes will give me a good idea what diff you have.

I would highly recommend against the LSD insert. Either keep it like it is or get a Quaife. Anything else will kill the reliability of the unit.

Jack

 

[renovatdkitchen]

Thank you for the help Jack!

I have not purchased the transmission yet, but from what it sounds, I should stay away from the evo 2 transmission. If this unit will not help lower cost when I send my tranny in, I'll just take things easier on my stock one to allow it to last through this summer, save the money and put it towards that Quaife center diff.

Thank you again.

 

[JackM]

It really depends on how you look at it. The shift rails and forks in the EVO 2 are really nice and strong. the 3-4 gears are also very good.

If you can get one with the LSD, that's another plus right there too as buying a new LSD would cost about $800.

The little things like final drive gear ratio and input shaft with 1st and 2nd gears are cheap if you have a donor USDM trans. We also carry a lot of perfect used parts here too which we could sell you that could save on those costs.

Jack

 

[renovatdkitchen]

Okay. I'll ask the seller if he knows if its got the LSD. Here's for hoping that it does! Worst case, it's no biggie as getting a cage built is my current priority, and drivetrain will end up being taken care of closer to the new year.

Thank you again for the help .