Two questions...

[S2central.net]

Wise words from Tom - use the other box as a temporary one whilst yours is being rebuilt...


Paul

[Keeper of The Kitten]

Thanks guys ...I'm beginning to think a 6 speed sounds like the piece to have?

(If it goes with the 3B?)

I understand these have better 1st/2nd gear shaft and are generally a lot tougher??

Anyway mustn't run before I can walk, so best look at this 'box before worrying about other stuff!

Sources for 6 speeds are welcomed! More names for g/box servicing also welcomed!

__MDC__

[caterpillar]

if you get the 6speeds in your car,yea ti will fit the 3b,or any audi engine,same boltpattern. you may have som propshaft prob.use 2 righthanded shaft and a spacer at the innerbolt with gearbox.you MUST have the shiftsystem to the car also.its different from 5speed.

[martinjs]

Think you'll need to change the front subframe also to use the 6 speeder martin.

[audiman]

Yep, subframe, gearlinkage, propshaft and gearknob

[WabTheKing]

dylinks do a modified 6 speed box with a strengthened first gear as this is im told a weak point but knowing dylinks it will be seriously over priced, looking at doing a six speed conversion my self when i get some more pennies

[Keeper of The Kitten]

I've got the gearknob!!! Six speed is presumably longer, hence different propshaft?

First gear in any box is a weak point, it will always endure the highest torque loading of all the forward gears. That's for sure. Is the one in a five speed S2 especially prone to damage?

I've decided to bite the bullet and get the funf speed sorted asap, and seeing as I am house sitting next week an opportunity has arisen. So, hopefully by the following weekend, I'll be able to use the full set of teeth again...

Six gears would be nice I guess - but then again, it is more weight to lug about, and more rotating mass for the engine to accelerate.

__MDC__

[Keeper of The Kitten]

Tom, I've dropped you a PM - but I'll open this up to everyone as I am in a bit of a dire situation here!

I've been told by the garage that I need all of my baulking (synchro?) rings replaced AND two gears! The whole lot will cost something like £1,500 (ouch!) and with labour anything up to £2,400 (double ouch!!!) An exchange box is even more expensive...

Any recommendations regarding where I could get the bits for less? You guys at VAG parts maybe? I don't really need a two and a half grand bill at this time or any other!! I reckon that would take my spending this year up to the same amount as I bought the whole car for!

Alternatively do you know anyone who may have a complete box for a more reasonable price?

I love my car but I hate being poor!!! Any help would be hugely appreciated, ideally some answers before late on Thursday - otherwise I might really have to bite the bullet and ask the garage to start ordering parts...

All the best for now folks!

__MDC__

[Martynf]

The parts are NOT going to be any where near £1500 !! we are VERY good on gearbox parts and can wipe the floor with anyone's prices!!

Please drop Paul (Audi parts guru) a PM as Paul used to build gearboxes, he is the right person to talk gearbox parts with. And as for £2400 for labour, this is just MY personal opinion, but, that is a JOKE isn't it???

PM Paul asap

[Keeper of The Kitten]

I'll be dropping Paul a line then!

When I said £2,400 it was what they estimated for the whole job including parts (in my experience they over estimate). Problem is, they've already got my box in bits at the garage. I will need to find out exactly what needs replacing and relay it to Paul, so that will probably be sometime tomorrow.

Anyway big thanks Martyn, look forward to sorting something out soon and saving a chunk of change!

__MDC__

[Stick Insect]

Think you'll need to change the front subframe also to use the 6 speeder martin.

I think that Albert in Poland used the original subframe for his 6 speed conversion. IIRC He said the holes are elongated and it fits.

David

[Graham]

i have had a quote from easigears in Thornaby for a full six speed recondition for £600 so labour for any recon should be in the region of £300-400 assuming recon parts are about £200-300.
HTH
Graham

[ivarz]

http://www.s2central.net/tranny_intro.html

[audiman]

Labourwise its takes about 6-7 hours to remove and install the box. Plus the cost of a pro rebuild at say £700. Labour at £40ph that works out to me at 360-400 for the labour plus the rebuild cost. So about £1100+vat fitted!!

BTDT soo many times now. Gearbox in and out is no probs. Stripping down requires special tools, which i dont have, leave that the specialists.

[Keeper of The Kitten]

Hmmm. Required parts include an input shaft, idler for reverse, third gear and fourth gear, synchro hubs for 3rd/4th and 5th/rev, and synchro rings - to name a few of the more expensive bits! I'm changing the clutch now while it's split, fortunately I already have the complete clutch and a release bearing sat here in the living room behind the PC!

Garage parts quote is just over £1,100 inc vat, which is less than they originally said but still a lot... BTW I think labour is something like £60 but I get a tad knocked off so maybe not that much. Anyway they gave me a complete list with part numbers and prices so I will relay those to Paul (Paul, hope you got my PM?) If we can get the parts price down (and I am assured that we can!), I will be marginally happier with the situation me and Kitty find ourselves in...

Ivarz, thanks for dropping that gearbox link in - I kinda like the sound of those 016 boxes now, they seem to be tough stuff!!!

__MDC__