6-Speed Gearbox

Vince is happy with the instructions, so it looks like this is moving forwards. If the 'no disassembly' scheme works then it should save about 5 hours of labour (give or take) & hence make it more cost effective than otherwise (that's relative of course! It's still an expensive mod).

Out of the choice of 0.65, 0.59 and 0.52 6th gears I'm going to go for the 0.59. Fingers crossed it should all be happening in about a month.
 
Yes, I still want to be able to use my existing 5th in a 30-zone. If you're looking for an overall increase throughout all gears, changing the final drive as suggested earlier would probably be a better idea (I don't know how much that would cost, but probably less than adding a 6th).

The other guy putting in a 0.59 6th is changing his 5th to 0.71 (that's on a Jetta).
 
Hope it all goes well Mike. Be sure to let us know the results (and if your don't mind sharing, the total damage).

I'll be having something done in the summer, ideally a FDR and 5th drop, but depending on your results, may yet be tempted by a 6th.
 
6cyl Chris said:
... Be sure to let us know the results ...
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I'll do that.

The big variable is the in-place fitting. Judging from the photos supplied, it looks fiddly and there is a small risk of a clip being dropped into the gearbox (which would result in the full-monty 8 hour job). If that occurred I'd ask Vince to put in a new clutch at the same time (only an extra £120 since the labour would be occurring anyway).
 
I've been corresponding with Vince about this for some time now ..... did he not mention about what would happen if he is unable to re-fit, in-position, a critical component (a ring, I think)? Well, he has told me that if it is not possible, then I would have to have agreed beforehand that the work would then continue on the basis of a complete gearbox removal! Well, that means quite a significant difference in costing! I seem to recall £200 if the job is In-situe, and £500 if the ring/clip can't be refitted without gearbox removal. Anyway, I am always optimistic and I will probably go ahead with this, shortly. I will speak to Vince tomorrow, as I had agreed, and take it from there .... Oh, like MikeMarsUK, I would go for the original ratios, and add a 0.629 ratio 6th gear. I think that the 0.59 ratio would compromise the car's performance characteristics in the 60-70 mph range, when it is in that 0.59 ratio 6th gear ....
 
DJ 190 said:
..... did he not mention about what would happen if he is unable to re-fit, in-position, a critical component (a ring, I think)? Well, he has told me that if it is not possible, then I would have to have agreed beforehand that the work would then continue on the basis of a complete gearbox removal! ....
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Yeah, that's why I mentioned the 'full monty' scenario in the post just above. If you look at EuroTuning's instructions, you can see that it is possible for this to happen. If you have a loose component in the gearbox, you have no other option but to disassemble it.
 
@David, interesting to see you're considering this mod even though you already went through the 5th gear cog mod not all that long ago?
 
MikeMarsUK said:
Yeah, that's why I mentioned the 'full monty' scenario in the post just above. If you look at EuroTuning's instructions, you can see that it is possible for this to happen. If you have a loose component in the gearbox, you have no other option but to disassemble it.
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Apologies, the security guy came round at work & chucked everyone out for the night, so I didn't finish this post.

While there is a risk, I think it is relatively low. Also, because my clutch is 126k miles old, if the disassembly is required I will replace the clutch at the same time (which would save money in the future).


DJ 190 said:
... I would go for the original ratios, and add a 0.629 ratio 6th gear. I think that the 0.59 ratio would compromise the car's performance characteristics in the 60-70 mph range, when it is in that 0.59 ratio 6th gear ....
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Regarding the 0.629 ratio option - did you find out whether or not the kit is using standard splines? Or did you persuade EuroTuning to support that?


One final thing... we may be able to make a small saving by ordering the two kits together. (I don't know if anyone else would be interested in joining into a group buy, I suspect everyone else is too sensible ;)).


OK... one final final thing, I would suggest that it would be a good idea to get agreed value insurance instead of the normal market-value insurance due to the cost of the mod.
 
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MikeMarsUK .... You said :-"Regarding the 0.629 ratio option - did you find out whether or not the kit is using standard splines? Or did you persuade EuroTuning to support that?" Well, that was something that Vince was going to find out, and I'll shortly be speaking to him regarding that, and that 0.629 ratio. Yes, I would like to go with you in ordering two kits together, providing that I would end up with the 0.629 ratio. Now, you mention that you are suprised that I am considering this mod when I have just had the 5th gear mod ... well, that is because I miss being able to engage 5th gear at relatively low speeds, like I could with the original ratios .... as I have said before, driving around North Wales is quiet and relaxing, but consists of lots of rather twisty lanes. At times, I like to just cruise along at, say, 40-50 mph. Experience has shown that the vehicle doesn't feel quite right if I engage 5th at anything less than ~42 mph. That is talking about lane cruising. However, very nearby is the A55, and I'm on that to go towards Llandudno, etc. in one direction, and the rest of the World in the other! LOL! Tim .... have you noticed no underlining, bold, CAPITALS? LOL! Well, a 6-speed box would be just perfect! The best of both Worlds! Cost? Well just what does it cost people who regularly change their cars? (keeping up with the Jones's!) Now that really is a laugh!
 
DJ 190 said:
.... have you noticed no underlining, bold, CAPITALS? LOL! ...
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My own goal when I am writing posts is to have no more than one emphasis per paragraph. I do sometimes break my own rule however :)


DJ 190 said:
... Cost? Well just what does it cost people who regularly change their cars? (keeping up with the Jones's!) Now that really is a laugh!
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It's the cost of re-doing the mods if someone else drives into my car that worries me (it happened to my last car which is why I get paranoid about it). Insurance companies will generally not pay for the cost of mods. Hence the agreed-value policy instead of a normal one.
 
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Personally, I prefer to write without recourse to typographical emphasis, but rely on the power of my words alone! Each to their own though!
 
Yes, you have the power to flog me that DIS cluster! Some power, that! LOL!! Oh, that Votex rear spoiler ... I obtained the very last one in the U.K., but they are still obtainable, I believe, on back-order from Germany. Here's a thought ... I got a superb low price because it had been in stock on the Isle Of Wight for over 7 years! Maybe a similar scenario could exist in Germany? A search of the German Audi Dealerships might turn one up, just like mine? .... and it could be sent to you at a bargain price? Worth thinking about ...
 
This is all very interesting.

Mike, I have done a lot of motorway driving recently along the M6 between Lancaster and Carlisle, along the eastern edge of The Lakes. As you might imagine, there are plenty of motorway hills along that stretch. I've done them all at 1750rpm in my 0.659 5th and had no problems; there is enough torque available. I mention this because I was previous sceptical about the 0.59's ability to pull the car at 60mph (1750rpm) without being a hassle. However, I've changed my mind. With a few passengers or anything less than 60mph, I could still see some issues, but I eagerly await your verdict.
I'm really pleased you're going ahead with this as I can see real benefits for you and for the broader club. If cruise works without issue, then it's something I may consider doing myself, even though I've already done the 5th gear mod, though only when funds allow. I still have my standard 5th and would probably revert to using it.

Keep us posted!

Tom
 
dan_b said:
Personally, I prefer to write without recourse to typographical emphasis, but rely on the power of my words alone!
Click to expand...

Using typographical emphasis does have its uses from time to time, for instance when looking to distinguish between two easily-conflated points in an arguement, or simply drawing extra attention to a point of real importance that might otherwise get lost. But, for the most part, it's unnecessary; we're all able to hear the stresses within written text. READING something like this takes MUCH longer and IS generally awkward! :p

Tom
 
If I hadn't had already done my 5th gear mod I'd be seriously looking at this too, but having spent the money once, and considering how long the payback is on any potential MPG gain for that, I'm not sure I could justify going this route. Would be brilliant though - I loved having the 6 speed box in my A4 quattro and going to a 5 speeder again after that with the A2 took quite a long time to get used to.

I'll invest my remaining upgrades pot on the DIS! Not that I'm doing more mods of course...
 
I need to keep an eye on this thread. The type of driving I do these days and mileage of 400+ weekly I would benefit greatly from the 6 speed 'box.
 
These are the scenarios that I can see...

* Mostly urban journeys, usually under 40mph
** No particular advantage to any gearbox mod

* Not many miles per year
** Gearbox mods will never pay back

* Lots of motorway journeys, very little in the 35-45 mph range
** 5th gear mod is best
** 6th gear mod would help but not be cost effective compared to the others
** Final drive would also work

* Lots of motorway journeys, very little under 40, but plenty of 40-50mph miles
** A final drive mod to increase gearing throughout the range would be best?
** 5th gear mod would help but might be a liability for the slower parts
** 6th gear mod would help but not be cost effective compared to the others

* Half motorway journeys & half 30-45mph driving, many miles per year
** 6 speed box is best but will take a very long time (many years) to pay back
** 5th gear mod will not help because you'd be forced to use 4th instead of 5th
** Final drive mod might work but might also be a liability in the slower parts



My typical journey is 2/3 motorway, and 1/3 in the 30-45 mph range. Hence my resistance to the 5th gear mod.


Beware your turbo / engine coking up if you drive most of the time under 2k rpm. A brief italian tune every 1k miles or so will be enough to avoid that problem.



--- Edit:

Yet another option to consider from the German forum. Some guy has transplanted a gearbox from the TDI 90 into his TDI 75 (including the dual mass flywheel etc). This would have the effect of increasing the gears throughout the range.

http://www.a2-freun.de/forum/showthread.php?t=29568
 
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My journeys are now less about 20% motorway down from 80% a few years ago but now include fast 'A' road stretches and urban where my 5th gear mod ratio is a now a bit too high. i am not too worried about payback more interested in making the car better to drive and getting a regular 60+mpg without busting a gut hypermiling. Agree about the italian tune up, been doing that for years!
 
Adrian888 said:
My journeys are now less about 20% motorway down from 80% a few years ago but now include fast 'A' road stretches and urban where my 5th gear mod ratio is a now a bit too high. i am not too worried about payback more interested in making the car better to drive and getting a regular 60+mpg without busting a gut hypermiling. Agree about the italian tune up, been doing that for years!
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My attitude entirely, Adrian! I have spent money on the 5th gear mod and will certainly continue to use it for another year or so, but if the pioneers of this 6-speed mod are happy with the results, I'll throw payback time to the wind and benefit from a generally better drive.
Whilst I love getting high MPG figured when covering big distances, I also enjoy booting my car around mountain roads, so it'll get its italian tune from time to time, for sure!

Tom
 
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