Malcyb
Member
I know the general topic of 6 speed boxes has been covered widely on the forum, but couldn’t find anything that helped with my specific dilemma. Apologies if it has been done already…
Having decided not to sell Gracie (TDI 90), now my wife’s car, I’d quite like to do something to improve the obstructive gearchange, which has been my number one bugbear. It’s had plenty of attention, including a replacement selector tower, which has improved it, but still not great. The highly respected Gary (B&F Autos in Hounslow) believes the selector cables may be bent and replacement would be the only way to improve matters. He told me that the cables aren’t available new. So I was thinking that I might be able to get some cables out of a breaker, either through the forum or less reputable channels. Gary did mention that fitting them is a pretty labour-intensive job. Still, this seems like it might be a viable option.
However, I think it was @mrbroons at the recent social that mentioned replacing it with a 6 speed box. So, in the specific case of a TDI 90 that’s covered 155,000 miles, still (I’m pretty sure) on its original gearbox and DMF, would this be a better option? I don’t think the touted performance/driveability benefits really apply as these mostly seem to apply to the lower powered TDI. However if it turns out to be the most pragmatic way to end up with a slicker gearchange then I might consider it, and if it ends up being a proactive way to avoid an expensive DMF replacement down the line then that seems quite attractive.
I’d be interested in people’s opinions, especially any that have had the experience of this upgrade in a TDI 90. I’m guessing WOM would be the best candidate for this? What are the ballpark costs in total?
Having decided not to sell Gracie (TDI 90), now my wife’s car, I’d quite like to do something to improve the obstructive gearchange, which has been my number one bugbear. It’s had plenty of attention, including a replacement selector tower, which has improved it, but still not great. The highly respected Gary (B&F Autos in Hounslow) believes the selector cables may be bent and replacement would be the only way to improve matters. He told me that the cables aren’t available new. So I was thinking that I might be able to get some cables out of a breaker, either through the forum or less reputable channels. Gary did mention that fitting them is a pretty labour-intensive job. Still, this seems like it might be a viable option.
However, I think it was @mrbroons at the recent social that mentioned replacing it with a 6 speed box. So, in the specific case of a TDI 90 that’s covered 155,000 miles, still (I’m pretty sure) on its original gearbox and DMF, would this be a better option? I don’t think the touted performance/driveability benefits really apply as these mostly seem to apply to the lower powered TDI. However if it turns out to be the most pragmatic way to end up with a slicker gearchange then I might consider it, and if it ends up being a proactive way to avoid an expensive DMF replacement down the line then that seems quite attractive.
I’d be interested in people’s opinions, especially any that have had the experience of this upgrade in a TDI 90. I’m guessing WOM would be the best candidate for this? What are the ballpark costs in total?