need advice, 4 speed vs. 5 speed
 

Hi all,

I'm new to the board and considering the purchase of a 930....

Obviously there is a limited supply of '89 5 speed cars. For a lot of city driving, would the 4 speed be a problem? Also, can you modify the 4 speed ( upgrade turbos etc.) to increase it's driveability.

Thanks in advance

For city driving- the 4 speed may get anoying in some instances. You can modify the 4 speed with a diffrent ring and pinion or you can change gear ratios.

I have found that the 4spd is a problem for stock cars.
A modified 930 will grow into the 4spd pretty quickly. There are many things that can be done to reduce lag and increase driveability. Of course you can add a lower R&P to the 4spd or regear it as well.
You have options.

Thanks for the feed back....what are the most common mods to get the 4 speed to be more driveable and reduce the turbo lag? Also, what kind of expense is involved.

Thanks again

Actually, with the torque that these cars make, I prefer the 4 speed in town.

If you want to reduce the lag, change the turbo and the exhaust.

JR

Gearing, lag and driving habbits are all subjective.
In general the 930/4spd R&P can be swapped out for a reduction in all gears or change just 1st and 2nd and maybe 3rd for closer ratio leaving 4th as OD.
To reduce lag start with the muffler and move back toward the engine (turbo, headers, cams). Just the turbo/muffler change can boost 1000rpm earlier than stock.

Good luck in finding a 5 speed car, they are expensive and rare because they were the 1 and only year with the 5 speed box and the last year of the older body style. This makes them very collectible.
As far as the 4 speed in town, I live in suburbs of Detroit and just leave the 4 speed in 2nd gear most of the time. The only time the stock 4 speed is a problem is when cruising in 4th gear on highway and pulling out to pass a car at 60-65mph without downshifting to 3rd. No powwahhh.
Another frustration is the clutch pedal heaviness in stop and go traffic. It gets tiring after 20 minutes feels like leaving the gym after a workout. The hydraulic clutch may be lighter, I don't know I never drove another car.
My car is modded now with a k27hfs turbo and headers and that made a great reduction in turbo lag and driveability. Best mod you could make.