Trans swap

[SlickGick]

Hey guys i have found a couple of turbo trans non lsd. (not worried about it right now) Do I need anything to put a late trans in an early car, or will it mount right up i read some where you might need to make a bracket does anyone have pic of one? Also is there anything in particular i should look at when I get it as far as the internals? Or just open up make sure its clean and in good shape change fluid also the one I found guy said it has second gear grind that is just the synchro correct or should i be worried about the gear?

[mikepellegrini]

A turbo trans in a NA in't a good idea. The difference in gearing for the turbos and the lack of power in the NA would turn your NA into the equivalent of a Chevy Vega. Gutless beyond belief.

The turbos are geared much higher. You'd hate yourself if you did it.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by mikepellegrini

A turbo trans in a NA in't a good idea. The difference in gearing for the turbos and the lack of power in the NA would turn your NA into the equivalent of a Chevy Vega. Gutless beyond belief.

The turbos are geared much higher. You'd hate yourself if you did it.

Not entirely true. I have had an 86 951 trans in my 944 for a few years now and the driveability difference is hardly noticeable. It is EXCELLENT on the highway with the longer gears - you can pull onto the interstate in 2nd gear up to about 73mph, 3rd goes to 105...around town it's about the same, but below about 2800RPM does take a while to get going. Have actually lined up against a standard NA and the cars were dead even until the upper part of 2nd gear when mine pulled ahead.

NA with turbo transmission will outrun a 2005 Civic Si on the freeway, which has more power and similar weight, and similar gears to an NA transmission.

A trans without a cooler should have the necessary mount points for an early car. If it has the cooler you can make a plate to adapt it, that's how I got mine in.

[v2rocket_aka944]

If you look closely you can see a 3/8" aluminum plate adapter between the diff cover and the early style mount. I am looking for a picture I took of the plate years ago but basically it straddles the upper half of the diff cover bolts and one larger one in the middle, and the mount bolts to the plate. You have to elongate the passenger side mount's hole that bolts to the body by 3/8" to compensate for the plate.

[mikepellegrini]

What constitutes "gutless" is very subjective. But it seems to me I hear an awful lot of people complaining the NA cars are underpowered - as is.

I like my NA for city driving. Because it's geared low, it's easier starting out and getting into traffic. First gear tops out about 30 MPH, but that's perfect for city driving, because it's quick off the mark and gets you into traffic without a fuss.

My 951, by comparison, is a PITA in the city. It's geared so high, you have to really gun it to take off quickly - otherwise it bogs down. Driving around in town in my 951, I hardly ever get out of 2nd gear.

Conversely, if I was gonna drive to the mountains - or go on any other long drive, I'd take the 951.

You REALLY wanna find out what dropping a turbo trans in an NA is like? Just stop using first in your current transmission. It's roughly the same. At least starting out. Maybe not use 3rd gear too. Just start out in 2nd then shift to 4th.

If what you're contemplating is a long-distance commuter car, and you're looking at increasing mileage and don't care about performance, then a 951 trans may be what you're looking for.

But if it's gonna be primarily a city driver, I'd stay with what you have.

[SlickGick]

Thanks guys I do mostly highway driving with it so not to worried about city driving also I would go out and do that but my trans is shot haven't opened it up yet but i imagine it is pinion. The funny thing every now and then I would take off in second just for the heck of it because it was all ready there and it didn't complain to much so shouldn't be to much of an issue. Thanks for the pic that will be helpful. Does anyone have any thoughts on purchasing a trans with second gear grind?
Maybe i can break 40MPG. I think that would be worth it since that is why i bought it.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by mikepellegrini

My 951, by comparison, is a PITA in the city. It's geared so high, you have to really gun it to take off quickly - otherwise it bogs down. Driving around in town in my 951, I hardly ever get out of 2nd gear.

bear in mind that the 951 has a good bit less compression than the NA and a pretty terrible exhaust system for putting around town. it definitely isn't a "city" cruiser like an NA could be. but the extra CR and associated peppiness of the NA helps negate the higher gearing.

Originally Posted by SlickGick

Does anyone have any thoughts on purchasing a trans with second gear grind?
Maybe i can break 40MPG. I think that would be worth it since that is why i bought it.

Skip the grinder transmission, just find a good one, they are everywhere.

air dams, taping up the seams, swapping an NA 5th gear into the turbo trans, removing the pass. side mirror, etc...you might get close.

[SlickGick]

The guy only wants $250 then $99 shipping gasket set $44 and syncro is $24 which is $416. Are there any out there near that? I have been looking. Thought it might be good deal. Also I am in an automotive college and my next class is manuals. If you guys don't think it would be worth risk i guess i can wait just don't want a bunch of money in this car I only paid $700 for.

[16vCorey]

I've got the right trans for you in Evansville, IN. that I'll take $250 for.

[fiat22turbo]

Quote de mikepellegrini

My 951, by comparison, is a PITA in the city. It's geared so high, you have to really gun it to take off quickly - otherwise it bogs down. Driving around in town in my 951, I hardly ever get out of 2nd gear.

bear in mind that the 951 has a good bit less compression than the NA and a pretty terrible exhaust system for putting around town. it definitely isn't a "city" cruiser like an NA could be. but the extra CR and associated peppiness of the NA helps negate the higher gearing.

Quote de SlickGick

Does anyone have any thoughts on purchasing a trans with second gear grind?

Maybe i can break 40MPG. I think that would be worth it since that is why i bought it.

Skip the grinder transmission, just find a good one, they are everywhere.



air dams, taping up the seams, swapping an NA 5th gear into the turbo trans, removing the pass. side mirror, etc...you might get close.

Starting with a 924S might help too

Remove the rear spoiler and cleanup the air under and through the car will help a lot. Think flat bottom and strategically placed vents to remove or guide high pressure to where you want it,

[SlickGick]

16vCorey what kind is it? The one i was looking at was a turbo trans code 5P.