[MBEngineering]

HI 3literpwr

if the budget will alow, I would put a GT 8:35 CWP in and gear it round that, as a larger 2Nd gear, fixed gear on the input shaft will last longer and have less chance of braking in 1/2, /loosing a tooth

the rally boxs I have worked on over hear with 3Lt engines and off road use, has had 2nd gear prob's with a 8:31 CWP, changing to a 8:35 and a larger/taller 2nd stopped the prob', the 16 tooth 2nd gear dos'e have a tendancy to fail when subject to loose road surface and a torquey engine, when having no grip and then grip

the 954 ratios ran ;

8:31 CWP, 1st 11:35, 2nd 15:30, 3rd 21:29, 4th 25:27, 5th 27:24

also with options;

CWP 8:31, 8:35, 7:33

1st/2nd 11:35/16/35 (both on the same shaft), 3rd 20:32, 4th 23:29, 5th 26:26

would seem a shame that you have spent time and $$$ getting the car ready for the 2 events and at some time in 1 of the events the box lets go, when you have the chance to sort it out now, just my thoughts