I need gears!

[930LDR]

So after a 3-day weekend at Road America I have firmly decided that I need to do something about my stock 4-speed. Worn syncros aside, hitting 4th gear is like putting the damn thing in overdrive... it just slowly builds speed. As a result I probably am leaving 10-15 mph on the longer straights.

Since I have converted my car to a coilover suspension and removed the sway bars, does a G50 conversion become significantly easier (baring the clutch conversion issues)? Frankly the thought of $10+k makes my stomach turn.

The alternatives are a short R&P, which I have sitting on the shelf now, or re-gearing the existing 4 gears.

A friend has a similar 930 to mine with shorter gears and damn does it pull like a freight train straight thru forth.

Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

[David]

As a hard core DIY, I've decided to change gears in my 930 box. I can buy the gears for about $400 each for $1200 for 2, 3, & 4th. This way I don't have to reset the R&P (which I understand isn't very DIY friendly), I keep the stronger stock R&P, I still have tall 1st gear to handle my high hp, and I don't have to blow a huge wad of cash like with the G50. The drawback is not having an overdrive like you would with the G50/5X, but I don't plan to take any roadtrips in the 930.

I'm waiting until I have the engine and EFI fully sorted out, so I don't have any 1st hand experience on how it's going to turn out.

[930LDR]

David -

have you decided on which ratios you are going to use? Is there a standard 4-speed upgrade set?

[David]

I'm still playing with the numbers. I have a spreadsheet I've been working through the numbers on, but I'd be embarrassed to give it out since it's so jumbled up now.

I think PowerhausII used to show the available gearing on their web site, but I just checked and it's not there.

[hobieboy]

I agree with David - changing the gear ratio will help a lot, is cheaper & can retain the stronger R&P.

I have shortened by 3rd and 4th, though in retrospect, I should have lengthen 2nd just a bit. I can't remember the exact ratio off the top of my head, but I chose based upon the different tracks that I normally drive.

From memory, I hit 6400rpm right before braking at the bus stop at the Glen. And that is probably the highest speed track that I drive (normally), so I think my gearing is quite suitable.

I believe Guard Transmission also shows the available gear ratio.

[DRV2FST]

I think short gears are a better option than the other alternatives. I have a stock 1st and a shorter 2, 3, and 4. I had a short R&P before but replaced it with a correct R&P and better gears.

2nd = 16:25
3rd = 27:26
4th = 30:22

I have a spreadsheet that someone sent me a while back. It shows the gears and ratios and charts them for you. PM your email address and I'll send it.

[dean]

Can you do any of the work yourself? If you can you can save a lot of money on a G50 conversion.

[gtu935]

THe 930 gear box is strong. In the old days I regeared mine. I moved 1st way up IX if I remember correctly. I changed 2nd and 4th. pm me if your interested in the gear charts.