Hi guys,

I have a 2002 WRX Bugeye and a couple of years ago the original box went POP! Instead of investigating properly, I got a 5-speed low mileage P1 box (should have got the 6-speed but too late now).

How strong are these gearboxes?? I've heard they have the same internals as the STi5/6 but with a UK 5th gear???

I'm planning on putting a TD05 18G turbo, along with supporting mods and map.

I'm not planning on getting the most out of the turbo, the car isn't used very hard or aggresively and I'll only be doing the odd track day (once a year ish).

Will the P1 box go pop or will it be ok as long as I don't rag it to death??? I know it's stronger than the UK WRX box, and it's been ok for the last 2 years or so with 290bhp and 300lb torque (laptop/on-road figures).

I'm guessing the 18G will get approx 350/330 ish, I know people have got more but I'm not really after big numbers, just a good everyday/fun weekend road car.

What do you reckon??

Cheers

Ross

 

only 1 way to find out. and with your driving style im sure you will be fine.

 

I have never had any problem with standard MY98 gearbox and its over 100K miles. I'm running 16G/18G Hybrid turbo. I even participate on one drag race 2 years ago and won it

 

In our experience it is the 'nut behind the wheel ' that breaks gearboxes rather than any specific part of the car

David APi

Agents for Simtek, the most exciting new Ecu for years

 

 

Best to er on the side of caution in these instances I think!

Assume it'll break and plan accordingly, hope it'll last and drive accordingly!

I know people who've broke the box with the std TD04 and others who've gotten along quite nicely with the std box on a 2.5 conversion with a mid sized turbo!

Ns04

 

im in the first instance then 3 gearboxes in my classic as standard ish trim

 

Yeah, but you drove it like you stole it

I've got a 16G in the garage and it's been there for around 2 years, but if I'm finally going to put it on, I'd rather get more bang for my buck with the 18G, but only if the gearbox is going to last a fair while with being driven fairly conservatively with the odd thrashing (never launch it from standstill etc...).

Really wished I had got the 6-speed instead

 

I'm running 440bhp/380ft lbs on a P1 gearbox and so far so good. I don't expect it to last forever, but then I also don't do dragstrips or traffic light GPs.

Plenty of hammer down from rolling however,but also double declutch every downshift to try to reduce torque reversal shocks as well

 

Thanks Fat Boy, thats the exact answer I was hoping for

Might have to start saving some pennies now

 

What about those gauges

 

My sti5 g/box lasted for 8 years
Before it went was running 480bhp/430lbs....... so unless for the driving you describe you'd have to be doing Elvington/Santa Pd type starts.......... - and mine only went as a result of heavy track day use

With a small turbo I doubt you'll have any problems so you dont need to 'plan' - some right friggin doom mongers on here

 

With all due respect mate, a replacement gearbox isn't cheap, and we're talking about someone else's money! It is, therefore, best to err on the side of caution, especially since we don't know about their driving style, previous usage of the car, condition of the gearbox etc.

If the poster could afford to replace if it should go then fine; go for it. But they do need to be aware that plenty of gearboxes have been broken at much lower torque outputs than yours reached.

This way, no one comes back on here saying: My gearbox is f*cked and you lot said it'd be alright!

IMHO at this level, best to assume it will go and plan accordingly and hope it will last and drive accordingly. That way, no-one is left high and dry with a busted car off the road for some time whilst they save up the pennies to replace the box!

Ns04

 

The only comment I can think of is 'invasion of the body snatchers'
Its crap like this that made me go away from this board for some time - I think I need to do the same again

 

Fangoria is right ........the box will take up to 400bhp/400lbs torque , if you behave

had that running on my P1 for 2 years with 400/380 no probs !!

 

Thanks Bighead, will start making plans now

 

Ran a P1 gearbox on my car @ 389bhp/363lb/ft of torque with no problems.

Banny

 

What's the difference between a P1 box and a standard 752 off a v4 WRX? Interested because I am currently toying with the idea of going into the 350-400bhp bracket and don't fancy breaking my current box.

 

i was told that the shorter the ratios, the less load was placed on the box, seams to make sense to me ?

my 97wrx came with the sti box, so i would assume the v4wrx will be the same?

 

Well there's one way to find out!

 

I managed to smash a few boxs running less that 300