I track my MK1 which is a very capable car. It is running to 45 bhp and 310ft lb of torque.

 

Although I am very happy with the car, the five speed box leaves a bit to be desired. From the point of view of gear changes, as good as it is on the road, quick gear changes, especially 2nd to 3rd are a bit woolly and less precise than I would like. I understand that this is a road car but looking to improve matters. I have got the short shift or should I say shorter shift gizmo on the gearbox that I fitted a few years ago which improved matters.

 

As for the five speeds, again, brilliant on the road, and considering the engine produces more torque , isn’t too bad on the track.

 

What I am looking for is information as to upgrading to a six speed gearbox from another model and if it’s worth it. I don’t need an extra, “overdrive” gear. What I need is similar gearing but with six speeds closer together. Is that possible?

 

I have this feeling that the diesel six speed box has longer gearing which would be a downside.

 

Has anyone information on gear ratios, gearing or firsthand experience?.

 

Appreciate any pointers on this. 

45BHP… high state of tune then 😄 I did mine two years ago and it was a LOT of work. I based my conversion around a 2005 Bora 1.8T box as I figured the other choices such a Golf Anni was too rare and a Cupra  would have been thrashed to death. After fitting, sounded like a coffee grinder so I pulled it and rebuilt it myself spending £2k on parts alone… The ECU needs recoding to 6 speed which is in the coding menu.

4 hours ago, phazed said:

 

I have this feeling that the diesel six speed box has longer gearing which would be a downside

It does; ISTR 35mph/1000rpm in top, but I think you can change the CRP set to lower this.

Wow! £2000 in parts sounds outrageous! When I head, the LSD fitted into my existing five speed box, including a full check and replacing any worn parts didn’t cost be much more than £400. Obviously that wasn’t any gear sets.

 

I assume, if you fit the six speed, gearbox from a petrol car, the ratios from what you say would be similar but with just a sixth speed to lower the rpm at speed. Is that correct?

 

it would be good to compare the gear ratios side-by-side on the five speed and six speed box if anyone has the information.

Ah, typo! 245 BHP.
 

I am looking to upgrade that in the near future, if anyone has any parts they want to, “part“ with

Personally I wouldn't bother. You might need a different LSD for the six speed box and that will get expensive.

 

There are gear ratios for the 02J (5 speed) and 02M (6 speed) boxes here:

https://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk4/power_transmission/5-speed_manual_gearbox_02j/technical_data/gearbox_identification/code_letters_gearbox_allocation_ratios_capacities/

https://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk4/power_transmission/5_and_6-speed_manual_gearbox_02m/technical_data/gearbox_identification/identification_code_assembly_allocation_ratios_capacities/

 

On track in the octy I imagine you'd only use 2nd - 4th. On the 6 speed box maybe you'd use 5th as well (gear ratios should be closer together) but the extra gear changes might actually make you slower.

 

Not sure if it's possible to fit a different final drive which would give better acceleration at the expense of top speed. The only other way to achieve the same effect would be to fit smaller diameter wheels/tyres, but it'll look ****e and may be a problem for brake clearance.

Thank you for that response. I also occasionally track my 987.1 Boxster S which by gearbox comparison is just so much better. Even though the Octavia feel is perfectly good enough on the road, at speed, it is quite vague. The Boxster by comparison, even considering the long cable run from the gear change over the engine down to the rear transaxle is very sniickety.

 

I think I will probably leave it alone at the moment. Just a thought, what is the gearbox like in the Audi TT. Is the front wheel drive only car a six speed box?