I have a B16 tranny and i want to install an LS 5th. gear when i go turbo...how difficult of an install is this and exactly what parts do i need?

 

I would think if you're going turbo you would want longer gears for the entire tranny. A lot of people use LS trannies for turbo setups. Many N/A cars swap in a GSR or LS 5th gear to keep the RPM's low at highway speeds. HTH.

 

The swap is pretty straight forward, you need the 2 5th gear gears to replace the ones in the B16 case. They are the last ones on the shafts...get a service manual or take it to a tranny shop and have them do it.

 

What Brian said...although I woundn't do it.

I have a 4.929 FD and LS 5th gear and it is terrible. Way too big of a gap, plus a lot more strain on the engine (especially turbo)

 

more strain on the engine? what u mean? i thought the lower RPM's in 5th. would actually be better for the engine?

 

Have you ever pedaled a 21 speed bicycle in top gear, but from like 2 mph? it puts some strain on your legs to increase your speed... same thing in cars.

Besides, you shouldnt really be boosting in 5th anyways,

1. it puts alot of strain on the bearings
2. extended boosting (>15 secs) at high speeds (~85+ mph) will melt your
pistons. I know, I did it myself going from 75 mph to 145 mph (est,
speedo only goes to 130) boosting 10 psi in an LS 5th gear.

 

Whats the point if you cant boost in 5th gear? If this were true, Id NEVER get a turbo.

Anyways, just got a LS 5th ($120 for the two gears) installed in a B16 tranny. Took it to a tranny shop, they charged $240 to throw in the gears. Like stated before, they are the last gears, so you have to take every single gear off, put new ones in, and put them all back. I havnt had the tranny put in my car yet, so I cant give any report.

 

I just got my S1/B16 setup in & am considering this too, as 80 on the freeway is around 5k rpms, which is just too high for long distance driving. Besides, how often do you race or autocross in 5th gear? Almost never for me, so this swap makes a lot of sense.

Hey Grandprix, did you pay $240 including having the shop drop the tranny or did you bring the tranny in to them?

Eric

 

I said you shouldnt, not that you can't...

 

I brought it into them.

 

ok whoever said you have to take all of the gears off to get to the 5th is full of it. and because you believe this is true, i have to assume you've never opened a Helms manual to see for yourself. the 5th gear (main and counter shaft) is the VERY TOP gear on each shaft. on the counter shaft you ONLY have to remove a locknut to get to it, and on the main shaft you can just pull the gear off the shaft (theres only a bearing above it). THATS IT.

if thats also what your tranny shop told then...damn, i hope they didnt charge you extra because you didnt know better.

any how, if anyone ever feels inclined to swap their stock 5th for another 5th like the LS or the 94+ GSR 5th like i did, then get a helms and do it yourself. theres nothing to it and you can educate yourself about your trans while you're at it.

hth
Jason