Worn Gearbox Options

[mikel]

The manual gearbox in my R33 GTST has all the common crunches 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd especially when cold.

I've tried new synthetic oil and Nulon which hasn't made any difference and my mechanic has suggested a re-build before something breaks and costs lots more.

I figure a 2nd hand box will likely have the same problems I've got now so I'll get it rebuilt.

Two questions

1) I've read elsewhere people only replace the synchros that are worn - this sounds crazy due to the expense of pulling the box out and the synchros are only ~$50-100 each - why wouldn't you replace them all?

2)should I swap the clutch at the same time - I've no idea how worn it is, but again, there's a lot of cost in pulling out the gear box.

cheers

Mike

[heslo]

Starting to get the same problem in my box but it's only when going into second. I've gotta change my clutch soon so I will most likely do it at the same time to save on cost. I figure once it's out I might as well do all the synchros as it's gonna save me headaches later down the track

[turboedsloth]

do it properly the first time. check the condition of the clutch out while the box is out, saves a lot of time, money an headaches

[tek_01]

are any special tools required if you want to replace the synchros? like a press or anything like that?

[turboedsloth]

yeah press, circlip pliers and just everyday tools. and some patience sometimes

[mikel]

are any special tools required if you want to replace the synchros? like a press or anything like that?

thanks guys

how hard is it to see how worn the clutch is - obviously it needs to come off the flywheel to inspect the bits.

If it was ok (I'm assuming the key thing you're looking for is how much meat is left on the clutch plate), you'd still put a new throw out bearing in?

I'm trying to find the right balance of the cost of pulling the gearbox out and which bits should be replaced (given it's an import and I have no idea of the age or the treatement the car's had).

The other factor is I'd like to put a Jim Berry clutch in, but my mechanic won't warranty a clutch supplied by someone else (fair enough), and is recommending an Exedy (with 2800lb clamp pressure). I'm sure Jim warranties his clutches but it comes down to labour - if theres a problem with the clutch, my mechanic won't wear the time to pull it apart again.

My power is only 235 rwKW (R33 GTST) - so a Jim "full monty" is not required - I'll have a chat with Jim Berry.

The next question is whether I get the shifter re-built at the same time - again it feels OK, but once the gearbox is out...

cheers

Mike

Edited August 11, 2007 by mikel

[sweetr33]

ah someone with a r33 gtst turbo box issue like me mine started off as a 3rd to 4th crunch then a sometimes 2nd to 3rd crunch, engine blew up similar time so got engine rebuilt and box reco'd at trade price from working in a mechanic shop, still cost me 1200.. box had done less than 12 months driving and same thing only this time it jumped out of 3rd gear while even lightly accelerating, pulled box out...AGAIN...cost me another 900 to fix, apparently 3rd-4th selector fork broke and this wore out something else etc.. u know what shit they dribble, anyway, my experience with the ever so apparently tough r33 box has not been goood, i had a excedy h/d in there before first rebuild then while engine and box got rebuilt i put in a hks twin plate, so far box is ok but only done 5k since been fixed...running castrol vmx 80...

[mikel]

sounds like I need to take a close look at the selector forks also - thanks for the tip

cheers Mke

[Mark0]

I was just about to post the same question, I have a triple plate OS Gikon and am changing to a jim berry clutch as soon as he builds it, my box crunches into 4th most time (especially when giving it some) is it normally just the synchro's that need doing ? 1st 2nd never do it 3rd has maybe done it a few times (most likely my driving).

What does it normally cost to get these done roughly as the clutch will be going in soon.

cheers.

[Mark0]

Ok I have got a price of 800-1000 to put new synchros in 2nd-3rd-4th gear, a new front bearing and some other bearings in the gearbox and a general cleanup, also removing triple plate clutch and fitting my new Jim berry clutch.

Thats at a place at the Gold Coast.

[toffy]

replace the clutch mate, whether its got meat on the plate or not, you dont know how old the pressure plate is.and if your thinking of rebuilding your shifter (i.e replacing the nylon components) why dont you buy a short shifter at the same time

edit: oh and try some redline super lightweight synthetic oil once its rebuilt etc, imo that will help your gearbox love a long and healthy life

Edited August 15, 2007 by toffy