CSR 175 final spec: 5 speed or 6 speed

[AWL]

Having read all gearbox related threads on PH and other forums, I still can't make my mind up on the type of gearbox.
Here in Belgium the only gearbox options are the standard 5 or 6 speed boxes from CC, as we can only register factory built cars.
The car will be used mainly for road use, with the occasional track day.

Given the 'soft' use of the car, is a six speed gearbox worth the extra investment, or will the standard five speed provide the same fun and sensations?

[downsman]

I have a standard 5 speed in my 125 Seven. On longer runs the 5th gear is great for reducing revs/noise and fuel consumption.
However, 1st gear is way too low even for a 1.6 so I only ever use it starting off. On track it is effectively a 3 speed box (as 4th is the same as 6th in the 6 speed box)

If you don't mind being compromised for the odd track day and you'll do a lot of touring I think 5 speed would be the way to go.

However, if you want to maximize the performance of your car, have many more usable gears on track and aren't worried about noise on the road then choose the 6 speed.

But............ is it possible to get a longer 1st gear added to a 5 speed in your country?
If so, with the torque of a Duratec to get performance in the overdive top, and a usable 1st gear, I think a modified 5speed might be the best of both worlds

Edited by downsman on Thursday 27th November 19:59

[curley]

Don't get confused between opinions on the old 5 speed ( ford ) which had poor ratios for a 7 and the current 5 speed ( mazda ? )

[AWL]

So what's the difference between the ford and Mazda five speed then?
And which one is fitted to a new EU4 CSR?

[curley]

The traditional 5 speed box came out of a Sierra ( old enough to remember them ?) recently Caterham have started using modern Mazda boxes .

You need to check what you are being offered , and check the ratios , compare them with the CC 6 speed box .

[czechmichal]

Hi,
i´ve got 2009 Roadsport 175 EU4 and with the 5sp. type9 gearbox.
The 1st really is too low and you can achieve higher max speed on 4th compared to 5th (with windscreen).
But i use it to travel on roads and some trackdays with no problems. 5th is really good only to travel at highway speeds with less rpm.
You have to have on your mind it´s an old transmission, be smooth, to engage reverse is sometimes hard and some of my friends have problems with syncros.
I´ve driven the CSR175 with 6sp and gearchange was smoother, better ratios for small circuits, but if you have enough power the difference is not so big. I thing different final ratio is used for 5sp and 6sp.
Hope that helped a little.

Edited by czechmichal on Sunday 30th November 20:54

[LawrenceR]

This might help

I think the data is correct for an S3 tyre size and diff ratio

Type 9


Mazda


Caterham

[LawrenceR]

Just notice you have a CSR there fore tyre size is wrong but you get the idea

LawrenceR

[AWL]

Thanks LawrenceR

If the difference between the mazda 5 speed and caterham six speed is only 500 rpm in highest gear, I might as well go for the six speed (and buy some extra hearing protection).

Furthermore I think the six speed will provide more fun on the regular one or two hour blats on the b-roads. And since I will only be using the highways when I don't have any other option, I don't think the extra noise caused by the 500 rpm will be an issue.