5 or 6 ratios 'box... Can someone give me a definite answer
Discussion
Right, I have been reading old magazines reports I could find on the web, I've been using all the 7 related forums available and use their more or less (usually less) efficient search engines but I still can't figure a definite answer. So please, would someone tell me what's the best: 5 or 6 speeds gearbox?
The use I intend to make of a 7:
- cruising
- blatting on B and N/D/C roads (France)
- not a speed holigan but enjoy a quick, steady pace
- very occasional track day if the opportunity arise but definitely the least of my priorities
- 1.4/1.6/1.8 standard k-serie engine
thanks for your help.
JB
The use I intend to make of a 7:
- cruising
- blatting on B and N/D/C roads (France)
- not a speed holigan but enjoy a quick, steady pace
- very occasional track day if the opportunity arise but definitely the least of my priorities
- 1.4/1.6/1.8 standard k-serie engine
thanks for your help.
JB
subirg said:
Easy - 6 speed is the way to go.
....is the wrong answer!!!!!!!5 speed - and also, buy one with torque - VX 2 litre, VVC....
On-track, no contest, but on the road - you'll be hitting the rev limiter if you stray over 6 leptons
Edited to add - please don't waste your money on a 1400 though - they develop bugger all torque and the 6 speed 'box was built for the 1400 Supersport to keep it in that "power" band.
Edited by rubystone on Thursday 17th July 15:25
As you can see from the above two replies, there is NO definitive answer. I do relatively big miles in my 7 and appreciate the longer legs 5th gear in the 5spd box, but occasionally on track find the ratios a bit widely spaced. However, I spend far more time on road than track.
When I bought mine, it wasn't even a minor consideration.
When I bought mine, it wasn't even a minor consideration.
If you are cruising use a 6 speed with a 3.38 diff. If you are sprinting or want the best acceleration use a 3.92 diff. There is a 3.62 for the best of both worlds.
5 speeds are unreliable (break synchros which is a PITA to fix), have poor ratios as standard (for Sierra's towing caravans) and have casings which crack - even on low bhp cars.
Caterhams 6 speed is the best thing for a road car unless you want a sequential and can afford to do all the chassis and driveline mods.
5 speeds are unreliable (break synchros which is a PITA to fix), have poor ratios as standard (for Sierra's towing caravans) and have casings which crack - even on low bhp cars.
Caterhams 6 speed is the best thing for a road car unless you want a sequential and can afford to do all the chassis and driveline mods.
Have to say I agree with Arnie...go 6 speed 
I've got a 3.92 diff in mine and I do notice the high rpm when cruising but it's not a problem, it's something you get used to and certainly didn't intrude even during 3500 miles across USA.
With my current engine running roller barrels I'd have to say the induction noise is more 'annoying' than the gearbox when cruising...but I've just solved that with a nice Reverie airbox.
My other half has a Caterham 21 1.8k supersport that's a 5 speed and the box suits the car...it's more GT tourer than the 7 and the more long legged nature is in character
I've got a 3.92 diff in mine and I do notice the high rpm when cruising but it's not a problem, it's something you get used to and certainly didn't intrude even during 3500 miles across USA.
With my current engine running roller barrels I'd have to say the induction noise is more 'annoying' than the gearbox when cruising...but I've just solved that with a nice Reverie airbox.
My other half has a Caterham 21 1.8k supersport that's a 5 speed and the box suits the car...it's more GT tourer than the 7 and the more long legged nature is in character
JB Rugby said:
I am indeed... Bilton to be precise
I'm in Bilton JB 
AFAIK the 5 speed 'box comes with the 3.92 diff and the 3.62 comes with the 6 speed. I have a 1.6 Superlight with the 6 speed box which suits the rev happy nature of the engine. IMO if you have a 1.6 or less i'd definitely go for the 6 speed. Before i bought mine, i test drove a 1.8 VVC car with the 5 speed 'box and that was fine due to the engine's torquey nature. Drop me a PM if you fancy coming round for a chat/blat.Cheers
Piers
Fat Arnie said:
3.38 CWP sets can be obtained from Phil Stewart, Road & Race Transmissions. These are a Ford manufactured item so are quite plentiful.
The 4.1, 4.4 and 4.7 ratios are the hard to obtain as these were only ever an aftermarket component made by KAM Differentials.
Thanks Arnie... I just need a car now! The 4.1, 4.4 and 4.7 ratios are the hard to obtain as these were only ever an aftermarket component made by KAM Differentials.
5 speed seesm the way ahead for 200 hp and race set-up, i would preffer a 5 speed to my 6 as some track i find myself just about reaching 6th having to change and only having a couple of secs in it before changing down, same goes with 3-4th. I think the 6 would be good on the road with around the 180-200 mark and torque. everyones different.
ewenm said:
As you can see from the above two replies, there is NO definitive answer. I do relatively big miles in my 7 and appreciate the longer legs 5th gear in the 5spd box, but occasionally on track find the ratios a bit widely spaced. However, I spend far more time on road than track.
When I bought mine, it wasn't even a minor consideration.
There is no correct answer as to which is best. Its like arguing that yellow is a better colour then green a wholey pointless and fruitless exercise with many many caterham owners screaming that yellow is best while others claim that green is better as it is better for cruisingWhen I bought mine, it wasn't even a minor consideration.
Try them both and see what you prefer
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