Quaife sequential
Discussion
Are the 60G gearboxes as chocolate as some people allude to?
I'm looking at potentially picking up an R500 Duratec with a sequential however would like to avoid constant visits to the mechanic. The Sadevs appear to have a better reputation but they appear to be almost exclusively associated with the 620R or the 420 Cup.
Any anyone offer some insight?
I'm looking at potentially picking up an R500 Duratec with a sequential however would like to avoid constant visits to the mechanic. The Sadevs appear to have a better reputation but they appear to be almost exclusively associated with the 620R or the 420 Cup.
Any anyone offer some insight?
In my experience (nearly ten years) the Quaife is a great bit of kit in an R500D
In terms of looking after them, I have always driven mine using a dip of the clutch for both up and down changes. Just a dip, that's all it takes. And remember to be firm and swift when changing ratio; the worst thing you can do to a dog-sequential is try to be gentle with them. Well looked after, my experience is that the box is pretty much bullet proof (and certainly not 'chocolate'); I think they are used in rallying quite a bit so the Caterham duty cycle should be a walk in the park.
Turning to NVH, I'd say there's not much to choose between them although the type of noises they make (both with straight cut gears) is somewhat different. The Quaife is a bit more clunky on/off throttle that the Sadev (I think the Sadev has six dogs as compared to four in the Quaife, and it feels as though there's more 'backlash' between the wider-spaced Quaife dogs). I certainly prefer the Quaife selector; a longer throw but, as a consequence, much lighter in effort than the Sadev. The taller lever places the lever much nearer to the wheel - easy to reach and operate.
So I have no hesitation in recommending them. Absolutely brilliant on track and easily managed on road. For an R500D they add significantly to sense of occasion. Just do it!
James
In terms of looking after them, I have always driven mine using a dip of the clutch for both up and down changes. Just a dip, that's all it takes. And remember to be firm and swift when changing ratio; the worst thing you can do to a dog-sequential is try to be gentle with them. Well looked after, my experience is that the box is pretty much bullet proof (and certainly not 'chocolate'); I think they are used in rallying quite a bit so the Caterham duty cycle should be a walk in the park.
Turning to NVH, I'd say there's not much to choose between them although the type of noises they make (both with straight cut gears) is somewhat different. The Quaife is a bit more clunky on/off throttle that the Sadev (I think the Sadev has six dogs as compared to four in the Quaife, and it feels as though there's more 'backlash' between the wider-spaced Quaife dogs). I certainly prefer the Quaife selector; a longer throw but, as a consequence, much lighter in effort than the Sadev. The taller lever places the lever much nearer to the wheel - easy to reach and operate.
So I have no hesitation in recommending them. Absolutely brilliant on track and easily managed on road. For an R500D they add significantly to sense of occasion. Just do it!
James
As above, they used to be THE THING in rwd rallying circles where they get a much much harder life. Then stuff like Tractive and Sadev came along which is better but a whole world of cost difference
The thing I did always hear was lead times for parts could be horrible from Quaife generally but maybe not for that box specifically
The thing I did always hear was lead times for parts could be horrible from Quaife generally but maybe not for that box specifically
This is the car I’m considering -
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408253...
Generally prefer stock cars but considering these are so niche already, I can’t see the modifications making much difference to use ability apart from positively to performance.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408253...
Generally prefer stock cars but considering these are so niche already, I can’t see the modifications making much difference to use ability apart from positively to performance.
Everyone's opinion will vary but that looks a bit of a strange one. Mods like that don't usually add to the value (track and race cars often fetch less than stock cars) and it looks as though it might have had a bit of a hard life... Somewhat overpriced in the circumstances?
Your call but I think you'll be able to do better (particularly as you say that you normally prefer stock) if you give it a bit of time and watch for cars coming up.
But, whatever, don't have any reservations about the Quaife box!
James
Your call but I think you'll be able to do better (particularly as you say that you normally prefer stock) if you give it a bit of time and watch for cars coming up.
But, whatever, don't have any reservations about the Quaife box!
James
I rebuilt a few Sadev box now, and I have also worked on the Quaife. The Quaife is much more agricultural in nature with what I would call design baggage , robust but not designed or engineered to the same purity of the Sadev.
Both are intended as racing gearboxes that benefit greatly from regular inspection/overhaul. Dog wear is not a linear thing and changing dog rings regularly will prolong the life of the dogs on the gears, and hence reduce very expensive repairs . Sadev has six dogs on the rings and Quaife has fewer (IIRC it has four or five?) so the loads and stress on the Sadev are lower (with like for like use). Parts from Quaife can be slow and have months of lead time. Sadev (SWR in the UK) are off the shelf and usually in your hands in 24 hours.
In use the Sadev is quieter but neither is quiet compared to a conventional gearbox.
Both are intended as racing gearboxes that benefit greatly from regular inspection/overhaul. Dog wear is not a linear thing and changing dog rings regularly will prolong the life of the dogs on the gears, and hence reduce very expensive repairs . Sadev has six dogs on the rings and Quaife has fewer (IIRC it has four or five?) so the loads and stress on the Sadev are lower (with like for like use). Parts from Quaife can be slow and have months of lead time. Sadev (SWR in the UK) are off the shelf and usually in your hands in 24 hours.
In use the Sadev is quieter but neither is quiet compared to a conventional gearbox.
Very appreciative of the input, I think I need to go back to the drawing board and really consider what I'm going to use the car for. I have some fairly maintenance heavy cars in the garage already so unsure if I want to add another more regular point of failure.
The safe bet is a 420R with a manual and it maybe what I end up with after all but will certainly keep an eye on the market to see what appears.
The safe bet is a 420R with a manual and it maybe what I end up with after all but will certainly keep an eye on the market to see what appears.
Had my R500D sequential for a few years now with several trips to the continent and a few track days. Really like the Quaife box, no issues yet at 11,000 miles. I do change the oil regularly and I do clutch less up shifts when pressing on. The advert for the car in question seems a bit full of B.S. and saying it will see an off 620s is a bit dubious. Most 620s have been mapped to nearly 100 bhp more nowadays. I note that his so called ultimate R500 is on Bilsteins when I would have thought that something more special would have been fitted?
Nick
Nick
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