Discussion
As automatics seem to have taken over and EV not needing one it seems the humble manual gearbox is reaching its twilight years. Soon to be a relic from the past.
I’m lucky enough to have driven many cars. Nothing too exotic unfortunately. But a decent gearbox has always been high on my list when purchasing a fun car.
My favourite gearbox and one I highly recommend is the 6 speed manufactured by Subaru for the Impreza STI.
I’ve owned honda type Rs and the subaru box is better. I had to modify my honda box to get it to feel nearly as good as the subaru.
What is a must try gearbox in your opinion.
I’m lucky enough to have driven many cars. Nothing too exotic unfortunately. But a decent gearbox has always been high on my list when purchasing a fun car.
My favourite gearbox and one I highly recommend is the 6 speed manufactured by Subaru for the Impreza STI.
I’ve owned honda type Rs and the subaru box is better. I had to modify my honda box to get it to feel nearly as good as the subaru.
What is a must try gearbox in your opinion.
Djtemeka said:
Well… don’t try a vxr8.
I’ve driven a 70’s Ford Ranchero that was vastly better
Maybe a bad Type R? My EP3 gearbox was incredibly slick, fast and unbeatable.I’ve driven a 70’s Ford Ranchero that was vastly better
My Fiesta Mk 7 ST had a nice box too. Never missed.
My Mazda MX5 ND is OK but notchy and not as good as they make out. My son's 24 year old MR2 is probably better.
The Mustang box is an impediment but still way better than the slow and agricultural Corvette C5 Z06 which obstructed rather than assisted.
The best I've had was an MT75 in a 1991 Sierra 2.0GLSi.
Given how much hate manual Mercedes get I was surprised how good my manual 1989 190e was!
I've currently got my 7th and 8th manual BMW. They have ranged from obstructive or sloppy to pretty good, but it seems to be the luck of the draw with them.
Given how much hate manual Mercedes get I was surprised how good my manual 1989 190e was!
I've currently got my 7th and 8th manual BMW. They have ranged from obstructive or sloppy to pretty good, but it seems to be the luck of the draw with them.
The best feeling I've used was the Borg Warner T5 in the TVR Griffith I used to own, with the gear change action, combined with being easy to reach, and pleasing aluminum knob...
I had read good things about hondas box, but never got on with the box in the FK8 I used to own, in standard form. I would love to try and S2000 though.
Oddly I do quite like the box in the 159.
I had read good things about hondas box, but never got on with the box in the FK8 I used to own, in standard form. I would love to try and S2000 though.
Oddly I do quite like the box in the 159.
GravelBen said:
My favourites have been an early Mk1 MX5
Same, even better with MT90 over standard oil.Really not a fan of modern BMW boxes, even less so the SMG in the E46 M3/CSL.
Anything with wobbly cable linkages, "stir it and see". Just hope you find a gear... any gear. Preferably not a lower one that would buzz the engine.
Civic Type R. Fantastic thing, direct, accurate, good weighting. Biggest drawback was the cold knob on a winter morning 
Ultimately I don’t miss it that much as the car was used for occasional daily duties. I’ve found DCT a better middle ground, however, as a weekend fun thing it’s got to be manual for me.
Ultimately I don’t miss it that much as the car was used for occasional daily duties. I’ve found DCT a better middle ground, however, as a weekend fun thing it’s got to be manual for me.
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