Discussion
Available new from Tremec who bought the brand from Borg Warner, plenty of second hand ones about or why not refurb your box?
Tremec New - search for UK distributors
Gearboxman Refurb,
Tremec New - search for UK distributors
Gearboxman Refurb,
V8 GRF said:
Available new from Tremec who bought the brand from Borg Warner, plenty of second hand ones about or why not refurb your box?
Tremec New - search for UK distributors
Gearboxman Refurb,
Thanks. Any idea of the sort of cost involved ?Tremec New - search for UK distributors
Gearboxman Refurb,
Pupp said:
What are the symptoms?
Well, reverse has always been a bit difficult to engage but never really caused me a problem if I selected first and then put it into reverse. But today, it made an odd noise when I put it in reverse. 
Anyway, this was this morning. I've used the car alot this afternoon and all seemed OK. Fingers crossed, it was just my imagination !lazyitus said:
Pupp said:
What are the symptoms?
Well, reverse has always been a bit difficult to engage but never really caused me a problem if I selected first and then put it into reverse. But today, it made an odd noise when I put it in reverse. Anyway, this was this morning. I've used the car alot this afternoon and all seemed OK. Fingers crossed, it was just my imagination !BliarOut said:
Have you changed the oil recently? They like that a lot 
It's really odd isn't it? Did change mine today in the hope it would sort my 'grabby' shifting second (suspect synchro is on its way but would be nice to keep it going for the summer now), and it does feel worlds better against expectations (if not hope). Must be 2+ years and 20+k since last done, but the ATF that was in there came out all red and new looking, I was expecting sludge! Tried Castrol SMX-S this time around as there seems to be some wisdom supporting a move away from ATF 
lazyitus said:
Well, reverse has always been a bit difficult to engage but never really caused me a problem if I selected first and then put it into reverse. But today, it made an odd noise when I put it in reverse. Anyway, this was this morning. I've used the car alot this afternoon and all seemed OK. Fingers crossed, it was just my imagination !
As mentioned above it's essential that you put it into 1st to stop the 'graunch' Anyway, this was this morning. I've used the car alot this afternoon and all seemed OK. Fingers crossed, it was just my imagination !The other 'weird' noise you can get is if you haven't quite got the clutch depressed fully and it's not all the way into reverse is best described as a 'buzzy whirr' which means it's half in does that sound familiar?
Edited by V8 GRF on Monday 11th April 10:55
They use this box a lot in the US.. but they don't run ATF... so I was thinking of trying some alternative next change...
It is strange how our boxes have syncro and change issues at low miles.. where as the US ones go on for ever!
;)
I also have a T5 re-build manual in PDF format if you need it.. Let me know...
It is strange how our boxes have syncro and change issues at low miles.. where as the US ones go on for ever!
;)I also have a T5 re-build manual in PDF format if you need it.. Let me know...
Who knows whether new ATF would have improved things but I had the SMX-S on the shelf after buying a couple of months ago on the strength of posts on here that seemed well informed, but hadn't got around to re-filling.
At that time, the box was not playing up but a refill was overdue, and I was pursuaded by anecdote that indicated ATF was only ever specced for manufacturer/dealer convenience and that better lubricants existed for bearing and synchro function....GM Synchromesh fluid is mentioned a lot in US circles for these boxes and SMX-S over here (especially in Ford circles).
Since acquiring the gloop however but before changing over, the car developed a quite stiff or grabby sensation through the stick between first and second (particularly), where you had to be very deliberate and careful on the change, and to/from second generally. No unpleasant mechanical noise or vibration, just impaired snaggy shifts.
Initially, I was unsure whether this was just internal wear and tear (gearbox now has over 100k of robust use so maybe likely and no disgrace if so), or whether it might be a linkage issue. Fluid change seemed an easy try that *might* fix things (if only to see me through the summer) but, in the meantime, I did read stuff that indicated some T5s could suffer damage to fibre/composite blocking rings if used with non-ATFs. Seems to be the so-called World Class spec boxes that have these and I'm unsure whether they found their way onto TVRs (probably, given the World Class designation apparently is an indicator or intended distribution outside 'merica rather than anything to do with quality; they are just a 'different' build for some reason...?)
Anyroadup, did change to the Castrol product on the basis I could well be looking at a box refresh anyway, and I have to say (to my surprise, frankly) the issue does seem to have gone away after about 130 miles. The first change or two were blocky, now smooth as.... so far, so good. Obviously not tried in real cold weather but used it yesterday from early morning and it was fine at about 5deg ambient.
I'm sure there is stock still around but, apparently, Castrol have now discontinued the SMX-S product but have a replacement that is equivalent
At that time, the box was not playing up but a refill was overdue, and I was pursuaded by anecdote that indicated ATF was only ever specced for manufacturer/dealer convenience and that better lubricants existed for bearing and synchro function....GM Synchromesh fluid is mentioned a lot in US circles for these boxes and SMX-S over here (especially in Ford circles).
Since acquiring the gloop however but before changing over, the car developed a quite stiff or grabby sensation through the stick between first and second (particularly), where you had to be very deliberate and careful on the change, and to/from second generally. No unpleasant mechanical noise or vibration, just impaired snaggy shifts.
Initially, I was unsure whether this was just internal wear and tear (gearbox now has over 100k of robust use so maybe likely and no disgrace if so), or whether it might be a linkage issue. Fluid change seemed an easy try that *might* fix things (if only to see me through the summer) but, in the meantime, I did read stuff that indicated some T5s could suffer damage to fibre/composite blocking rings if used with non-ATFs. Seems to be the so-called World Class spec boxes that have these and I'm unsure whether they found their way onto TVRs (probably, given the World Class designation apparently is an indicator or intended distribution outside 'merica rather than anything to do with quality; they are just a 'different' build for some reason...?)
Anyroadup, did change to the Castrol product on the basis I could well be looking at a box refresh anyway, and I have to say (to my surprise, frankly) the issue does seem to have gone away after about 130 miles. The first change or two were blocky, now smooth as.... so far, so good. Obviously not tried in real cold weather but used it yesterday from early morning and it was fine at about 5deg ambient.
I'm sure there is stock still around but, apparently, Castrol have now discontinued the SMX-S product but have a replacement that is equivalent
^^^ interesting stuff - the reason I ask is someone whose opinion/knowledge in this area I value said he will only ever put ATF in when he rebuilds T5s. Having said that there is plenty of wear in your box so that may well change things.
The main thing is your problem is now solved and even if it isn't "right" but it extends the life of your box then it obviously is right IYSWIM.
The main thing is your problem is now solved and even if it isn't "right" but it extends the life of your box then it obviously is right IYSWIM.
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