S2 Exige - Gear ratios
Discussion
Hi all, can anything be done about exige s2 gear ratios? I've been pondering getting an S2 (have been for over 12 months now!). I really like the n/a engine but feel like the ratios aren't a great match for it. It's sort of pushing me towards an s/c version just to avoid the 'torque' hole of the n/a. But before I reach that conclusion, is there anything that can be done about the standard ratios to squeeze them a bit? A different box from another Toyota model maybe? Or different final drive ratio kit? I'm sort of assuming not as there doesn't seem much on the forums about this but thought I better ask first...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM_7RjnaaqgAjelhs...
I think this guy uses shorter ratios on an NA car. Maybe worth dropping him a message?
I think this guy uses shorter ratios on an NA car. Maybe worth dropping him a message?
Fonzey said:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM_7RjnaaqgAjelhs...
I think this guy uses shorter ratios on an NA car. Maybe worth dropping him a message?
Brilliant thanks. I will do. I think this guy uses shorter ratios on an NA car. Maybe worth dropping him a message?
hughcam said:
A much more cost effective solution is to reduce the rear wheel size. I swapped from the standard 16/17 set up to 15/16 and it handles better and accelerates harder.
That's an interesting option that I hadn't really considered. Presumably you've retained a similar aspect ratio so ended up with a lower rolling radius? What have you done about the speedo error? Hi Gad-westy,
This was my Youtube channel that was posted.
Car has is geared to 142 mph top of 6th gear vs the original ~190mph. Kaz gearest and a different final drive. Also a lightweight flywheel (~ -6kgs) and Quaiffe LSD.
Also has the 5,500 rpm cam change remap. Also has the forged cup 260 wheels which make a big difference to the pick up of the engine as they're much lighter than the standard Exige wheels.
Supercharger is the default option but I love N/A and how high the engine revs, so this was the way to go for me. On track it's about as fast as a 240 supercharged car once there's some heat soak in the equation.
Still good fuel economy on the way to the track and it's much more responsive on the road. But downside is 80mph is 5,000 rpm on the motorway....
David8310 said:
Hi Gad-westy,
This was my Youtube channel that was posted.
Car has is geared to 142 mph top of 6th gear vs the original ~190mph. Kaz gearest and a different final drive. Also a lightweight flywheel (~ -6kgs) and Quaiffe LSD.
Also has the 5,500 rpm cam change remap. Also has the forged cup 260 wheels which make a big difference to the pick up of the engine as they're much lighter than the standard Exige wheels.
Supercharger is the default option but I love N/A and how high the engine revs, so this was the way to go for me. On track it's about as fast as a 240 supercharged car once there's some heat soak in the equation.
Still good fuel economy on the way to the track and it's much more responsive on the road. But downside is 80mph is 5,000 rpm on the motorway....
Hi David. Thank you very much indeed. Impressed you found my thread. I couldn't find a link to contact you via youtube. Your car sounds awful but don't worry, I'm happy to take it off your hands! This was my Youtube channel that was posted.
Car has is geared to 142 mph top of 6th gear vs the original ~190mph. Kaz gearest and a different final drive. Also a lightweight flywheel (~ -6kgs) and Quaiffe LSD.
Also has the 5,500 rpm cam change remap. Also has the forged cup 260 wheels which make a big difference to the pick up of the engine as they're much lighter than the standard Exige wheels.
Supercharger is the default option but I love N/A and how high the engine revs, so this was the way to go for me. On track it's about as fast as a 240 supercharged car once there's some heat soak in the equation.
Still good fuel economy on the way to the track and it's much more responsive on the road. But downside is 80mph is 5,000 rpm on the motorway....
Sounds like we have similar tastes in engines. I grew up watching mk2 escorts angrily munching their way through tightly packed gearboxes in the forests and love that kind of noise and responsiveness from a 'toy' car.
Interesting thought on the wheels. That's one I should bare in mind.
A couple of questions if you happen to be able to answer? Do Kaaz have a UK distributor and how doable is a DIY gearbox rebuild? I'm pretty happy working on most things but have thus far avoided opening a gearbox up. Presume the 4.8 final drive ratio a non-standard ratio? Is that from quaiffe, I couldn't see much on their site other than sequential boxes.
Hi Gad-Westy,
Yes, also a big MK2 Escort fan. I drive turbo charged big diesel thing as a daily so it's the polar opposite. Also love the small size of it and racecar feel (once you have fallen in).
Below are the standard ratios and final drive. You can see the biggest RPM drop was 2nd to 3rd where if you changed at 8,500 rpm (not easy to do as it charges to the redline in the last few hundred rpm) and it still had the cam change a 6,200 rpm it would fall off the cam.
The final drive was through Kaaz and it was all bought through part-box.com who are a UK distributor.
Not sure on how DIY it is, I am not good at that stuff and tend to want to spend my time driving the thing. I have had the car 10 years and use Back on Track in Guildford to look after it who are incredible - can't recommend them highly enough. They organised everything through "Gearbox Man", in Luton from memory, in terms of the build.
Happy to share the costs so you have your eyes open:
Flywheel £350
Clutch £350
Box Rebuild £300
Box labour £520
Quaife LSD £600
Final Drive £802
Gearset £2,200
£5,122
Not cheap and many will say a supercharger is the same price. But my man maths also factored in:
- Reliability of this option. Gearbox and driveset will be fit and forget for the next 10+ years
- Get an LSD which is one of the best things I have done to the car
- Will run on track all day long - which is my priority
- Performance is added with no extra weight (car weight 896 kgs with a full tank of fuel. But has aircon and touring pack)
- New clutch and flywheel which will go another 50,000 miles
- It;s a bit different!
The engine is standard other than the map, also to maximise reliability. Has a 2bular back box and a 4-2-1 manifold which is going on shortly.
Out of interest, what's the reality of 5500rpm at 80mph actually like on longer journeys (if you ever do them)? It's obviously a lot of revs but bearable on occasions? I don't really plan to drive much on motorways etc. but to get anywhere at, you generally end up cruising along at a higher speed somewhere.
David8310 said:
It’s fine. If you get a decent exhaust it’s not boomy. It’s 5000 rpm at 80mph. And the cam change in mine is 5,500
Sounds a lot but it’s such a revy engine that 5,000 isn’t that much. I do some long Drives up to Cadwell etc and it’s ok. I have kept the stereo which helps
Thanks David. Plenty of food for thought...Sounds a lot but it’s such a revy engine that 5,000 isn’t that much. I do some long Drives up to Cadwell etc and it’s ok. I have kept the stereo which helps
Dan BSCS said:
Hi Graham,
About time you got back in a Lotus.
Swing by for a chat about boxes/ratios if you want.
The C64 box is definitely not a DIY rebuild prospect unless you have a 20 tonne press and a heap of specialist tools.
Cheers
Dan
Thanks Dan. It's been a while. Appreciate the offer, I might well take you up on that one. About time you got back in a Lotus.
Swing by for a chat about boxes/ratios if you want.
The C64 box is definitely not a DIY rebuild prospect unless you have a 20 tonne press and a heap of specialist tools.
Cheers
Dan
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