Best manual gearbox you have ever used?

[DjSki]

Hi all,

Was pondering about this the other day after being disappointed with one.

What's the best manual gearbox you have ever used?

I think the Mk1 Mx5 is mine, light, positive, short throw, accurate.....a joy.

You?

Cheers.

[jamiem555]

My classic Impreza Turbo 2000. Mechnical and positive.

[thecremeegg]

For me the Mk1 MX5 for sure

[thelostboy]

I would say Honda rule gearbox land.... the NSX's rifle bolt action is pretty much perfect. I also love the story behind the upgraded 6 speed box, where 6th is electrically actuated and they worked really hard to mimic the same exact feel. I certainly can't tell the difference.

I think in reality, the DC2 Integra R and whatever else uses that gearbox is even slightly better. They also get decent gear knobs!

[Ecosseven]

The 6 speed in my old caterham seven.

[generationx]

4 speed Mk2 RS2000. Like a rifle bolt - perfect.

In fact most Ford RWD ‘boxes from the 70s

[bern]

Integra DC2 is the best on a car I've owned. Shortly followed by the Civic EP3. A mate use to have a S2000 that he raved about.

I'm spotting a theme here...

[mwstewart]

- Ford Puma and Fiesta Mk5 Zetec-S - rod change with Derlin bushes mated to a lovely 'box;
- Ferrari F430 - cable change but a beautiful action and really feel feelsome.

[gazza285]

generationx said:

4 speed Mk2 RS2000. Like a rifle bolt - perfect.

In fact most Ford RWD ‘boxes from the 70s

Rocket box with a quick shift fitted, best ever.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

My last civic surprisingly, is it the FK2 Type-R? The last shape one with the wings and vents.

Apparently they modelled it on the NSX with exactly the same (to the mm) movements. I never thought the MX5 would be beaten but this was the best.

Honourable mention to the GT3RS (997) but it is only amazing when fully on it-when just bobbing about it’s quite reluctant.

[Plate spinner]

Ecosseven said:

The 6 speed in my old caterham seven.

Agreed.
That box gets better the faster and harder you use it.
Driving 10/10ths on track it was a honey.

I also rated the mk2 mx5 I had and also the first gen civic type R, not sure of the code name.

[nickfrog]

S2000

[Podie]

Ford Puma...

Edited by Podie on Monday 9th December 10:57

[Dimski]

gazza285 said:

generationx said:

4 speed Mk2 RS2000. Like a rifle bolt - perfect.

In fact most Ford RWD ‘boxes from the 70s

Rocket box with a quick shift fitted, best ever.

Yup. Got a 2000e gearbox in my Morgan, fantastic.

Also have to give the mx5 a little kudos here, it's the best modern 'un I've used.

[Roboticarm]

I find the box in the abarth 500/595 and the fiat 500 for that matter to be great, I love the position of it and the simple but precise action.

Never got on with the tunnel mounted BMW box in the E46 BMW

[Desiderata]

Back in the seventies it was a Triumph Herald for me but maybe that was just compared with all the other st I was driving back then. BL stuff that was like stirring porridge, Landrovers that you couldn't find half the gears in, aircooled VWs that the gearstick popped out of, old commercials with crash boxes. The wee Herald with it's little stubby stock and precise slick changes was a game changer.

[Jasandjules]

Difficult to say, the box in my 325i was smooth..

[Digby]

Westfield and Mk1 MX5 for me. Even someone I knew with an NSX / 355 said the MX5 was better.

In all honesty, most of anything else that's going to get a mention, isn't going to be as good.

[neil-1323bolts]

Ecosseven said:

The 6 speed in my old caterham seven.

This is the correct answer.

[Chubbyross]

Boxster 987.1