Close ratio gearbox. Advise needed

[Kghaas]

I am doing a duratec conversion to my Lotus Seven this winter. As it happens a t9 close ratio gearbox is available just down the road from me. A bit more pricy than the usual T9 but within budget.

Should I go for this or is it better to pick up a standard one? Any experinence out there...

Car wil be used on track and road as a fun car. Engine spec is 2l duratec with standard cam, megasquirt and throttlebodies. About 180-200bhp, and car is Lotus seven S4

Any links with reviews?

[Farlig]

Go for the close ratio... the gap between 1st & 2nd is HUGE on the std t9 and the gap between 2nd to 3rd isn't much better - go back to the video I posted for you & listen - that's a standard T9 - you already have reasonably close ratios in your 4sp in comparison - you would hate moving to a std t9.

Do a search on blatchat - there's load of info in there on this but essentially BGH & SPC seem to be the best recommendations for a CR box, though if you can pick one up locally, in good condition - go for it...

[greengreenwood7]

i've driven my zetec with a T9 with longer 1st gear and current one with the quaife close ratio gearset, as well as drivings friends standards t9's. as said above, 1st gear on a standard box is useless, beyond that the ratios are 'ok' but not brilliant. 'OK' meaning you'll be fine until you drive one with a CR box and then you'll wonder why you didn't go for one! If buying 2nd hand aside from what usage it's done already just check what teh ratio is for 5th....standard is .82 great for cuising whereas many are .87 which although it doesn't seem that different does impact cruising a bit.....

That said i'm going to sell the Quaife based one and get one from SPC - as the wife isn't a fan of teh noise of straight cut gears......

[Kghaas]

Thanks.
Great feedback.