rebuilt transmission for performance?

[jeremie444]

My reverse gear in my transmission is starting to go out from what I can tell. Unless you slip the clutch like crazy the thing grinds when letting it out in reverse. I have the feeling i will need a new transmission/rebuild, before long.

In the course of researching i have found that the S5-42 is only made to handle 420ft-lbs of torque, at least that what ZF had it designed for. I was wondering if there is a shop or some company that sells either beefed up internals capable of handeling more torque and power or new transmissions rated at more torque.

Does anyone have any Ideas? Should I just rebuild this transmission and hope it holds up to what im planning for power?
My goal after fixing the transmission is to get hp up to about 350ish/400. I think that will be a decent daily driver.

[Patrick Feeley]

Nothing really for these trannies to beef them up. You should be fine however, since there are a lot of guys out there with that much power and no tranny issues with just a ZF 5-speed. The 97's had the S5-47 that could handle a bit more torque (470 lb-ft). Just make sure your clutch can handle the extra power. Cheers!

[leojr]

Originally Posted by jeremie444

Unless you slip the clutch like crazy the thing grinds when letting it out in reverse.

It sounds like it is not engaging the reverse gear completely. I have no experience with this type of transmission so I am of zero help. But find someone or a transmission shop that is familiar with adjusting the shifting mechanism and see what they can do for you.

And if they also immediately tell you that you need a transmission rebuild grab your keys and run. Manual transmissions are really good at only two things... working really good and strong, or failing catastrophically. Gears grinding are an indication that you are somewhere in-between and some adjustment is needed.

[Patrick Feeley]

Make sure that you check the clutch master cylinder rod bushing for wear where it connects to the pedal linkage under the dash. Also check the main pedal box mainshaft bushings for wear too. The clutch master rod bushing is infamous for causing low or no clutch engagement problems. Cheers!