What are the manual 6-speed transmission options?

Post by **AustinTSI** » Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:35 pm

I really want to end up with a manual 6-speed transmission in my Starion. I currently have two 2.4 wideblock and I know I can get a narrowblock. I will also be running front exit water cooling and front mounted timing with NO CAS.

What are the options for a 6-speed transmission that will fit in the Starion with the shifter in the correct spot? I would prefer something I could buy now, not in 6-8 months.

Thankx.

cruuz · Post by **cruuz** » Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:10 am

To my knowledge, our only 6 speed option is the T56, which bill has so kindly produced a housing for. A 6 speed is my goal too, cos I'd really like to get my highway rpms down some more, but I can't seem to find a T56 for less than like $1200. That's quite a chunk of change considering u still need to get a bell housing for it.

The upside to this trans tho is that it's tough and should be able to handle the constant abuse I'd surely put it through. Check out the Wikipedia link for 'T56 transmission' it gives a great list of the cars it came in and the ratios for various years, etc. If I had my way, I'd get my hands on a unit out of a cts-v

Post by **DJpowerHaus** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:55 am

I hope you can save $1200 in gas with that 6th gear.

Post by **DJpowerHaus** » Fri Feb 10, 2012 12:07 pm

1st and 2nd were pretty well useless on my car from what I remember with a 3.54 rear end.

CaughtintheCrossfire · Sat Feb 11, 2012 8:29 pm

IMO a 6 speed is pretty useless unless you are going for some kind of Bonneville speed record. You want your highway cruise RPM to be at or close to peak VE for fuel efficiency. I believe a stock 4g63 hits peak VE around 3000rpm.

screemin eagle · Post by **screemin eagle** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:57 pm

CaughtintheCrossfire wrote:IMO a 6 speed is pretty useless unless you are going for some kind of Bonneville speed record. You want your highway cruise RPM to be at or close to peak VE for fuel efficiency. I believe a stock 4g63 hits peak VE around 3000rpm.

Correct. My car with the r154 and 3:54 gears in the rear got horrible gas milage. The engine would lug at 65 mph in 5th gear. 3:90's and the car cruises 25 mpg highway.
After having a 6 speed in my civic si it's pretty useless the final drive ratio was almost the same as a 5 spd. It just made 1-5 closer ratio for quicker acceleration.

cruuz · Post by **cruuz** » Mon Feb 13, 2012 2:03 am

I just seriously hate running 3400 rpms at 70 on the highway, I think it's too high. I'd be happy with 3k @ 70mph