Airtrek Gearbox

[wabbott]

Whats everyone's experience with the F5a51 gearbox in our cars, have read articles saying to replace the wave spring and add a trans cooler to extend the life of the trans etc.
Can these be a durable transmission? Thoughts.:hmmmm:

 

[weiye]

I'm using an upgraded F5A51 (same as W5A51). I bought the clutch pads replacement, stronger wavespring and seals from Import Performance Transmissions (I think you can also try this shop called level ten). I also added an additional trans cooler - can't remember the brand though. I think the rebuilt gearbox is great value for money and the additional cooler should make the gearbox last longer. However, you might need to rebuild a torque converter to complete the set up. I am using a stock torque converter presently on my upgraded gearbox and I think it can take about 48kg-50kg max of torque before slipping. I think heat is a key problem to slipping as well.

However, having said all these, nothing beats manual!

 

[wabbott]

Thanks Weiye, I'm getting the wavespring and transmission cooler done in the next couple of weeks ($1000 NZ), apparently replacing the wavespring doesn't require the transmission to come out. If replacing the clutch pads does that require the trans to come out?

 

[weiye]

no problem. that's nice, yes if you're just replacing the wavespring, the transmission does not have to come out. The gearbox needs to be take off however, if you are replacing the pads with better ones. but if you're not going to push the torque too much, then you won't likely need to replace the clutch pads with aftermarket ones.