Posted by Luis Cordero on January 25, 2000 at 16:04:41:
In Reply to: What are your opinions on 4 spd? posted by Dave P on January 25, 2000 at 15:35:50:
: I can understand the desire to convert from auto to 5spd but I'm debating converting from 4spd to spd.
: For those of you who drive 4spds, or especially those who have driven both or converted from 4 to 5, what are your opinions? What are the benefits? Is it worth the trouble/expense if my 4spd is in good condition to begin with?
Dave,
There will be serveral different opinions expressed about the 5 speed conversion and all will have good information. I've been converting my E12 to 5 speed since I bought it, however due to resources (financial, time, etc.) it has taken long to pursue this choice/preference.
IMHO, 5 speeds were introduced with the objetive to improve gas consumption in most vehicles/makes. The so called "tall" gears allow to achieve that, you can simply tell by looking at your tachometer, the RPM's drop. If you don't have one, you can tell by the reduction in engine noise a subject vehicle produces. In combination with other components, insulation, materials, etc. the industry has come to produce quiter vehicles.
Other area that will be mentioned will be performance. In order to accommodate a 5th gear the ratios have to be adjusted, therefore, the need to shift in shorter times may signify extra speed if related to accelaration. There's also the go with the flow, not necessarily because everyone is doing it, but because the trend has been such in the industry. If you notice, no more cars are being produced with 4 speeds... which means one would like to actualize his/her ride. I mean, the idea is to keep the original style with the goods/advantages of modern technology. That's how folks get into 3.5L transplants.
Last could be reliability, but this could be to a lesser degree, because the 4 speed is as durable as your ability to shift. Good use of clutch, maintenance, etc.
I may sound like I'm just saying a bunch of BS... possibly as no one answer my post yet... I just wanted to mention a few generalities of the why's...
I personally hate the noise of 4 speeds and on the other hand do lots of freeway driving, so saving gas is an issue. Last (for real) will be availability... as any older vehicle, owners tend to dispose of them, so there's quite a few out there... however those who know take advantage of the situation, it's call make a living.