Another Gearbox Question

[td_dan 7]

right iv got a 1.9 gti 8v engine sitting around that im gonna put in my 205 and it hasnt got a gearbox. Iv got a spare 1.9 gearbox that works but after doing a lot of searching iv found the 1.6 box will be better.

 

what are the differences in the boxes

i.e will it fit straight on?

what clutch will i need as im only using standard power?

also is there a certain box i will need as iv noticed a few codes like be1 and be3?

also how an i check what box my engine needs?

 

ps iv tried searching but couldnt realli find any definative answers to my questions.

[rallysteve 22]

Any BE box will fit any XU engine as far as I know.

 

The difference is that the 1.6 box is a lower ratio so will give a lower road speed in each gear (but better acceleration).

 

The BE 1 box has reverse next to first (and a lift up collar to engage via a cable) and BE 3 has reverse below 5th.

 

I think the 1600 and 1900 use the same clutch, but this would be dictated by your flywheel so i would use 1.9 one with your engine.

 

Hope that helps

 

Steve

[td_dan 7]

very helpful steve thank you very much for your quick reply. its much appreciated.

[rallysteve 22]

No probs

[Anthony 1,003]

The clutch friction plate and clutch cover are the same on both 1.6 and 1.9's throughout the ages. It's the release bearing that differs and needs to be matched to the gearbox that you're running - BE1 release bearing for a BE1 'box, and a BE3 release bearing for a BE3 'box.

 

As above, BE1 has lift-up reverse next to first, and BE3 is reverse below 5th.

 

The clutch pedal and cable differs between BE1 and BE3, so you'll need to swap those if you're changing from one to the other. If you're putting a BE1 gearbox on a car that was originally BE3, you'll need to fit the lift up reverse cable and gear lever otherwise you'll lose the reverse lockout.

 

The actual ratios are similar between 1.6 and 1.9 gearboxes (just 1st that's a touch shorter) but the final drives are different - 1.6 has a 4.0 final, whereas a 1.9 has a longer 3.6 final. Neither is "better" as such, just different and down to personal preference and engine characteristics which is the better option.

[td_dan 7]

ok cheers anthony. Can you tell me how to check on my engine that iv got whether it had a be1 or be3 originally fitted?

[Anthony 1,003]

ok cheers anthony. Can you tell me how to check on my engine that iv got whether it had a be1 or be3 originally fitted?

Easiest way is see whether it has a lift-up reverse collar on the gear lever. Generally, 89/G and before was BE1, 90/G onwards was BE3.

[rallysteve 22]

Cheers Anthony, im changing from BE1 to BE3 and didnt know the clutch pedals were different. Will have to swap these over too

 

Steve

[td_dan 7]

ok cheers pal very helpful

[MerlinGTI 3]

I would use a 1.6 flywheel as they are considerbly lighter than the 1.9 jobbie

[mr_exe 1]

When I did the Mi16 conversion I went from a BE1 to a BE3 gearbox and the only thing I changed was the gearknob.