S16 Gearbox On Gti6 Engine

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

I am planning to fit my 1.6 gearbox to the GTi6 engine, but after a discussion last night it was noted that the s16 would be a good choice instead.

 

I already have 1.6, 1.9 and s16 gearboxes to choose from, and bought an mi16 clutch a while ago.

 

The 1.6 seems to get some negative feedback, yet for what I want low down it seems right for me.

 

Although if the s16 box is a better all rounder, then I would concider going down that route.

 

I haven't read much about people choosing the s16 box, whether that is due to being less readily available, or because it is not any good.

 

I am presuming the new 1.9 mi16 clutch I have will fit all 3 anyway.

 

Opinions positive and negative appreciated.

[welshpug 1,662]

its much the same as the mi16 box, and close to the xsara box as well (not sure exactly what is different in the xsara unit, not much i think)

 

as you say, its down to usage and personal prefference, i use one as i need reasonable fuel economy, and i feel it suits the engine as it has a decent torque and power band not to need a closer box for road use.

 

plus it was already in my zx16v

[Anthony 1,003]

Ratios on the S16 'box are very similar to those on the Xsara VTS 'box, which is commonly used.

 

That said, if you feel that a 1.6 'box is best for you, then use that. Everyone is different at the end of the day, and the reasons some people have for not choosing them (usually complaints about motorway cruising rpm) may or may not be applicable to you - I for example have always been very happy with the gearing on a 1.6 'box

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

Interesting feedback.

 

I don't intend to use the car for much motorway crusing. And if I do, I will just have to do 60 and deal with it

 

I only say the 1.6 unit sounds best for me as I have said to myself from the start, I don't want the 205 to feel like a lightweight 306 with simular power delivery characteristics. I decided that the 1.6 gearbox would maybe make it feel more raw, and a different delivery. The GTi6's I have owned always felt refined and the long 1st gear was something I wanted to get away from.

 

Other than that, I have no real reason/experience of the 1.6 gearbox and may live to hate it.

 

As with all things, circumstances change. I will keep the s16 box as a spare and if I don't get on with the 1.6 box, I can always change it over.

 

Anyone local got one with a 1.6 box that I can go in to satisfy my curiousity?

[Anthony 1,003]

The motorway cruising argument has never stacked up in my eyes - the approximate cruising rpm in 5th at 80mph is:

 

1.6 GTi = 4200rpm

Mi16/S16 = 4000rpm

1.9 GTi = 3800rpm

 

I'm utterly perplexed how 5% difference between a 1.6 and Mi16 'box is enough for a 1.6 'box to be "unusable" whereas an Mi16 'box to be "ideal" on the motorway and for daily-driver duties. The only answer that I can come up with it that people are basing their opinions on perception and hearsay, because the figures certainly don't back up the claims.

[welshpug 1,662]

might be a little lower on my car as I'm on 195 55

 

I have noticed that being either side of that 4k mark makes a marked difference to sound and fuel.