Jump to content
  • When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

5-Speed Advice


JWadle

Recommended Posts

I'm planning to put a 5-speed in my 72 tii. I've found several possible sources for kits (e.g. Aardvark Racing, Ireland Engineering).

I've also found a CA shop (Top End Performance) who does the conversion, but claims "Anyone that will sell a complete bolt-in kit with a ready-made driveshaft does not have a clue about 2002's and will cause you untold amounts of grief." - presumably because of driveshaft length differences.

Whose kit have you used? Any problems or suggestions?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

'72 2002tii Inka

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Anyone that makes definitive blanket statements like that about others' knowledge of a specific vehicle is.... oh wait, never mind.

71, flat black

Beat to fit, paint to match.

Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.

"Some people spend a lifetime wondering if they made a difference, Marines don't have that problem" - Ronald Reagan

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's true that drive shaft length differences can be a cause of some consternation. That said, Ireland Engineering, Aardvark, and Top End Performance are all known for providing very good parts and service to the 2002 community. Though I've not purchased a 5-speed conversion from any of these vendors, I'm reasonably confident from having dealt with Ireland and Top End, and from Aardvark's stellar reputation, that each of these vendors would guide you in your efforts to purchase the right parts the first time.

williamggruff

'76 2002 "Verona" / '12 Fiat 500 Sport "Latte" / '21 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Prem “The Truck”

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i am reasonalbly confident having done several of these conversions that you install the tranny first, then measure what length driveshaft you need, then order the right length driveshaft.

if you do a seach on this topic, you will find many, many threads....

2xM3

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm planning to put a 5-speed in my 72 tii

In reference to your other post; is the correct grammar: I'm planning on having a 5-speed put in my 72 tii. Inferring that someone else is to do the work?

If so you might consider to find that shop or person and ask them which "kit" they want to work with. This will avoid the need to unnecessarily sort through information.

Of course if you are planning on doing the installation, there are a number of considerations that investigating the FAQ site search will offer you a number of choices and solutions. Each "kit" and vendor has their own spin at marketing the neccessary equiptment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dave at Aardvarc is a great guy, highly reputable, very easy to deal with. I've bought 5-speed (and other) parts from him before. I've had no dealings with the other vendors, but you can search this site and draw your own conclusions.

You also didn't mention 2002haus, who sells a variety of 5-speed parts including a very elegant and easy to install transmission support bracket.

There are two schools of thought about the pre-measured driveshaft issue. Top End is pretty dogmatic about one of those schools of thought. Personally, I know I can't measure a shaft, tip to tail, to within 1/16" accuracy, between the accuracy of the tape measure itself, the angle of the flanges on the end universal, and the question of whether you're measuring to the face of the flange or the circular lip. I've had good luck with pre-measured shafts, loosening up the bolts holding in the differential, installing the shaft, then tightening the differential bolts.

5-speeds are great if you log a lot of highway miles on the car at speeds over 65, but be aware that the driveshaft alignment issues are not trivial. It can cause vibration and chew up guibos if it's not just right.

The new book The Best Of The Hack Mechanic available at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998950742, inscribed copies of all books available at www.robsiegel.com

1972 tii (Louie), 1973 2002 (Hampton), 1975 ti tribute (Bertha), 1972 Bavaria, 1973 3.0CSi, 1979 Euro 635CSi, 1999 Z3, 1999 M Coupe, 2003 530i sport, 1974 Lotus Europa Twin Cam Special (I know, I know...)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Likewise a plug for Dave at Aardvark. I needed to find a rebuilt driveshaft for my conversion, when the old driveshaft's u-joints started binding. I had used the three bolt flange to save rotating mass. Harder to find. Dave had one and was able to ship it quickly enough that I was able to go to the Vintage.

Thanks Dave!

vince

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Anyone that will sell a complete bolt-in kit with a ready-made driveshaft does not have a clue about 2002's and will cause you untold amounts of grief."

More accurately, anyone who sells you a ready- made driveshaft

is likely to be right most, but not all, of the time.

Having done a few of these, they were all close enough to the same length

that it didn't matter. However, the 3 cars WERE slightly different...

yeah, this is a rich topic on this forum, thus the search...

t

"I learn best through painful, expensive experience, so I feel like I've gotten my money's worth." MattL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    Unveiling of the Neue Klasse Unveiled in 1961, BMW 1500 sedan was a revolutionary concept at the outset of the '60s. No tail fins or chrome fountains. Instead, what you got was understated and elegant, in a modern sense, exciting to drive as nearly any sports car, and yet still comfortable for four.   The elegant little sedan was an instant sensation. In the 1500, BMW not only found the long-term solution to its dire business straits but, more importantly, created an entirely new
    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    In 1966, BMW was practically unknown in the US unless you were a touring motorcycle enthusiast or had seen an Isetta given away on a quiz show.  BMW’s sales in the US that year were just 1253 cars.  Then BMW 1600-2 came to America’s shores, tripling US sales to 4564 the following year, boosted by favorable articles in the Buff Books. Car and Driver called it “the best $2500 sedan anywhere.”  Road & Track’s road test was equally enthusiastic.  Then, BMW took a cue from American manufacturers,
    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    BMW 02 series are like the original Volkswagen Beetles in one way (besides both being German classic cars)—throughout their long production, they all essentially look alike—at least to the uninitiated:  small, boxy, rear-wheel drive, two-door sedan.  Aficionados know better.   Not only were there three other body styles—none, unfortunately, exported to the US—but there were some significant visual and mechanical changes over their eleven-year production run.   I’ve extracted t
  • Upcoming Events

  • Supporting Vendors

×
×
  • Create New...