mkII gearbox help please!

Chat about your MKI or MKII Polo (86 and 86F)
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chris_lofty
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mkII gearbox help please!

Post by chris_lofty »

ive got a tiny 1.0 mkII with a four speed gearbox, was just wondering if i could throw in a 5 speed from a mk 3 polo? if so which gearbox would i need? would the same subframes/driveshafts work etc?

please help guys as i need a fifth gear!

my engine code is HZ if this helps.

cheers guys,
lofty
mk2matt
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Post by mk2matt »

right boyo

you can fit a 5 speed straight in you dont need to change any of the driveshafts, as direct replacement

BUT

you will need to replace the selector so you can get 5th gear.
you can still use the 4 speed selector until you get the 5 speed 1
WildChild
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Post by WildChild »

I have a MK1 895cc, which has 4 gears, it is basically in new condition and i've had it running at 85mph, but darnt push it any furhter..

Would it be possible to switch the 4 speed gearbox for a 5? Just as easily?
GroovyCarrot
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Post by GroovyCarrot »

The conversion is easy as pie with a late mk2 (1986 and later, ie with a hydraulic head engine). With an earlier mk2 you also need to change the anti roll bar to the later type in order to clear the end of the gearbox, and you may need to cut away the inner arch to clear the extended end of the box (later mk2's had a small cutaway in the arch so that the longer box would fit).
I'm not sure if you'd need to modify the inner arch on a mk1 in the same way, but I know plenty of people have converted mk1's to 5 speed so I wouldn't imagine it's neccessary. You would have to change the ARB though for the late mk2 type.
The 4 speed box is fine for any speed the little engine can handle.. but going for a 4+e box (ie 8p) does make it a hell of a lot calmer on the motorway cruise!
Gareth_GT_Hatch
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Post by Gareth_GT_Hatch »

Its possible to fit a 5-speed box without resorting to removing the bit of chassis leg thats not there on later models. (just about) but on mk1s the gear linkage is welded to the car so its quite difficult to get a 5-gear selection. The method used by most people is to make a new shift rod but cutting the old one and welding on a piece from a 5-speed one. Im not sure of the ins and outs of this process though.

The other alternative is a Formel E 4-speed gearbox, which has much taller gears than standard. If I had a mk1 I think this is the way I would go.
WildChild
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Post by WildChild »

Yeh it's just my car is in such good condition, i have had it running on the motorways at 70-85mph without a problem for a few hours.. but its just so bloody loud..

Hence i'd enjoy a 5th gear..

There is no way i could do this without anyone leading me in the right direction so any links or contact to people who have done it would be great..
Tahrey1043
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Post by Tahrey1043 »

At 85mph you're doing a hell of a lot of revs on an 895 box... probably getting close to 6000 :D which is why it's noisy
(at least it's not a motorsports box :D)

from what i've heard previously, the swap is doable, but you have to be careful in lining the selector up as you can't replace it - the whole gearstick end of the deal is sealed away behind a welded plate... you can remove it (angle grinder..), but it'll break the underseal and you'll likely never get it all back together again convincingly.

late mk2s / all mk3s it's a lot "easier" (note: not "easy", unless you have proper service-garage kit), essentially remove box & 4sp mount, remove 4-speed arch baffle, put new box & 5sp mount on, adjust stick position til you're happy, drive away.
(note: the above took me about a fortnight - well, two working weeks and three weekends)
WildChild
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Post by WildChild »

hehe i know :)

It's not too bad actually, alot quieter at that speed than i thought it would be..

I won't push it further as the speed 'ometer is only rated to 100mph i believe..
Mk1_Golf_Chriz
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Box

Post by Mk1_Golf_Chriz »

Heya guys.....
Some of you might remember my old 1990 Polo Coupe Parade.....well i've striped that and thats gone to the breakers :(....and brought me a 1985 Polo S......
just curious if the 5speed box from the Parade will be a straight fit for the Polo S as i kept the box.....and was thinking about puttin that in my golf as my golf is only a 4speed, but i think my Polo S 4speed box is about to go.

Cheers Chriz
Gareth_GT_Hatch
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Post by Gareth_GT_Hatch »

Which engine does the polo have? You may find that in addition to the gearbox you need to change:

Flywheel & clutch
Anti roll bar
Gear linkage

As a 4-speed coupe S probably means its an early one.
GroovyCarrot
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Post by GroovyCarrot »

Also, it'll only fit the golf if it's a 1.1 or 1.3, the 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 engines use an 020 cable change box rather than an 085 rod change box like the polo.. if you're still considering putting it in the golf anyway :)
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