Which gearbox for a turbo ecotec

With the reputation the manta 1.8 box has I would be reluctant putting it behind a turbo ecotec.

How strong is the omega box? Stronger I would have thought but a lot bigger and heavier I understand.

Then there is the vx-ford bell housing option?


What do you think would be the best budget, mid-range and money-no-object solutions.

Many Thanks

Liam Mc

Strong enough for a 3.2 litre V6. No problems with my box so far after 6000 miles. Engine is a 2 litre Ecotec on throttle bodies.

EDIT: The box is all aluminium. I fitted it to the engine by putting it under my left arm and tightening the bolts with my right. Not very heavy at all.

[Edited on 20/12/08 by BenTyreman]

I assume you mean the omega box yeah,

Yes, Omega box.

Calton box ?

Hi

If it's just a std engine for cruising road use then the Carlton omega option will be fine. However if looking at an uprated engine then the ratios will be wanting to be sorted. Easiest option then becomes either a quaife / tranex ford box 4 speed or type 9 5 speed with bell housing conversion. Price of a quaife / tranex will be from £400 for S/H to £3500 for an all singing dancing option. Plenty of options in between depending on spec.

Cheers Matt

Ps There's plenty of room for as big a box as you like.

We're using an omega "R25-R28" box (from 1997 3 ltr manual one) behind a 375hp XE turbo in an 800kg Opel Kadett and its still going strong.

Its done a good 75 drag race starts now and the manta 1800 box that it replaced would do 5 or 6 before disintegrating.

Ratios are similar to the manta one as far as we can tell, certainly not "too" tall geared, as we've got a 3.3:1 axle ratio in it and it easily revs out to 7500 rpm in 5th gear (though I hate to think what speed that it, sometimes having no speedo somehow feels safer )

I'd go with that, its not mega heavy (though I couldn't tell you a weight) its similar in size to an MT75 ford box

ps note that there are various omega boxes, the v6 one is a bit bigger and a lot stronger than the ones from the 4 cyl cars, look for "R25-R28" on the casing