View single post by Judson Manning
 Posted: 05-24-2006 12:28 pm
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Judson Manning



Joined: 03-14-2005
Location: Atlanta, Georgia USA
Posts: 406
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You'll want to compare the W55 & W58 with the stock JH 4sp and 5sp ratios, and of course what engine modifications you've done.  Another criteria is what kind of driving you'll be doing (Highway vs. City).

The W58 is almost identical to the JH 4sp 2nd, 3rd, and of course 4th gear ratios.  Ironicly, the JH4sp 1st gear is taller than the W58.  Conversely, the W55 gears are all lower and wider requring more shifting around town.

5th gear is also a challenge.  The W58 has a fairly tall 0.78 ratio which is pretty much useless in my 2.2 at speeds less than 70mph.  For a bone-stock 907, the W55's 0.85 5th gear may be a better choice if you can live with the increased shifting in town. 

The best of both worlds is the W57 used in the Lotus Excel.  The question is:  Can the W55 5th gear set be installed into a W58?