R32 02J fifth gear upgrade?

Doing a R32 (Mk5 3.2 v6) conversion in my MK1.  I using an 02J gearbox and while I'm installing a LSD just wondering if I should upgrade the fifth gear set.  I've used the online tools but just looking for someone who has done the upgrade in an 02J box on a R32 , what fifth gear ratio was used and does it work well? Any help much appreciated…

RPB34096 said

Doing a R32 (Mk5 3.2 v6) conversion in my MK1.  I using an 02J gearbox and while I'm installing a LSD just wondering if I should upgrade the fifth gear set.  I've used the online tools but just looking for someone who has done the upgrade in an 02J box on a R32 , what fifth gear ratio was used and does it work well? Any help much appreciated…

Hi,

I started with an 02J V5 gearbox and was advised by Vince at Stealth racing to go for a Corrado 02A gearbox for better ratio's as the V5 was quite close ratio.

I added a 5th gear from a CTN diesel box for better cruising RPM. I would speak with him if you can as he is  a very helpful chap. I'm unaware of anyone on the forum with a running R32 engined mk1 golf on the road but may well be mistaken.

When I get on the road I'll let you know  

I know it's not what you're currently looking at, but I just went straight for a 6 speed box with an LSD in mine - love it

squirrelofdoom said

I know it's not what you're currently looking at, but I just went straight for a 6 speed box with an LSD in mine - love it

Sorry chap forgot about your beast. This would be my preferred route in the future

Thanks.  Will look into the suggestions.  With regards to the 6 speed, what did you use?  I have the original 02M manual box from the car but the conversion to 2wd and the speedo drive (not being worm drive) put me off…..

Just read your R32 thread…..wow…..really nice build and perfect level of detail to help others trying to do the same………like me 😉

I chose the 5 speed instead of the 6 speed, mainly for weight saving at the front axel, it is a massive lump that 02M, other than that the 5 speed is much easier to install.

I drive with a CCM from a VR6 Passat 35I with 0.838 5. gear and 3.389 diff. Decided to go with the original 5 gear for now, I drove the car and it sits just fine a cruise speed. Can't remember RPM, but also comes down to wheel size etc.

That's what I thought….its massive!  I have a 02J ENJ for which ratios look the same as yours…..so think I'll leave as is for now.  Cheers!

I had an ENJ to start with and it's a nice short ratio gearbox. The only Achilles heal is that the 5th gear ratio and final drive means that theoretically at 70mph with 195 50 15 tyres the cruising RPM is 3200rpm.

Bear in mind the stock 6 speed gearbox for the R32 is around 3000rpm at 70mph with much larger diameter wheels.

I went for the CCM and added a 5th gear from a diesel CTN. This gives the gearbox a theoretical cruising rpm at 70mph of 2650rpm.

A lot of R32 owners have complained about the high 6th gear on the stock cars so I wanted a nice quiet cruise.

I won't know though until I get it on the road  The good thing is the 02j and 02a have a nice end case for easy access to the 5th gear so you can take it  out at a later date without dropping the box (maybe a tilt of the engine though )

Just noticed that although the ratios CCM Vs ENJ are more or less the same the diff is very different ( 3.389 vs 3.684) which makes a big difference like you say (@70mph, 3000rpm vs 3300).  If I put a CTN fifth gear in
my ENJ it'll bring me to the equivalent of the standard CCM box (@70, 3000rpm)….so perhaps I need to do that.  I'm knee deep into the box refurb at the moment so probably not going to change the base at this stage……
Your right I could do it later but from the numbers really looks like I should upgrade my 02J box.
Thanks for all the advise and learnings…much appreciated!!