transmission choices

[NeptuneZeek]

ok i had to replace my stock transmission and im faced with a choice between a four speed tranny or a five what would be better performance wise?

[ejp2fast]

depends what you mean by performance. (mpg's or 1/4 mile time)

check out this thread:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11540

[sasquatch]

the only diffrence between a 4 and a 5 speed is the 5th gear... the best stock "performance" trans is the aspire one cause it has a higher final drive giving you better acceleration...

[NeptuneZeek]

well i guess the aspire is what i want but every junk yard ive talked to so far hasnt had one but ya i want performance that if i pull up next to some one who wants to race i can blow him out if that describes the performance i want lol

[ejp2fast]

ya i want performance that if i pull up next to some one who wants to race i can blow him out if that describes the performance i want lol

will the 4spd aspire tranny hold up to BP?

[blkfordsedan]

There may be a slight performance advantage to the 4 speed due to the lower final drive ratio, but I would go with the 5 speed for the extra overdrive ratio. Especially if you do any highway driving.

[NeptuneZeek]

this is a moment where i wish i had two festivas lol but i recently got a nissan 300zx with the talking computer in it its just that i cant work on it being in florida but will that affect its max speed because the speedometer in the mazda said 145. will the four speed render some top speed?

[ejp2fast]

will the four speed render some top speed?

nope, you'll redline in 4th sooner whereas w/ the 5th gear it'll give you a little more

[NeptuneZeek]

so that means im gona need to be carefull i guess. in the future what would be the best transmission swap to get a bit of both worlds when it comes to mpg and acceleration? and i want to lower it down a few inches then get better suspension. i dont want to sound needy but i dont want to make mistakes on upgrading this car because im learning and asking questions from more experienced festiva drivers would do me some good

[ejp2fast]

g series would be the best as its beefier and all the torque provided by the engine will be put down in a safer manner... the f series 4 spd you'd need to baby it as its weaker and hard lauches would reduce the life drastically...

thats why we're all here - to learn!

[NeptuneZeek]

what car might i look for to get the g series? and would there be a 6speed transmission out there that would fit by any chance? < just for kicks

[ejp2fast]

escort gt 91-96
merc tracer lt-s 91-96
see that link above..

and no, a 6spd is not available.. unless custom..?

[NeptuneZeek]

if this helps on pushing things along i want to make this a sleeper that can stand up against all those flashy "tuner" type cars lol because i have so many that pass by my house its not even funny. I want to show that an older car can put them to shame with the right work on it.

[NeptuneZeek]

no i didnt see a link.

[ejp2fast]

post #2 thread is what i meant