I am debating on switching my 5 speed over to a 6. I have a grinding 2nd gear so it needs a rebuild. I am looking into a TRE build and read his 6 speed details and they sound like it fixed the issues those were having. I am done with drag racing and want to start autocross and road course racing. I think this would benefit a little more. Not only that but the rebuild cost is a lot cheaper for some reason on the 6 speed's. Given the demand for one right now I could get a blown one cheap and since it's getting a rebuild it wont matter. I am torn between these two options.

5 speed Rebuild
TRE Stage 2 $1200
Evo 8 4th $325
Total $1,525

6 speed rebuild
Sell 5 speed -$1,100
Buy Bad 6 speed $600
TRE Rebuild $875
Total $375

Money saved really looks good and I am also getting a new twin clutch and my transfer case needs a rebuild so I have a huge bill on my hands. Looking for anyones opinion, especially 6 speed owners whose are built. Also I want the smoothest shift possible. I hate how notchy the 5 speed is and the 6 speed feels smoother. The 5 speed would get polishing to the hubs, sleeves, shift rails and selector but I don't know how much better that will make it feel.

 

I am not totally up to speed on the TRE 6sp. Did he also modify the gear ratios?

I don't think it will help in AX, it would add an extra shift. For some courses, you hit high in 2nd (5 sp), that would make you shift into 3rd on the 6 sp.

The big issue was the thinner 4 gears on the 6. Once modded (as you are) I think the 5 sp is pretty mean on the track. 5th is very usable with the power you have (close to mine actually in trap/et).

 

Definitely talk to the guys at TRE about this. If you are going to start road racing with a 6sp, you might just want to invest in a custom tranny cooler as well(search for the thread about it). That will set you back another $500, but longevity of the 4th gear is going to be your priority, even with the magic TRE will do for the transmission as heat buildup has been the concern for premature destruction of the rather thin 4th gear . However, TRE is developing new stronger gears for the 6sp(and the line starts behind me!). Bravo on thinking outside of the container on this one!

 

I am going to give them a call on monday to hear his thoughts. Thing is I have great driving habits where I baby my car a little. I am planning on doing 1-2 road course events a year as they are very expensive and about 1-2 autox events a months. My main concern right now is having the smoothest shifting car since this is my DD and I hate how notchy my five speed is and my garbage ACT 6 puck takes all the fun out of driving. I really don't see myself destroying a six speed that easy. Also looking at the gearing between a IX five speed and a six speed they are very similar and don't see much of a difference on the track. To add I drive three hours back and fourth from school to home every two months to cruising in a six speed is another benefit. I am seeing a lot more pro's than con's for this one but I am having trouble pulling the trigger.

 

The 6-speed is a lot stronger than people give it credit for. I have two friends with IX MR making good power and they both beat the **** out of them on a daily basis.

 

Yea same here.

 

With the power you have now and the amount of road racing you are doing, you should be just fine with the 6sp.

 

what about re-building the 5 speed with a lower gear ratio's ?

 

I can't wait for the new gear set!!

 

When will he be releasing the new gear set?

 

My feelings exACTly I have the same setup and I DD my car alot to say the least. Even w/ all solid bushings throughtout the drivetrain and shifter and a front lower engine mount, it still isn't that fun to drive all the time. I cant wait to go to a twin.

 

I drive home and back to school which is a 3 hour drive there and back so shorter gears would not work. This is not just a track car. I just want to get the enjoyment back in my car.

 

^ I laugh at comments like that..... my stock evo9 five speed shifts great and the stock clutch has been holding 350/350 on the road course for 2 years. My only grip is the short 4th gear. Top speed without going into 5th is 118mph and I see that on multiple tracks in my area.

I really doubt the 6 speed would be an upgrade. There is no doubt it is weaker. I think the gearing sucks almost as bad as the evo9 tranny.

I would get the EVO 9... 1-2&5 and EVO 8 3&4 ..... get a light weight clutch.... HD crap is not needed for road racing.

 

You are correct the gearing is basically the same as a IX 5 speed so it wouldn't bother me. From what I can remember the MR shifted a lot nicer than a 5 speed even with the same clutch. I have had two evo's and they both felt like ****. On stock clutch it wasn't that bad. Also I am going with a Spec Super Twin LT.