I'm having my new engine fitted shortly and was wondering which gearbox to use.

I have the early 5 speed in the car at the moment, I also have a late 5 speed and a 6 speed. I know the hand brake unit/cables will need to be changed for the late 5 and 6 speed, but is it really worth it ? And has anyone in the UK with 400bhp broken a 6 speed box ?

I've got the 6 speed on mine and for motorway driving, it's ace.

yes - I killed the synchro on 4th gear - replaced the parts about two or three years ago - been fine ever since

i think barbz has killed a few boxes and was explaining to me that the taper bearing does not hold up well with the high torque of the 450+ cars and we all know how thin and how nasty the alloy casing is ..ripe for pushing internals out of

i think barbz has killed a few boxes and was explaining to me that the taper bearing does not hold up well with the high torque of the 450+ cars and we all know how thin and how nasty the alloy casing is ..ripe for pushing internals out of and then theres that sixth cog, tagged on the end, that dreams of one day getting as much oil as its siblings..
the early 5 speed is definately the stronger unit and if you have one now could save money later when (if) you kill the 6
to be honest though mate i would be thinking in terms of how you will be driving it..if you are going track daying 1/4 miles etc and going to be abusing it then maybe the 5 if that is only going to happen now and again and you are not hooning on a regular basis then use the 6 theres enough people used them with big power and they seem to have done ok

what set up are you going with ?
and how are those d2s have you had them well used and at speed yet? are they at all crashy,well damped?

if it were me and i was going 450 and doing the odd event i would put the 6 in
how much for the 5

I went from a 6speed to an early 5 when rebuilding my car. Just because of the rumor of it being stronger.

The only downside is motorway cruising which i dont realy do much of in my car so doesnt bother me.

I pushed the diff through the bellhousing of a 6 speed - does that count as breaking one ;-)

Cost me a new diff and new gearbox casing

i'd say so

Were going to machine up a bellhousing adaptor soon and use a completly different box.
6 speed,and can use original shafts.
And is known for its durability
Watch this space.

Don't keep us in suspenders too long! Probably a couple of months before I get a custom subframe with fabricated wishbones for the kappa, if I'm going to change the gearbox, better I know before I start