I OWN a 2008 Toyota Tazz 1.3. I need to replace the 4-speed gearbox with a 5-speed gearbox. How much should I expect to pay?
Sent in by Mbongiseni, Johannesburg
ROAD RAVE REPLIES:
I discussed your query with a very level-headed and experienced gearbox expert. His estimate was R6,000 to supply and fit a 5-speed gearbox, on which you will then have a guarantee of a few months.
He had interesting things to say about the advisability of such a project.
You can expect an engine speed reduction of about 5percent in 5th gear, compared to top gear on a 4-speed box, at the same road speed.
That will probably give you a fuel saving when cruising in 5th gear and also provide some noise reduction.
The car will be easier to sell (and fetch about R2000 more) when you decide to sell it, because a 5-speed 'box is fairly rare on the Tazz.
When one weighs up the advantages against the cost of the conversion, it's clear that it will take a long time to recoup the initial outlay of a gearbox swop, and for this reason you would only consider it worthwhile if the old gearbox has to come out anyway.
Even then, it's often a questionable project. He added, though, that the conversion you have in mind is one of the few he would recommend.
Gearbox conversion is costly
I OWN a 2008 Toyota Tazz 1.3. I need to replace the 4-speed gearbox with a 5-speed gearbox. How much should I expect to pay?
Sent in by Mbongiseni, Johannesburg
ROAD RAVE REPLIES:
I discussed your query with a very level-headed and experienced gearbox expert. His estimate was R6,000 to supply and fit a 5-speed gearbox, on which you will then have a guarantee of a few months.
He had interesting things to say about the advisability of such a project.
You can expect an engine speed reduction of about 5percent in 5th gear, compared to top gear on a 4-speed box, at the same road speed.
That will probably give you a fuel saving when cruising in 5th gear and also provide some noise reduction.
The car will be easier to sell (and fetch about R2000 more) when you decide to sell it, because a 5-speed 'box is fairly rare on the Tazz.
When one weighs up the advantages against the cost of the conversion, it's clear that it will take a long time to recoup the initial outlay of a gearbox swop, and for this reason you would only consider it worthwhile if the old gearbox has to come out anyway.
Even then, it's often a questionable project. He added, though, that the conversion you have in mind is one of the few he would recommend.
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