gavsdavs wrote: ↑04/08/21 12:08
Ask yourself how likely it is that you have a gearbox with a modified 5th that you've been given silently (a change is usually expressed as an upgrade, isn't it)
I've always been told (by paul W and Gouky) that the way you extend ratios in an E153 is to change the final drive (and oil pump gear and ring gear), as there are 3 different variants, where the turbo mr2 variant uses the shortest ratios (and the E51 from a manual camry uses the tallest).
I had an E153 with a 4.125 set and a 3.933 set. Andy Ayres sought out the 3.6 set and uses that.
I'm not categorically stating you can't change the 5th on an E153, I've just never heard of it. I'm also saying that it's pretty common to have people change 5ths in an S54 (the N/A gearbox) and it's often done in v6 converted MR2s.
Up to you what you believe/can work out.
If you really want taller ratios, change your final drive, use taller tyres.
I'd say its entirely a possibility, given I know nothing of its history, given how limiting it is on my top speed when there are no issues between 1-4 and whatever its revving to, is the same in all gears.
I know full well I can change the FD, being in the uk, makes it difficult to get hold of a different final drive.
For me and my uses, its certainly not an upgrade, its like having two 4th gears. No one wants two 4th gears unless they want it on a track where they're less likely to hit 150 but know they can make it to 130 kinda thing. I don't know, I have no idea why. I just know it feels wrong.
I'd sooo love to get my hands on a 3.9 set, but, given how sought after they are, and my lack of contacts (and luck) it won't be happening anytime soon.
It also still doesn't answer my original question posed at the start as its that info that'd be the final nail in the coffin for my thoughts/educated assumptions