5-speed to 6-speed conversion in a mk1

[Andrew]

Just a few notes on this for guidance.

It's an easy swap from the 5-speed to the 6-speed. I have one in my 1.6 mk1 with a 4.3:1 standard viscous diff. You need the gearlever with the 6-speed box, also the NB starter motor (a good swap as it's lighter) and the plate between the engine and gearbox. You also need to re-join 2 of the connectors on one of the sensors (can't remember if it's the neutral or reverse switch) as they are male instead of female on one of them. The speedo drive can be swapped out of your old 5-speed box so the speedo reads correctly. the speedo drive matches the diff, eg. the red drive gear is for the 4.3 diff (1.6) and the purple gear is for the 4.1 diff (1.8).

6-speed gives a major advantage over 5-speed for track use, particularly on normally aspirated cars, as going up through the gears it never drops out of the 'power' band. The 5-speed has a huge gap between 2nd and 3rd which kills your lap times. I could lap Oulton park 3 secs quicker in my (6sp) 1.6 road car than I could in my 5sp 1.6 race car...

[agent_orange]

What are the road use pros and cons of having 6 speed?

[Mazda Mender]

None.
To many gear changes in normal driving conditions, but great for motorway driving.
M-m

[threeflies]

You get used to the gear changes and I absolutely love my six speed box. Couldn't imagine my 5 without it . You can always be in the right gear for a quick down shift to pass , no dead zone

[Lazza]

I love my 6 speed too. Wayne is just a grumpy old man

[Mazda Mender]

LOL.
But i do it well
M-m

[Richardn]

None.
To many gear changes in normal driving conditions, but great for motorway driving.
M-m

The five speed has a higher ratio top gear than the six speed

[Mazda Mender]

None.
To many gear changes in normal driving conditions, but great for motorway driving.
M-m

The five speed has a higher ratio top gear than the six speed

Still not a lover of it, and will not change my opinion buddy, as one of mine as one and i really do not like it.
M-m

[Lazza]

None.
To many gear changes in normal driving conditions, but great for motorway driving.
M-m

The five speed has a higher ratio top gear than the six speed

It's usually matched to a longer ratio dif giving a longer overall gear ratio in top.

[Lazza]

None.
To many gear changes in normal driving conditions, but great for motorway driving.
M-m

The five speed has a higher ratio top gear than the six speed

Still not a lover of it, and will not change my opinion buddy, as one of mine as one and i really do not like it.
M-m

Maybe there's something wrong with your one. You should give it to a good mechanic to take a look

[Mazda Mender]

No nothing wrong with it, all works as it should and thats my problem
M-m

[blackyb]

Missing my six speed, keep going for the extra gear when I am driving the Eunos, thankfully not managed to find reverse yet???