Convert Ba Mk1 Or Go For Ba Mk2/Bf?

[Beatup]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums but have been collecting information for awhile now. Great site!

I've known of the XR6T's even before they came out, but never thought much about them until 12 months ago or so. Was always skeptical before due to hearing folk talking about numerous problems regarding diff clunk, weak transmissions, bad paint, suspension issues and the kerb weight which seemed outrageous back in 03/04, 1700kg+ weight seems quite normal nowadays. Most of those problems also seem to be rectified in the later models which is great. After driving around a few XR6T's, from 4spd to ZF to T56, I found the 4spd very acceptable, ZF is great, but the T56 did it for me (T5 is too weak apparently.) I've always loved manuals and find autos a little too boring for me. Previous car is a 97' R33 Skyline GTST manual with 220rwkw which was great but was aiming for 250rwkw with the Nissan. I believe 300rwkw will do it for me nicely with the heavier XR6T, anything over is a bonus but not demanded. I've found the 6spd manuals with acceptable mileage (130,xxxkm is max) to range anywhere from 17k to 24k on carsales, whilst earlier models with the 4spd autos can be gotten for more than 5k cheaper than the cheapest BA mk2 fitted with a T56 in decent condition. on to my question, would it be good practice buying a 4spd and convert it to 6spd manual with a HD clutch to handle atleast 300rwkw and benefit from a brand new gearbox + clutch + sell off the 4spd? I'll be needing valve springs for one of those. Or fork out the cash for a Ba mk2/BF T56 XR6T and spare myself the conversion headache but unsure of the gearbox and clutch? How much are we looking at for a 4spd auto to t56 conversion roughly? I'm aware of the ECU alterations involved with a conversion which shouldn't be a hassle considering the car will be fitted with a X3 ECU or the likes. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks guys.

Cheers, Jas.

[clark522]

check other states for the dude cuz you might find one cheaper. I think the mal wood conversion with a decent clutch is north of 5 g's but not sure, someone else will be able to tell you, but if you found a low k ba for say 15 and did a conversion all up would be around 21 but then you would know your box is brand new and so is your clutch for a bit of piece of mind.

[Beatup]

Sounds appealing, what about a strengthened T5 5spd gearbox? 5spd T's are low-balled all the time due to their known weakness. Would strengthening a T5 to cope with 300rwkw for street use reliably practice better value for money than a T56 conversion? Also, I'm assuming auto diffs have a longer ratio than manuals so a new diff may need to be on the cards too? Who can I speak to regarding this matter in Melbourne?

Thanks guys.

[Dillz]

Don't think you can strengthen them, there rubbish anyway. I'd be looking for a nice BA MK2, way to much time stuffing around changing gearbox's to save little or no money. Just my opinion.

[Ralph Wiggum]

dont waste your money on trying too "strenghten" a T5. It all depends on how cheaply you can pick up a T56 and the bits you need.

I've seen them for for less than 3k 2nd hand. You can reuse your clutch, but you'll need the clutch fluid line. You will also need the t56 cross member and a V8 manual output shaft too suit your tailshaft.

The killer with updating to a BAmk11 will be transfer fee's etc.

I did the conversion to my old BA1 ute, and then carried the box over too my BAMK11 sedan as it had far fewer K's and custom ratios.

The old T56 was sold on for 3.5k and replaced with a T56 before i sold the ute.

1st is 3.45 for the auto. This is very tall for 1st with the t56. The car will still drive nicely but you'l stuggle too get away from the line quickly. Highway crusing is great tho.

[clark522]

as dillz said apparently you cant strengthen them, also been told that the clutches are different. Do what everyone else says and speak to mal wood auto motive, hes a forum sponsor and the best bloke to talk to about it.

ps, if you get a 5 speed that's in good condition and then convert it to 6 speed, ill take the 5 speed off your hands cant afford a 6 speed

[Beatup]

I'll be contacting Malwood Automotive for further information as I constantly change my mind. :S

Cheers.

[PAH]

Yes Mal Wood is the Tremec Agent. I think he can ship a box to your mechanic for installation.

Mal tightened up the Tremec 6060 in my FG to reduce gearbox rattle and rollover noise. I drove up from Sydney to get the work done.

If I buy another XR6T, IT WILL DEFINITELY be a ZF 6 speed auto. The auto does not have rollover noise. It does not have Seppo quality issues as it is made in Europe. I think the XR5T is quicker as an auto. And the torque convertor masks any other play in the transmission (diff and CV's etc).

PAH

Edited 01/02/11 09:34 AM by RHR
No need to quote above post. USE FAST REPLY

[dule]

Go for the BA MKII and save yourself a headache but keep in mind you will need a new clutch for 300rwkw

[wrxxxy]

iv been told bf mk2 for a base car??