Hi all,

new user here and first post, looking forward to using the wealth of knowledge on this forum to help with a few changes to the Sylva Phoenix I've recently acquired.

I'm replacing the current crossflow with a nicely tweaked 1800 zetec and am contemplating changing the gearbox as well. I've read quite a lot about the RX8 6 speed and it does sound like a cost effective option, but what I'm struggling to find out is the actual dimensions of the box and whether it will actually fit in the tunnel. Does anyone have the box dimensions, or has anyone fitted it in a 7 type car? I've done a search but not come to a solid answer

Thanks!

Welcome

Not sure the RX8 ratios are particularly useful in a car like this. Whats wrong with the trusted type 9 (with maybe a new first gear)?

Hi Peter

The ratios seem good if you skip 1st (3.7) and just take off in second (2.6), essentially I'd be using it as a 5 speed. The rest of the ratios are also close and the box is good for around 250bhp so it seemed an interesting option.

I was aiming for a cheaper option than a type 9 with a long first, which seems to be around 500+

Second is 2.269 so even closer box but bit more of a struggle to set off in second.

But agree, similar power rating and if you ignore 1st simikar ratios as a quaife clise ratio type 9 but helical so no noise, plus if it goes bang it is only £100 to replace. I have one in my shed for a next winter upgrade to my zetec SE anglia.

[Edited on 8/3/16 by Ugg10]

I have the Lexus IS200 version of this gearbox in my 3SGE engined car. The ratios are slightly different to the RX8 version but are very similar. Don't worry about the ratios. They're fine. Very good, in fact.
I paid £20 for the box. I have a spare which cost me £1.20 Ha-ha!
Here is a pic off the net...
Type9---RX8
RX8 box is similar in length but quite a bit bigger.
There's a thread on turbosports co.uk forum which for some reason I cannot link to.

It looks quiet big, the type 9 only just fits my Striker chassis and that's the same as a phoenix. Not trying to pee on your idea though even if it sounds like it!

Thanks for the replies guys.

Ugg, think i missed of the '2' with that 2nd ratio!

I've skim-read the 17+ pages on Turbosport but most of the guys over there are putting them in escorts etc, so don't have much of an issue with space. The ratios would be great and this is the reason for considering it, better than anything for a similar amount of money anyway. The box does look quite a bit bigger than the type 9 in that pic though... Spyder, you must have a great contact for spares!

Peter not at all, your advice is sound, especially as you're running a type 9 in what I think will probably be a very similar tunnel.

Ugg/Spyder would one of you chaps perhaps mind taking a few measurements of the box? the main ones I'd need would be:

Length of bell housing to mid section
Width just after slave cylinder
Width at mid section
Height at mid section
Length from bell housing to shifter

Can do tomorrow night if you don't get them before.

You converting to hydraulic clutch. Got a bit more room in my anglia so looking to see if I can make a bracket that bolts onto the mid split line to attach a cable, will mean quite a long "s" shaped run but easier than converting my set up to hydraulic. Alternative is to chop a hole the other side and use the stock type9 clutch arm.

[Edited on 8/3/16 by Ugg10]

An RX8 box definitely won't fit a Striker - it's way too wide at about the mid point.

If the Phoenix has a similarly narrow tunnel then you'll have no chance.

RX8 (5 speed) gearbox for sale!

Regards

Wyn

One thing I do know is that over the years the Striker/Phoenix chassis has been built with many different options and that includes tunnel widths. This is my type 9 dropped in the bare chassis to give you an idea how tight it is. Even then you can see that the tunnel tubes are 'new' i.e. 'none standard' so that just shows how different these cars can be.

If you want any chassis measurements to compare to yours let me know? You never know, you might have a wider tunnel but with very little room for the driver and passenger I can't imagine its that much wider.


Type 9 in Striker

Ugg/Spyder would one of you chaps perhaps mind taking a few measurements of the box? the main ones I'd need would be:

Length of bell housing to first split - 270
Length of bell housing to second split - 465
Length from bell housing frint to shifter - 740
Total length - 850
Width just after slave cylinder - approx 280-300
Width at mid section - 220
Height at mid section - 240, 100 above output shaft centreline

Hope this helps.

quote:

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Originally posted by lsdweb
An RX8 box definitely won't fit a Striker - it's way too wide at about the mid point.

If the Phoenix has a similarly narrow tunnel then you'll have no chance.

RX8 (5 speed) gearbox for sale!

Regards

Wyn

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Thanks for the info Ugg, however the box is too big for the tunnel, not by a huge amount but it is too big. My Phoenix is quite an early one so i doubt tunnel width was much of a consideration back then.

Cheers for all your replies guys.