Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Need help and opinions

Ok, now that I have driven the 'tour, I think I have discovered that the syncros for 2nd and 3rd are bad.
1. How long can I drive with the tranny in this condition? Do I need to watch my RPM's when shifting?
2. How much does it cost to ship a tranny and what is the best method?
3. What should I do with the tranny out? I would like clutch, flywheel and LSD, but do I really need the LSD? My only mods are an UDP and Cam Gears. Depending on the cost of this tranny thing, probably not too much else for a year or so. I would like to have the LSD for the snow, but am open (no pun intended) to not having it at the moment.
4. How long will it take to get everything done (shipping to Terry Haines vs. local shop and ordering parts in)?
Thanks

Anyone?

*bump*

I'm no expert but here are my opinions:

1 - a) You can likely continue to drive it for quite awhile but you may be costing yourself more in repairs. b) Yes, try to match RPM, shift smoothly and not under significant load. This will reduce the wear.

2 - a)& b) Can't recall the figures but if you call TH he can give you an idea and point you in the right direction for shipping and what to put the tranny into.

3 - While the tranny is out you should do all you can squeeze into your budget. It will never be less expensive because the major expense (usually) is pulling the tranny and putting it back in.

My understanding, from others that know these vehicles well is that an SVT clutch is quite adequite for most lightly to moderately modded 2.5L's. The flywheel is nice, you do notice the lighter weight.

You don't need an LSD, it's really a matter of what you want. A Quaife or Torsen will help any FWD get its power down. People have said that they put one in prior to doing upgrades in anticipation of needing it later and they were amazed at how much difference it made to a stocker.

4 - Depends on what you endup deciding to do, but there may not be much difference. TH will likely have most of what you need right away. Another shop may need to order parts. Either way you've got shipping time involved. 1-3 days shipping and 1-3 days tranny work if there isn't a wait list.

BTW, don't forget to do the Focus shift tower upgrade while you're at it.

Regards, Alan

You can drive a tranny with bad on no syncros as long as you learn to double clutch. That is.. when you go to shift to the non-syncro gear press in the clutch, shift to natural, release the clutch, then press the clutch and shift into gear. Just like a trucker.

I drove my old mustang like this while waiting three weeks for Ford to get the 2nd speed hub inserts (part of the syncro).

jeff

Shipping is around $60-70 and my tranny shop used UPS and I think Terry Haines uses Airborne Express. You need to crate it up for shipping.