Crappy Gearbox

[PhilMee]

Hi there everyone,

This is my first post, so if the question has already been asked you'll just have to answer it all over again!!!!! :D :P :group-cuddles:

I have an '04 registered E12 Corolla T3 1.6VVTi 3dr, which still runs fantastic (as it should do!!!!), but I've noticed that 5th gear is a stupidly low ratio, & I'm pulling 3500rpm on the engine @ 75mph.

Now this might not seem too much, but it's also having a knock on effect on my MPG, which is currently averaging @ 40mpg, but if the engine speed, and therefore overall speed, drops to 3000/3200rpm, I manage to get 45/50mpg!!!!!

Which given that I'm currently doing an 80mile rounf trip to work everyday, I'd definately prefer the 50mpg, but hate having to slow down to 60/65mph!!!! :cacker: :censor:

Now my parents own an '03 Avensis T3x with the 1.8 engine, which I've also driven, and the 1st to 4th gears seem to have a similar ratio's to mine, but the 5th gear is definately a higher ratio, and is only pulling 2900rpm @ 70mph!!!!

Since driving their car, and managing to get 50mpg @ 75mph easily, I've been wondering if it's possible to fit an Avensis gearbox into my E12 Corolla.

I know that the gearbox is available, but would it fit onto my car, and who are the best ppl to ask to fit it????????

[MJG]

Hi there everyone,

This is my first post, so if the question has already been asked you'll just have to answer it all over again!!!!! :D  :P  :group-cuddles:

[sNIP]

←

Surely the cost of doing this will mean you will need to wait months (if not years) before you recoup the cost of a 10 mpg difference....

[dvdmeister]

Well the cost depends - if you actually have to remove and replace the entire gearbox, then I would imagine it would be stupidly expensive if its even possible. However, if you are super lucky, you may find that the same shafts are used in the Corolla and Avensis gearboxes, in which case it may be possible to open up the box, pop the 5th gear cog off and pop an Avensis one on. I remember someone telling me that this was possible in some of the older Renault cars, so it may be possible in this case too. You would need to find an expert on both the Corolla and the Avensis to check this with though!