Ca18 RWD Gearbox Options ?

[CA18_nut]

Hi

After getting my engine properly run in after a rebuild I decided to see how quick it was from 0-60mph, reved the engine up dumped the clutch and *BANG* the output shaft in the gearbox SNAPPED, I dont have a LOT of power in my ca18 probably around 240rwhp cant imagine it would be more , I replaced the gearbox with another used CA18 gearbox so I could move the car from A to B without a rope between me and my friends mercedes but now in the winter season when the car is tucked away, I would like something stronger so what are my options?

Some say the S14 sr20 gearbox is stronger, will take more abuse(but not alot) and will bolt up the CA18 bellhousing.

I hear the Z32 TT gearbox is near bulletproof but will not fit without some cutting and welding of the bellhouses and moving of the shifter.

So my question is , is there something in between ? something that can withstand more abuse and doesnt require any cutting or welding ?

[float_6969]

NO. I hate to be so simple about it, but it is that simple. the S14 gearbox is NOT any stronger than the S13 gear boxes. It's the exact same thing. Drag racing launches are the HARDEST thing for the driveline. The only thing that would even come close is AutoX, simply because you're on and off the gas sooo much during the race. So to say that the stock trans is only good for 300hp is a bit deceiving. (that's the common HP given by the UK and Australian guys) 300HP in everyday situations and road racing, no, they'll handle more than that. Drag racing? Totally different story.

If you're wanting to drag race a lot, I would say you need to plan on a Z32 transmission. You can go with an RB25 transmission as well, but I'd say they aren't as plentiful either. And if you don't have the dough to have the CA flange welded onto the Z32 transmission, then you're just gonna have to lay off the drag launches until you do.

[boost_boy]

Some more advice, learn how to slip the clutch instead of dumping it. Just dumping puts a lot of stress on the driveline as float says, so you need to work on your launch or you will be breaking stuff on the regular. And your transmission probably broke because it was suspect from some drifter in Japan given that set-up you have the business .

[CA18_nut]

Thanks for the replies , It's not that I dont have the money to get the ca flange welded on to the z32 box (I would probaly do that myself) but would be nice if there was an easier route but I quess It's either change the box or swap the engine then.

I still think it's a bit weird the output shaft snapped , when you dump the clutch (correct me if I'm wrong) the power is transmitted from the clutch to the gearbox , and from the gearbox (outputshaft) to the driveshaft then to the diff and the wheels , I thought the weakest link in that chain would be the tiers and that they would just lose traction , but obviously the weakest link must have been the outputshaft , but the outputshaft on the Z32 is the same diameter right ? so will it still be less likley to break ?

And yes I will practice slipping the clutch instead

[float_6969]

The current idea is that the bearings are different between the s13/14 and Z32 boxes, and the S-series bearings allow the shaft to flex in a way that the Z32 doesn't. That's the best explanation I've heard so far.

[CA18_nut]

thanks , I guess I should stick with the stock gearbox for now