Originally Posted by
Boostlee I don't think Ashton read the article or know who Rockwood is
From a road racer myself where having used a B15 SE box in a T3 turboed B14 on track, it's almost pointless to even consider the 6 speed as as mentioned, it's not quiet "bolt on" (or cheap) as Ashton states. The B15/P11 will be plenty good for a road racer with 300whp..............Or better yet (since this is what breaks boxes) 300ft-lbs ATWs
Plus, if they do blow it up (which I find hard to believe), the box itself is barely more expensive than a proper B14 gearbox with much improved strength (read: box is not LSD) and can be had because as mentioned "all the boost junkies swapped up the LSD B15/P11 boxes from the yard".
Ashton, no offense, but until you have actually road raced and understand the conditions, I do not think you have much grounds to dispatch most of the findings, opinions or comments from fellow road racers. A road race setup and goals are entirely different than that of a drag racer.
P.S Although B15 brembos are nice, the added unsprung weight is also not exactly warrantied for the class these guys are running. Do not forget, the reason they had to "detune" is because they did not want to be bumped up in weight unnecessarily as things like tire wear become an issue and tires degrade much more rapidly. All said and done, with B15 brakes, new tranny and mounts, splies, etc, you can be looking at close to 60-80lbs of additional unwanted weight for not much in the way of gains, but much more in the way of losses. Hoosiers aint cheap!!!
The added weight of the platform is exactly why the RS6 is such a great transmission. The P10 would have to be checked for clearance for the diff. The B15 and P11 fit the 6 speed without issues, perhaps the p10 would fit it nicely?
I ran the P11 trans for several years. Drag racing and general beating. I blew up 6 transmissions when everyone else still claimed they were practically indestructible. First gear to go was 2nd! of all gears! And I was running heavy shockproof. Each transmission after that seemed to live a shorter and shorter life. You can even see me on youtube shattering 3rd on about 320whp getting on the freeway. Gear fatigue is a bitch.
The transmission swap is not cheap, but everything else for it is. Axles, super strong and easy to source. Clutch, 240sx. They are cheap and everywhere. The p11 transmission is not much stronger than the 32. And I will maintain and go on record by saying; If you plan on tracking this car competitively, there is little chance of this transmission surviving. The RS5F70V/A is not strong enough for 300whp continuously. And I believe it will break. But, replacements are cheap and plentiful!
As far as the Brembos, weight isn't much of an issue. The calipers are lighter than the standard calipers, since they are aluminum. Rotors are WAY cheaper, and there are a ton of pad options. Sure there is more weight, but it really is marginal. Just gotta run larger wheels... so I totally can understand not using the Brembo setup. It's justifiable.
I do agree with Ashton on many points. I also agree with Steve when it comes to shift feel. The shifts feel smooth, but less precise. But you're really nitpicking at that point. Staying with the old tech keeps things simpler. But overall cost in the long run... I think the 6 speed would be the way to go.
I posted on Mike's FB earlier Yesterday about this issue. Though I don't think the RS6 is going to be bullet-proof, I do feel it is going to last much longer. The size of the shafts, gear teeth, and case structure all ensure much longer operation. The P11 transmission has a stronger case, and better structure to reduce shaft flex. But the gears are practically the same as the old P10 transmission.