Gearbox 3 rib vrs 5 rib vrs 6

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by lhu1281, Aug 20, 2015.

  1. Is one really better than the other then?
     
  2. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Both are better than 3-rib for a bigger engine, but you do need 70+HP, the more the merrier.
     
  3. Gearbox Ribs Explained (Applicable to T2 Bay Window Gearboxes only, does not work for T25 Vanagon).

    If you are unsure if you have a T2 Bay Window Gearbox, it is easy to tell by where the gear linkage comes out. On a Bay Window Gearbox it comes straight out the back (opposite end to the bellhousing). If it is a T25 box it will come out of the side on the nosecone.

    1600cc - 3 Ribs
    1700cc - 5 Ribs
    2000cc - 6 Ribs
    - See more at: https://www.limebug.com/how-to-guides/view/32/#sthash.dLubxrAG.dpuf
     
  4. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    Think you'll find its 1800 = 5rib
     
    geordieandy and Dicky like this.
  5. Indeed! They got that wrong on there. 1700 is still a. 3 rib case.
     
    snotty and Flakey like this.
  6. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    I know this is a bit of a 'thread from the dead' but whilst we're here.... is all this gearbox talk really just relevant to Type 4 engines? I know Type 1 are just 1600 therefore a 3 Rib box, but what about the bored out Type 1... (mine being a 1776, @paulcalf having a 2200 or whatever monster size it is, etc) Do Type 1 stick with a 3 rib whatever, or do we get to drool over 5 and 6 rib boxes too?
    Oh, and where's the 4 rib??
     
    paulcalf likes this.
  7. Moons

    Moons Supporter

    The 4 rib is called the Jane Fonda 6 Rib, it's a special edition.
     
    MorkC68 likes this.
  8. I've got a 3-rib on my 1776, and it's just fine :thumbsup:

    I have got a couple of ribs left over from my spare 'box. £25 each, posted.
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2017
    paulcalf likes this.
  9. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    No no, don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking for a gearbox replacement or anything, i was just interested in how it all works.
    It’s a 3 rib on mine, it works fine albeit rather whiney, but I was just interested. If someone randomly turned up on my doorstep brandishing a 5 rib, would I brush them aside and say ‘no no I’ve got a type 1, please take it away’ or would I say ‘ ooh thank you kind purveyor of fine gearboxes, that’ll do nicely’ ?
    ( we all know I’d sell it on eBay anyway )
     
  10. I was kidding ;)

    If your box is a bit howly, and you've got the enthusiasm, change the gearbox oil for Castrol Syntrans. Good stuff.
     
    Fonant and scrooge95 like this.
  11. 3 ribs fine for me on two different 1776s.
    Increased power of 2110 type one engine meant I was in 4th v quickly with a 3 rib gear box. 70mph was approx 4k rpm.

    That's why I changed my gearbox to one with similar gear ratios to a 6 rib.


    Type 1 or 4 style engine is not the important bit, people tend to change gearbox to 6 rib when substantially increasing engine power
     
    scrooge95 and snotty like this.
  12. If your gearbox is whiny then its mainshaft bearing and shaft is moving in the bearing bore. It needs to be rebuild. It will work fine little bit longer but will wear off many critical parts badly.

    Also not all 3 rib gearboxes are the same, some are very weak beetle internal gears some other are stronger gears and bearings.
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2017
  13. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    :(
     
  14. crossy2112

    crossy2112 Supporter

    Are they gold?

    Or are the gold ones extra :)
     
  15. Gold ones £5 extra. Still a bargain. Glue them on with epoxy.
     
  16. crossy2112

    crossy2112 Supporter

    Does that mean I could have extra ribs on my box :)
     
  17. You could. Just glue a few of my ribs on your old CE 'box, then sell it on eBay for £4000. Sorted :thumbsup:
     
    crossy2112 likes this.
  18. crossy2112

    crossy2112 Supporter

    Don't know if I'd want to sell my box on ebay :)
     
  19. There is a "private" section, I believe...
     
    crossy2112 likes this.
  20. crossy2112

    crossy2112 Supporter

    I could hear that penny dropping from here :)
     

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