3SGTE engine swap GearBox question Options

[digs]

Hi guys. Lot more experience with 3sgte swaps over here I believe

Mine went in, and initially was using a s54 box with SSI drive shafts. These got destroyed, the drive shaft box end had massive movement after a couple of months of not super hard driving. Took out the s54 as well

I bought a e56 plus shafts, but unfortunately this was non-working (only 3rd gear!).

Another S54 went in, with more drive shafts, this time ones from a 3sge. One spirited hard drive and the drive shafts went again. More driveshafts going in so drivable, and no thrashing for a moment.

Now, looking for a e56 with stronger drive shafts, know that's needed (for the LSD as well).

HOWEVER....anyone been running the 3sgte with the normal s54 box and shafts, and has it been holding up any better ? Or are these just too weak. Sure I have read the standard box being used, including on 5sftes, and holding the power.

Be interested to hear your experiences.

This post has been edited by digs: Aug 28, 2014 - 3:38 PM

[acidice333]

Ive been using the st205 stock engine with a s53 for 2 years and its held up except I blew the engine. Upgraded to s54 now and engine is almost done being rebuilt so I'll see what happens in the future with this lol.

[digs]

Ive been using the st205 stock engine with a s53 for 2 years and its held up except I blew the engine. Upgraded to s54 now and engine is almost done being rebuilt so I'll see what happens in the future with this lol.

thanks, not sure why mine is getting through the driveshafts, like I say, sure I have read these can hold the power normally. Maybe just not had luck with second hand parts.

However.....just paid for an E56 so hopefully that will be strong enough to hold it, plus some LSD.

[enderswift]

I ran a 3s with an s54 w/o issues until I decided to do the equivalent of a frame swap. Buy new shafts, they aren't that expensive. I recommend the toughone brand from Advance auto. They are visibly beefier than the oem parts

[digs]

Thanks, maybe a combination of second parts rather than new that's causing it.... cheers

[digs]

Just an update, e56 now in and drive shafts are thicker, car "feels" more aggressive, whether this is due to confidence or the fact the power is going down better not sure has got lsd so that could explain too. Or am just imagining lol

Do seem a good matxh (3sgte and e56) if you can get one. Assumedly with an e series I can use a gt4 clutch straight ?

[Smaay]

yes or a MR2 turbo clutch. Southbend is a good one

[digs]

cheers dude

e56 box is def recommended, working well

[Smaay]

7th gen GT-S axles will also work in an S54. they are much beefier

[enderswift]

7th gen GT-S axles will also work in an S54. they are much beefier

whoa,

7g axles are compatible?? O.o

just on the trans side or hub side too?

An OE source for beefier axles would be very attractive to me. I can help but feel that that is my weak link at the moment, and I really don't want to source a set of used beams axles..

[digs]

yeah,very interesting, thanks for the nod, as above assume not straight fit or anything, but inners work ?

[Smaay]

7th gen GT-S axles will also work in an S54. they are much beefier

whoa,

7g axles are compatible?? O.o

just on the trans side or hub side too?

An OE source for beefier axles would be very attractive to me. I can help but feel that that is my weak link at the moment, and I really don't want to source a set of used beams axles..

yes both

[mgnt232]

7th gen GT-S axles will also work in an S54. they are much beefier

whoa,

7g axles are compatible?? O.o

just on the trans side or hub side too?

An OE source for beefier axles would be very attractive to me. I can help but feel that that is my weak link at the moment, and I really don't want to source a set of used beams axles..

yes both

What?! effing awesome!
I launch a bit conservative from a stop because I'm afraid of breaking mine. If I can get beefier OE replacements....
Thanks for the info!

[lagos]

There is an aftermarket axle manufacture called Cardone that makes thicker axles. They make brand new axles (not rebuilds) and only cost about 100$ per axle. You can buy them in most car parts stores. I think Carquest, Nappa, etc... might carry them.

But In general, if you're breaking s54 stock axles or trans after a few drives, then you are doing something wrong. A lot of people on here have an s54 with a 3sgte, and my s54 lasted 10+ years before it had to be replaced.

[Smaay]

I drag raced in my 7th gen on a stock C60 with a Quaife LSD for years. We all know how fragile that trans is and I never broke anything. Its all about how you launch.