Astro Rebuilt Or New T5z

92LX5spd

15 Year Member
Feb 23, 2013
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I'm in need of a T5 trans for my relatively stock daily driver. At my price point, I can buy a new T5Z or possibly save some money on an Astro stock-type rebuilt unit. Which should I go with? Astro seems to be pretty reputable, but the T5Z is brand new. Other than 3.55s and full exhaust, the car is stock and will remain that way. Thanks for any insight.
 
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unless you're talking about an A5 astro box with their upgraded gearset, theres really not much difference. despite what frpp may say, the z-spec isnt noticeably stronger than a late-model t5, the only real differences are the 1st gear ratio and the mainshaft has a tapered roller bearing instead of needles (and it looks like the stock-style astro rebuilds also use the z-spec gearset in a used case). if you can, save the coin and get either an A5, or a TKO/3550, otherwise just pick the less expensive of the two.
 
Nope, not looking at the A5, just Astro's stock rebuilt units they sell. I don't abuse, powershift or race the car. I just wanted to know if the Astro rebuilds are as good and long lasting as a new T5 which at this point would have to be the Z 'box.
 
Tony builds great tansmissions. I would talk to him personally and see what he has included with his rebuilds. he might do a couple of upgrades that you won't see with the frpp.

Joe
 
What is your trans doing?
Since both the options you are considering are basic, it may just be cheapest to have your trans rebuilt if it only needs a small parts rebuild.

I had a t5z, worked fine for a while, but it's not really anything special.
 
I just bought the car. Its low mileage but third gear syncro is history. Grinds on upshift and downshift, If I double clutch or shift very very carefully by feel on the upshift, I can get it to drop into gear without clashing. The quadrant was screwed and the clutch grabbed right at the floor and I think 3rd bought the farm from being jammed into gear like this. I've since fixed the quadrant/cable with Maxium Motorsports parts. I just don't have the time to pull the box apart myself so I settled on a sawp since I can do that in a couple hours.
 
I wasn't thinking you were going to rebuild it, more along the lines of you pull it have someone rebuild it then you put it back in. If you have some where local it may only cost you $500.
If you are worried about time, then go with either option you list.
 
Depends on how much is broke on it to determine if it is worth it to rebuild or buy a rebuilt one already. If it grinds too long it actually tears up the dog teeth on the gear itself, and gears get expensive quick. Our policy here is that I will take apart the transmission. I charge $175 for the rebuild plus whatever parts are messed up. If there is too much messed up, I give you back your transmission in parts and there is no charge. Or you can "donate" it, and I can used the good parts in it to help others. I would go with the Astro. Most stock rebuilds are brought up to the z spec anyway. Almost all the rebuild kits include the z parts to upgrade. If you have any questions, definitely call Astro. I deal with those guys on a regular basis, ajd they are excellent at what they do. The important part of a transmission fix is to get in there and recognize what is wrong and change the necessary parts. If you jist buy a rebuild kit and throw it together it is likely to be just as bad as before. Bob and Linda Hanlon at Hanlon Motorsports are both excellent too. I actually buy more from them than Astro.

Kurt
 
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Yeah, I was worried about the dog teeth being chewed up. I got the idea the PO was just jamming it into gear with the mis-adjusted clutch. The PO wasn't really a gearhead and only put under 1000 miles on the car a year. Otherwise the car is very stock and clean. I find when clashing occurs on the upshift and downshift (as opposed to just the downshift), the dog teeth are starting to get worn as well as the syncro ring. Thanks for the replies. I'll be giving Astro a call.