So, I have an 85 V6 4 speed and an 88 V6 5 speed. The 4 speed seems to shift much smoother than the 5 speed. Is this typical? I know they are completely different transmissions. Anyone else have this experience? While we're discussing transmissions, is it typical that the Getrag has a faint "whine" to it? It reminds me a bit of the whine of a supercharger. Any info is appreciated on both subjects.

Not many of us get to compare the transmissions side by side, but I would say my 5-speed shifts smoothly..it also has a little whine. Do you know what fluid is in each of them? Synchromesh makes a noticeable difference.

I have heard it said that the 4 speed (and the Isuzu) shifts more smoothly than the Getrag.
Other than using Synchromesh fluid (as was mentioned) about all you can hope for is not to grind when shifting.

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Raydar
88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550

Praise the Lowered!

quote Originally posted by sledcaddie: So, I have an 85 V6 4 speed and an 88 V6 5 speed. The 4 speed seems to shift much smoother than the 5 speed. Is this typical? I know they are completely different transmissions. Anyone else have this experience? While we're discussing transmissions, is it typical that the Getrag has a faint "whine" to it? It reminds me a bit of the whine of a supercharger. Any info is appreciated on both subjects.

I have had both, I agree the V6 4spd shifts easier than the getrag 5 spd (especially reverse). Having said that, I would take the 5spd any day.

[This message has been edited by DimeMachine (edited 04-08-2013).]

I have owned all transmission types at one time

4-speed Muncie (4 cylinder)
4-speed Muncie (V6)
5-speed IZUZU
5-speed Getrag 282

the smoothest shifting transmission (when it's original with lots of use and miles) is the 4-speed M17 Muncie found in 1985-1986 V6 models

next up is the 4-speed found with 4-cylinders, good transmission and just about the same as the V6 model except the case is weaker.

the Getrag 5-speed has always felt "notchie" to me

the most sluggish and mushy trans is the IZUZU - shifting through an IZUZU is like carving wood with a plastic spoon (probably making it sound overly dramatic)

So, someone please give me a quick explanation of what synchromesh fluild is. Is it synthetic? What is the capacity of the 88 Getrag 5 speed? Thanks again.

Not sure exactly what Synchromesh is but I don't think it's synthetic. The capacity is right around two quarts. Despite a lot of older (often conflicting) information on recommended tranny fluids, Synchromesh is the correct fluid for an 88 Getrag. That's what I run in my 88 and it works great. As long as your shifter and cables are in good shape and your clutch wear is good, the 88 Getrag shifts fantastic on Synchromesh. At least mine does. Of course YMMV but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Synchromesh.

I've driven the 5 speeds and easily prefer my current 4 speed. The 5 speeds are better for fuel mileage, I think considerably, but I'm not concerned with that on my play car.

The 4 speed accellerates much faster, better around town ,but gas milage sucks compared to the 5 speed.
any fiero manual transmission that has any hint of hard shifting,,IMMEDIATELY ORDER rodney dickman clutch slave double seal piston(cheap insurance) & install yesterday, you are headed for the day when the car will become difficult to shift,will be difficult to shift into low ,1st gear,will grind replace now!!
rodney can have a uniform messenger of the U.S. goverment deliver this MUCH needed part delivered promtly & directly to your house.

at my age getting lucky means finding my fiero in the parking lot

Like Uhlanstan said... the 4-Speed is much better for around-town and for performance / spirited driving.

The 5-Speed... really, the only benefit is to make the car more usable on the highway so you can cruise at a lower RPM.

That shift pattern on the 4 speed always bugged me when I drove them.
But thats pobably because all I have owned is 5 speed isuzus and getrags, and had other 5 speed isuzu cars before that..

YES! I agree with the two above. The 4 speed is much more fun to drive around town. I believe it has to do with different gear ratios from the 5 speed. The 5 speed is definitely better on the highway. Back to the Synchromesh fluid: Is this the TYPE it is, and several companies offer it, or is Synchromesh a particular company's product? If so, who makes it? Thanks.

Synchromesh is a type of fluid. Made by Pennzoil and at least one other manufacturer.
It's fairly expensive, but readily available at most parts stores.

A Getrag will hold right at 2 quarts.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 04-09-2013).]