u/low_mizu

Let’s have a good healthy discussion lads.

What’s a manual gearbox you were pleasantly surprised with? Something that either felt nicer than the price range of the car, surprisingly clean feeling, incredibly strong and reliable etc. bonus points: your favorite manual vehicle you’ve owned or driven.

For me: the P1 Volvo m56 trans is stellar. It feels very sporty. Short, clean shifting, you know you’re in the gear, and it almost guides you. It’s crazy fun to drive the S40 with it. It’s up there with the 01E from my S4 as far as favorite feeling gearboxes.

The BK Mazda 3 manual is also great for a daily/beginner. Super soft and easy clutch, very forgiving, but still enjoyable and not-vague feeling. Not something I’d expect from a base model from 05.

Worst gearbox I’ve ever had the displeasure was from a clapped out mk6.

Bought the timing tool kit that IPD sells to lock everything. I have done timing jobs before since I was a mechanic, but I have never had the pleasure f working on a Volvo before.

I know the PCV system is fragile, and I know there’s a lot of work to be done as far as seals and the such.

Any tips, heads ups, or tools that are life savers would be greatly appreciated!