How important is the gearbox type?

[Fen]

I went to see an RS2 today. It has been modified by one of the respected names with Carillo rods, MLS head gasket, ARP studs, uprated (somehow) main bearings and a hybrid turbo. It also has new struts, top mounts, wishbone bushes, radiator, clutch and tyres (in the right size!) All work has literally been done just this summer so the belts etc. are all fresh as well.

Currently it's running about 370bhp but should be good for up to 400 with just a tweak to the map should I want to do that. The only thing I see that I don't like the sound of is that it has a CGR transmission code whereas the CRB is the one to have, I believe. There is no noise in 1st or 2nd (2nd syncro is weak apparently - not so as I noticed - but it will be repaired before sale) and it has 122k on the clock. So, how much should the transmission code worry me?

Everything else about the car is ideal - colour (Ragussa which I like now I've seen it), doesn't have any outward signs it modified at all, owner will take my cab in p/x (although I had it underwritten in any case), all the stuff that usually needs attention has just been done, it's nice condition without being a concourse car that I'd spoil by using it every day.

I guess I want to do the deal but I just need have that niggling worry addressed - then find someone to insure a modified RS2 for 25k per annum with business use

[Cobstar]

I was given the impression that whilst some of the CGR boxes had a fault and were noisy in first gear at high revs, none of them had been known to fail. Some had been replaced because the owners couldn't have up with the noise.

Sounds a great car. If the price is good and you've got enough money in reserve to replace the gearbox if needs be then I wouldn't be put off by the CGR box.

Jubjub has an RS2 in the same colour. I'm not normally one for green cars but his looks stunning in the flesh.

Re insurance. Liverpool Victoria are reputedly mod-friendly - so might be worth trying them. Adrian Flux are also supposed to give good quotes for modded cars - they did me a good deal on insuring a second car recently. And Carole Nash might be worth a try.

[Fen]

Thanks. I don't have the money to replace the box, so it's a gamble...

I've been with Liv Vic for years but haven't had a chance to phone them yet (maybe I'm scared). I hear via the Porsche Club forum that they have gone mod unfriendly in the last month or so - since I renewed.

[Cobstar]

Our cars have been insured with LV for years too but gave me a ridiculously high quote to add a second car to my policy a couple of weeks ago. Even the sales woman couldn't believe it. Churchill came in at almost half the figure quoted. And Adrian Flux did even better. I'll definitely shop around for insurance for the RS2 next year.

If you're eligible for CSMA membership I think LV still do mods. If not try one of the specialist brokers like Carole Nash or Adrian Flux. AON also seem to do OK in some cases.

[alastairg]

I would not let the gearbox put you off if the car is good otherwise. Maybe worth talking to AMD or QST to get an expert view or even inspection from them. Who actually did the conversion? As some of it sounds OTT for 370 bhp. Usually bigger turbo/remap/manifold if MTM via QST(from memory)
The colour is great and I almost got an S2 in that colour but the dealer messed me around re retro AC(He said they could do it, all others said dont!!)

[alastairg]

Or take a look at this one ?? http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread ... #post52870

[Cobstar]

Hmm - scrap the Adrian Flux recommendation. Got in last night to find a bill for an extra £210 in respect of business cover for named driver on the Ibiza. I'm livid as I definitely asked for business use for both drivers when I got the quote. Hmm - I'll be on the phone as soon as they open.

Re insurance. Liverpool Victoria are reputedly mod-friendly - so might be worth trying them. Adrian Flux are also supposed to give good quotes for modded cars - they did me a good deal on insuring a second car recently. And Carole Nash might be worth a try.

[Fen]

I would not let the gearbox put you off if the car is good otherwise. Maybe worth talking to AMD or QST to get an expert view or even inspection from them. Who actually did the conversion? As some of it sounds OTT for 370 bhp. Usually bigger turbo/remap/manifold if MTM via QST(from memory)
The colour is great and I almost got an S2 in that colour but the dealer messed me around re retro AC(He said they could do it, all others said dont!!)

The car belongs to someone who works at AmD. He's a Porsche specialist but he did the work himself drawing on the experience of his Audi guru colleagues.

Unfortunately I now have another variable in that my financial situation is suddenly less rosy than it looked at the weekend, so I think I might have to pass regardless.