How does a dog type gearbox function? A dogbox has no synchronizing function. A set of dogs (basically raised metal blocks machined on the face of the gear) engage instantaneously with a set of matching cutouts in the dog ring (slider). The cutouts on the dogring are much wider than the dogs so the dogs will drop in to the cutouts easily. A slight back cut on the dog and ring prevents the dogs from disengaging when under load. The speed of the shift is limited only by how quickly the driver can move the shifter and in some cases the shift can be made without disengaging the clutch. Shifting must be quick and deliberate or the dogs will clash which damages their corners. With enough damage the dogs will not stay engaged under load and will need to be replaced or re-cut. The life expectancy of the dogs is entirely dependent on how well it is shifted. However, a dogbox is preferred for competition use because it allows faster shifts and can allow shifts to occur even under the most adverse conditions that would destroy a synchronizer.

What is a sequential gearbox? A sequential gearbox is a dogbox with a special shifter mechanism. The shifter moves only forward and backward (it is not an "H" pattern with separate gates like a traditional gearbox). The gear selection must be done in sequence (hence "sequential"). Pulling backward on the shifter will shift up while pushing forward will shift down. To put the transmission in nuetral shift down to 1st and then down again. Reverse is selected from nuetral after releasing a lockout lever. The advantage of a sequential gearbox is to provide the quickest and most mistake-free shifting. It is impossible to accidentally downshift into an incorrect gear and drastically overrev the engine. This kit is an H-pattern kit. If you are looking for a Subaru sequential gear kit please contact us for more info.

What is the difference between a straight cut and helical cut gear? This is a representation of the tooth profile. A straight cut gear is machined perpendicular to the faces of the gear...or basically straight across. A helical gear is machined along a helix and will have some angle and curvature to the tooth. Straight cut gear teeth engage one at a time all at once. When each tooth engages, due to the backlash in the gears, a clicking noise is generated and as this happens one after another repeatedly at high speeds the result is the characteristic gear whine noise. Helically cut gears engage gradually with some sliding motion.

What are the advantages and disadvantages to the different tooth profiles? A straight cut gear is typically used for a racing application because when load is applied to the gear teeth there is no, or very little, axial thrust component to the resulting forces generated. A straight cut gear is therefore more efficient as the power wasted in the bearings is reduced. Additionally, a straight cut tooth profile is more forgiving to shaft deflections that allow the gear teeth to separate from each other under load or heavy shock. A helical gear is quiet with little or no whine (depending on the helix angle as well as the accuracy of the tooth profile). This makes it more preferrable for a road car. Additionally, a helical gear will typically have a greater load capacity (assuming identical gear tooth pitch and other dimensions) although as mentioned will have much less tolerance to gear mesh issues due to gear tooth separation conditions.

What is about these ratios that make it better for drag racing? This is a tall ratio set (or long ratio) which means that compared to the standard ratios the car will achieve a higher road speed before needing to shift up. The rpm change with each shift is also greater. For drag racing this means that it may be possible to reduce the number of shifts through the quarter mile. It may also allow for better launching by allowing the car to travel a greater distance before having to shift up.

How do the ratios in this kit compare with OEM ratios? This set contains a longer ratio 1st through 4th gear set and uses the standard parts for 5th and 6th. We suggest using the tallest standard 5th and 6th ratios (From Legacy Spec B). The ratio difference between 4th and 5th gear becomes very small so 5th gear is mostly unusable.

How strong are the PPG gears? Compared to OEM and some lesser quality aftermarket gears PPG uses a special tooth profile, larger tooth dimensions, higher quality materials, and more tightly controlled heat treatment and stress relieving processes.

Is it possible to buy individual replacement parts if necessary? Yes, please contact us to obtain pricing.