[Brian15501]

I was reading an article by HRM about a build on an Ecotec LSJ 2.0L. It seems they needed a RWD bellhousing to mount the engine on the dyno, this is what they cam up with.

"We needed a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) bellhousing to mount the Ecotec on the dyno. It turns out there is a stock rear wheel drive setup: The Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky (GM Part #89060089) fit the production Aisin 5 speed.

I checked out there website and they also make a 6 speed manual and an 8 speed automatic with models advertised as being able to handle high torque. I've never heard of this company. Has anybody heard of this possibility?


More info from Wikipedia

The AY-6 is a 6-speed manual transmission manufactured by Aisin. It is designed for longitudinal engine applications and can handle up to 345 ft·lbf (468 N·m) of torque.

General Motors used the AY-6 as RPO MV1, MV5, and MV7.

Gear ratios:
1 2 3 4 5 6 R
4.17 2.19 1.49 1.19 1.00 0.84 3.67

Applications:

2004 Holden VZ Commodore
2005 Cadillac CTS
2005 Toyota Tacoma (including the X-Runner)
2006 Holden VE Commodore
2006 Lexus IS220d
2006 Lexus IS250
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2010 Lexus IS200d

 

[WillBeck]

The Aisin ar5 is what comes in our cars stock.

 

[Brian15501]

You're right about that, the spec's and vehicles:


Gear ratios (Canyon, Colorado, H3):
1 2 3 4 5 R
3.75 2.26 1.37 1.00 0.73 3.67

Gear ratios (Sky, Solstice):
1 2 3 4 5 R
3.75 2.26 1.51 1.00 0.73 3.67


Applications:

2004 to 2008– Chevrolet Colorado
2004 to 2008– GMC Canyon
2006 to 2010– Pontiac Solstice
2007 to 2010– Saturn Sky
2007– Hummer H3
1998– 2002– Isuzu Trooper


But what about the AY-6, is it a better tranny then the AR-5. The AY-6 is used in the Lexus and Camaro? The reason I'm asking is my tranny is doing the click & clack thing (I'd rather listen to them on the radio) but I'll prob need to have it rebuilt or replace it soon.

 

[WillBeck]

If it bolts up to the current bell housing, I don't see why not. You'd have to research input shaft dimensions, spline counts etc. may or may not need a new driveshaft.

It would be worth finding pictures of them side by side. If its used in a Lexus, the shift quality is probably pretty nice.

 

[Brian15501]

AY-6-----------------------------------------------------------AR-5

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Best I could do on short notice.

 

[hammy221]

Will it fit? What are the dimensions

 

[TomatoSoup]

Gear ratios look awfully short... 0.84 in 6th compared to 0.73 in 5th for ours. You'd need a new diff too, to compensate.

 

[pantherqs]

trying to get my hands on one as we speak... we'll see what happens

 

[wspohn]

Gear ratios look awfully short... 0.84 in 6th compared to 0.73 in 5th for ours. You'd need a new diff too, to compensate.

And that first is a bull low you could almost skip.
Looking at the ratios of the AR5, I wonder how the Colorado 3rd gear (lower numerical ratio) might feel in our cars. It might be an improvement - anyone tried?

 

[TX08manualGXP]

what's the rearend gearing in our cars? are they all the same thru out the years and for both models? Just curious.

As for shifting, Both of mine are standards and 5 gears is plenty. unless I come to a complete stop, 1st is hardly needed. that 4.17 on the 6 speed would be a waste and you would go thru it almost instantly. 3rd is my favorite on the GXP but I can take off in 1st, shift to second and open it up a bit then shift to 5th or coast to the next light. I only drive 2.4 miles to work and I don't cruise around that much so the stock gear ratios are perfect for me. I think they did a good job designing the tranny.

 

[DaveOC]

what's the rearend gearing in our cars? are they all the same thru out the years and for both models? Just curious.

As for shifting, Both of mine are standards and 5 gears is plenty. unless I come to a complete stop, 1st is hardly needed. that 4.17 on the 6 speed would be a waste and you would go thru it almost instantly. 3rd is my favorite on the GXP but I can take off in 1st, shift to second and open it up a bit then shift to 5th or coast to the next light. I only drive 2.4 miles to work and I don't cruise around that much so the stock gear ratios are perfect for me. I think they did a good job designing the tranny.

The NA is 3.91, GXP is 3.73

 

[TX08manualGXP]

3:90's and 3:73's huh. those are some fairly low gears. cool. My 78 TA had 3:23's in it and I changed it to 3:90. one of my favorite gears.

cool, thanks

 

[wspohn]

3:90's and 3:73's huh. those are some fairly low gears. cool. My 78 TA had 3:23's in it and I changed it to 3:90.

Don't forget that the TA had 15" tires, not 18" like we have.

My old British stuff used 3.9-4.3 also with 15". My old British beast with big block Chrysler uses a 2.88!

 

[TX08manualGXP]

Don't forget that the TA had 15" tires, not 18" like we have.

My old British stuff used 3.9-4.3 also with 15". My old British beast with big block Chrysler uses a 2.88!

That's not or maybe only somewhat partially true John. the Rim size is a lot different but the overall tire height is about the same. My 73 vette had 3:23. I think the 3:90 and 4:11 stuff was out the door by about 1971. too bad. I loved those low gears. so what if you were turning 4500 RPM at 70