Tranny Swap for a 2.0 FS-DE

[Teamer]

Hello All,

New to the forum. My wife's 2002 Protege LX has a 2.0 FS-DE engine with 5-speed manual. I am not happy with the short gearing since on the highway, at 60-70mph, the RPMs are at an extremely high 3500 - 4000 rpms. It revs way too high for me and thus wastes fuel.

I would love to swap out an (older) Protege tranny with a taller gear ratio. What options do I have?

Do other Protege tranny bell housings fit?

Thanks!

 

[Hydron]

here is an option
http://www.nsnmotorsports.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_74&products_id=162

 

[MP3Performance]

It revs way too high for me and thus wastes fuel.

Thanks!

Actually, there are some posts on the forum about people noticing greater fuel efficiency while in higher rpm (ie 2000 is less fuel efficient then 4,000 rpm). The reasoning behind it is that the computer runs very rich at low rpm, and leans out at higher rpm, which means better a/f ratio the higher the rpm is (except for full throttle operation). I don't know of any options for other trans., but at least this fact can bring some comfort while cruising on the highway .

 

[323]

oh thats interestin...

 

[Teamer]

Thanks for all your replies! Very interesting - it makes sense that the engine runs leaner at higher rpms, but, I would still prefer to have the engine rev at a lower rpm (noise and wear & tear) if the transmission had taller gears. Thanks for the 5th gear alternate swap link!

 

[niky]

Find a wrecked Probe, MX6 or 626 I4... they have both a longer fifth and final drive. I've always wanted to do this (since I have an FSDE powered 626 up on blocks beside my house), but could never find the courage to open up my tranny and go all Frankenstein on my daily driver.