So I recently bought a 1986 BRAT and the man I bought it from said that you could put a 5-speed from a different model in the same generation.  I was wondering if that is true and if so I was hoping you guys could help as to which trans it was, and some general buying tips. Thanks!

Hi This is Jerry, yes you can up grade with the 5 speed dual range trans. i am the guy that makes the kit to do this swap over call me and i will tell you all about it. 509-952-2855  Thanks Jerry

5 speed and Weber = the two best upgrades you can do. Have both on my brat and love it. Need to 5 speed my wagon someday......

anything wrong with your four speed ? A fifth gear generally does not make you go any faster at same revs in top gear with these old Subes. I find that 2nd gear of the four speed is so much better for um...racing, snappy driving than 2nd in the 5 speeds. 3rd of the five speed does not have same efect as 2nd in the 4 speed. The 5 speed has superior shifter components over the 4 speed.

>A fifth gear generally does not make you go any faster at same revs.

 

Yes it does, 5th is .78 in a 5 speed and .885 in a 4 speed. That's a significant difference at 100km/h, though when you get to a hill you will need to drop down a gear a lot sooner

 

>I find that 2nd gear of the four speed is so much better...

 

You can notice the difference between 1.950 and 1.947 ?

 

I would agree with the 3-4 on the 4 speed. 3rd was a good running around town gear (50-60 km/h), and 4th was 80 km+. With the 5 speed I spend more time sawing between 3rd and 4th around town.

. "The 5 speed has superior shifter components over the 4 speed".

 

Totally  agree  have owned 2 examples  each of 4 and 5 speed

Lots of work to do the 5 speed. i lifted my Brat and that posed other problems and don't forget about making a custom driveshaft.

i'm planning an ej upgrade and possibly a turbo so the 5 speed was designed for about 25 more horses which i will need. 

Definitely talk to Jerry and don't forget about the driveshaft cost.

Lots of work to do the 5 speed. i lifted my Brat and that posed other problems and don't forget about making a custom driveshaft.

i'm planning an ej upgrade and possibly a turbo so the 5 speed was designed for about 25 more horses which i will need. 

Definitely talk to Jerry and don't forget about the driveshaft cost.

It's not necessary to have a custom driveshaft made. You just use the driveshaft from the 5spd car. You have to install a center bearing mount, but that's not expensive or difficult.