RA gears Vs PPG gears

bluecamel04 · 04-21-2006, 01:24 PM

well it has been the longest debat now for me is to which i go with, the plan is running a 20g maybe super zila on the car and i def need a bette gears than what i have at my stock tranny. for haveing about 370-400 whp. what are you guys thoughts and experinces with them

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AttaQ · 04-21-2006, 01:53 PM

For that much torque, I would say you are better off going with something beefier than an RA gearset.

Beebs99 · 04-21-2006, 02:35 PM

ppg's are a huge upgrade over ra's.

josh04 · 04-21-2006, 02:48 PM

Yeah RA gears are only safe rated a little over 300whp. At least that's what I've read.

Beebs99 · 04-21-2006, 02:57 PM

Oh yeah, ppg 1 & 2 is a good option with 04+ gears 3-5.

ejh25 · 04-21-2006, 08:27 PM

There isn't really much of a comparison between the RA and PPG. PPG is far superior.

S4toSTI · 04-21-2006, 08:30 PM

Tho PPG gears are a tad more expensive don't you think.

kellygnsd · 04-21-2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S4toSTI

Tho PPG gears are a tad more expensive don't you think.

You get what you pay for

Master2192 · 04-21-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellygnsd

You get what you pay for

Xeleventy

le wagon · 04-21-2006, 09:23 PM

you might as well buy the sti 6-speed IMO if your gonna get PPG gears

S4toSTI · 04-21-2006, 09:40 PM

but in order to do a sti tranny right you should do a rear end and when you figure all of that you may as well buy a sti.

Unabomber · 04-22-2006, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by le wagon

you might as well buy the sti 6-speed IMO if your gonna get PPG gears

BAD ADVICE. Please don't throw around blanket statements. There are goods/bads to RA sets, OEM sets, PPG sets, 6MTs, etc. For example, someone who drag races would be better off using a PPG 5MT over a STi 6MT.

ejh25 · 04-22-2006, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by le wagon

you might as well buy the sti 6-speed IMO if your gonna get PPG gears

Please support your comment with some fact.

The PPGs are an absolutely amazing gearset.

CoolRex · 04-22-2006, 10:51 AM

Are the gear ratios any different in the PPG gear set? I am planning on 2.5 hybid with 18g turbo and meth inj at 400 tq /hp Think the 1-2 PPG gearset only with stock (I have 04 WRX) 3-5 OEM gear set will suffice? I don't drag race (like 1-2 passes a year now that that's out of my system) and I daily drive the car. Almost ALL my fun is romping from 40 mph on.

hybrid gti 2 · 04-22-2006, 10:58 AM

If you are in doubt what do buy buy PPG as ra can not take the punishment. I have had both. I have actually done wheel spins really ez with ppg. How many threads can ra's say about that? I have busted 3 syncro's now with ppg and no sign of problems. I am upgrading to all three diff's next.

ra ratio's are nice for keeping power in the power band but thats it.

CoolRex · 04-22-2006, 11:05 AM

After reading some more threads I think I don't have the wider gears in my car??? When I did my clutch my tranny has stubs that the axles slid on and had to pop/install those pins. Does that mean my 04 doesn't have the wider gears?

Unabomber · 04-22-2006, 11:10 AM

All 04s have the wider gears. You need to read the Transmission FAQ and brush up on your knowledge.

CoolRex · 04-22-2006, 11:13 AM

That was what I thought....there is a lot of misinformed people that confuses those like me who thought otherwise. Thanks for clearing that up. What is this about the mid 04's and stubless being stronger??

CynicX · 04-22-2006, 11:29 AM

PPG is going to be alot LOUDER and more expensive then the RA. But they are also going to be stronger....The noise is something you may want to keep in mind if this is your DD. Some people love it, I on the other hand wouldnt be able to tolerate it for long drives if my wrx was my DD...

CoolRex · 04-22-2006, 11:31 AM

Well I am thinking of doing only 1-2.

keaniegenie · 04-22-2006, 11:49 AM

I'm going to try to respond to everything I've read so far. Unabomber, please fill in if I miss something.

1.) 04+ WRX gears are RA width, but aren't RA strength. Please read "Gearbox Technical Discussion" in the sticky's for details. (Thanks Rallispec)

2.) RA's and PPG's are no different than any other gearset. Abuse CAN break them. That said, PPG's are definitely capable of handling more abuse and torque than RA gears.

3.) There are several users I've talked to who have RA's pretty good size turbos and are okay. One has them on a 2.5l hybrid and a 20g, another has the STI-non RA gears on a 2.5l hybrid and a GT30R .82!(the STI non RA gears are the same design as RA's with different ratios). I also know users who've broken several RA's on a 2.0l. I would probably not recommend RA's for your 20g if your drag racing, but for spirited Daily driving, I think you're fine.

4.) STI 6-speeds are another option, but not superior to a PPG 5MT. PPG gears should still handle more power than than a 6-speed. Also, you DO NOT have to use the entire STI rear-end to use a 6mt. A 4EAT shaft will adapt to the STI 6-speed.

5.) The kind of clutch you use should also be considered. If you plan on having a 6 puck racing clutch, get PPG's or a 6mt. If you stick to an organic sprung clutch, you'll probably be fine with RA's. With your setup, you'll probably have to get a new clutch as the stock WRX clutch is only capable of handling around 280wtq or less.

You'll definitely be near the limits of your RA's with a new clutch and the 20g, but there are definitely people running that setup and are fine.

CoolRex · 04-22-2006, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keaniegenie

3.) There are several users I've talked to who have RA's pretty good size turbos and are okay. One has them on a 2.5l hybrid and a 20g, another has the STI-non RA gears on a 2.5l hybrid and a GT30R .82!(the STI non RA gears are the same design as RA's with different ratios). I also know users who've broken several RA's on a 2.0l. I would probably not recommend RA's for your 20g if your drag racing, but for spirited Daily driving, I think you're fine.

5.) The kind of clutch you use should also be considered. If you plan on having a 6 puck racing clutch, get PPG's or a 6mt. If you stick to an organic sprung clutch, you'll probably be fine with RA's. With your setup, you'll probably have to get a new clutch as the stock WRX clutch is only capable of handling around 280wtq or less.

You'll definitely be near the limits of your RA's with a new clutch and the 20g, but there are definitely people running that setup and are fine.

Thanks for that. My tuner told me to go RA and I am gonna but I like to weigh my options. I am gonna go 2.5L Hybrid with td05 18g and RA gears. However I do need to get an organic clutch and ditch the puck one I have.

keaniegenie · 04-22-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolRex

Thanks for that. My tuner told me to go RA and I am gonna but I like to weigh my options. I am gonna go 2.5L Hybrid with td05 18g and RA gears. However I do need to get an organic clutch and ditch the puck one I have.

If you get a td05-18g, get the greddy one. They have had great results on hybrids. I personally wouldn't go smaller than a 20g, but that's me.

Good luck!

CoolRex · 04-22-2006, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keaniegenie

If you get a td05-18g, get the greddy one. They have had great results on hybrids. I personally wouldn't go smaller than a 20g, but that's me.

Good luck!

I already have a Deadbolt td05 18g on my stock 2.0L engine with meth inj.

Jersey Dino · 04-22-2006, 07:24 PM

RA gears=stock gears. a little stronger. though they are awesome to drive becasue of the ratios...they are not all that strong. if you like to drive your car get something else. 6 speed is the way to go. I can say this becasue i broke stock gears and RA gears. at 230whp and around 290-300 whp. they are not that strong. second gear broke each time the same way on the same street around the block from my house if you can beleive that.

04-21-2006, 01:24 PM	#1
bluecamel04 Scooby Newbie Member#: 88287 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: RI Vehicle: 2005 Subaru STI	RA gears Vs PPG gears well it has been the longest debat now for me is to which i go with, the plan is running a 20g maybe super zila on the car and i def need a bette gears than what i have at my stock tranny. for haveing about 370-400 whp. what are you guys thoughts and experinces with them * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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04-21-2006, 01:53 PM	#2
AttaQ Scooby Specialist Member#: 20301 Join Date: Jun 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Streamwood, IL Vehicle: 2004 BMW M3 lightweight optioned	For that much torque, I would say you are better off going with something beefier than an RA gearset.

04-21-2006, 02:35 PM	#3
Beebs99 Scooby Newbie Member#: 73803 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Gamehenge Vehicle: 2008 4 Door WRX OBP	ppg's are a huge upgrade over ra's.

04-21-2006, 02:48 PM	#4
josh04 Scooby Newbie Member#: 89288 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: SLC, UT Vehicle: 2002 Rex	Yeah RA gears are only safe rated a little over 300whp. At least that's what I've read.

04-21-2006, 02:57 PM	#5
Beebs99 Scooby Newbie Member#: 73803 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Gamehenge Vehicle: 2008 4 Door WRX OBP	Oh yeah, ppg 1 & 2 is a good option with 04+ gears 3-5.

04-21-2006, 08:27 PM	#6
ejh25 Scooby Specialist Member#: 65267 Join Date: Jun 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Arlington, VA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Silver	There isn't really much of a comparison between the RA and PPG. PPG is far superior.

04-21-2006, 08:30 PM	#7
S4toSTI Scooby Newbie Member#: 85210 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Narberth, PA Vehicle: 2008 Si Taffetta White	Tho PPG gears are a tad more expensive don't you think.

04-21-2006, 09:23 PM	#10
le wagon Scooby Specialist Member#: 109109 Join Date: Mar 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: VALENCIA/ OC Vehicle: 2005 WRX wagon Wrong Fitment Crew #015	you might as well buy the sti 6-speed IMO if your gonna get PPG gears

04-21-2006, 09:40 PM	#11
S4toSTI Scooby Newbie Member#: 85210 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Narberth, PA Vehicle: 2008 Si Taffetta White	but in order to do a sti tranny right you should do a rear end and when you figure all of that you may as well buy a sti.

04-22-2006, 10:51 AM	#14
CoolRex * Banned * Member#: 85813 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Vehicle: 2002 E46 M3 2006 RC51	Are the gear ratios any different in the PPG gear set? I am planning on 2.5 hybid with 18g turbo and meth inj at 400 tq /hp Think the 1-2 PPG gearset only with stock (I have 04 WRX) 3-5 OEM gear set will suffice? I don't drag race (like 1-2 passes a year now that that's out of my system) and I daily drive the car. Almost ALL my fun is romping from 40 mph on.

04-22-2006, 10:58 AM	#15
hybrid gti 2 Scooby Guru Member#: 67004 Join Date: Jul 2004 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: (818) 200k+ ej205 ppg 5mt Vehicle: 02 vf30 pnp wagon silver and cf	If you are in doubt what do buy buy PPG as ra can not take the punishment. I have had both. I have actually done wheel spins really ez with ppg. How many threads can ra's say about that? I have busted 3 syncro's now with ppg and no sign of problems. I am upgrading to all three diff's next. ra ratio's are nice for keeping power in the power band but thats it.

04-22-2006, 11:05 AM	#16
CoolRex * Banned * Member#: 85813 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Vehicle: 2002 E46 M3 2006 RC51	After reading some more threads I think I don't have the wider gears in my car??? When I did my clutch my tranny has stubs that the axles slid on and had to pop/install those pins. Does that mean my 04 doesn't have the wider gears?

04-22-2006, 11:10 AM	#17
Unabomber Big Ron Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	All 04s have the wider gears. You need to read the Transmission FAQ and brush up on your knowledge.

04-22-2006, 11:13 AM	#18
CoolRex * Banned * Member#: 85813 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Vehicle: 2002 E46 M3 2006 RC51	That was what I thought....there is a lot of misinformed people that confuses those like me who thought otherwise. Thanks for clearing that up. What is this about the mid 04's and stubless being stronger??

04-22-2006, 11:29 AM	#19
CynicX Scooby Guru Member#: 48199 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Maryland Vehicle: 06 WRX WRB	PPG is going to be alot LOUDER and more expensive then the RA. But they are also going to be stronger....The noise is something you may want to keep in mind if this is your DD. Some people love it, I on the other hand wouldnt be able to tolerate it for long drives if my wrx was my DD...

04-22-2006, 11:31 AM	#20
CoolRex * Banned * Member#: 85813 Join Date: Apr 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Vehicle: 2002 E46 M3 2006 RC51	Well I am thinking of doing only 1-2.

04-22-2006, 11:49 AM	#21
keaniegenie Scooby Specialist Member#: 94494 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle Vehicle: 2005 Element 92x Black	I'm going to try to respond to everything I've read so far. Unabomber, please fill in if I miss something. 1.) 04+ WRX gears are RA width, but aren't RA strength. Please read "Gearbox Technical Discussion" in the sticky's for details. (Thanks Rallispec) 2.) RA's and PPG's are no different than any other gearset. Abuse CAN break them. That said, PPG's are definitely capable of handling more abuse and torque than RA gears. 3.) There are several users I've talked to who have RA's pretty good size turbos and are okay. One has them on a 2.5l hybrid and a 20g, another has the STI-non RA gears on a 2.5l hybrid and a GT30R .82!(the STI non RA gears are the same design as RA's with different ratios). I also know users who've broken several RA's on a 2.0l. I would probably not recommend RA's for your 20g if your drag racing, but for spirited Daily driving, I think you're fine. 4.) STI 6-speeds are another option, but not superior to a PPG 5MT. PPG gears should still handle more power than than a 6-speed. Also, you DO NOT have to use the entire STI rear-end to use a 6mt. A 4EAT shaft will adapt to the STI 6-speed. 5.) The kind of clutch you use should also be considered. If you plan on having a 6 puck racing clutch, get PPG's or a 6mt. If you stick to an organic sprung clutch, you'll probably be fine with RA's. With your setup, you'll probably have to get a new clutch as the stock WRX clutch is only capable of handling around 280wtq or less. You'll definitely be near the limits of your RA's with a new clutch and the 20g, but there are definitely people running that setup and are fine.

04-22-2006, 07:24 PM	#25
Jersey Dino Scooby Newbie Member#: 85242 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Jersey Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan Silver	RA gears=stock gears. a little stronger. though they are awesome to drive becasue of the ratios...they are not all that strong. if you like to drive your car get something else. 6 speed is the way to go. I can say this becasue i broke stock gears and RA gears. at 230whp and around 290-300 whp. they are not that strong. second gear broke each time the same way on the same street around the block from my house if you can beleive that.