4.77's installed on my AP1
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,441
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
4.77's installed on my AP1
A little background info on my decision....
I've owned my 2002 S2000 for almost 4 years now and it has given me joy since day one. But like most S2000 owners it wasn't too long before the modification bug bit. I started off with small things. Mostly accessories and some interior bling. I was satisfied with the car's power and handling capabilities for the first couple years then I slowly started researching 'power' adders.
Like most enthusiasts I started with the simple intake. That satisfied me for a few months and I craved more. I then got a new exhaust system. Again, that lasted a few months and craved more...and so on and so on....
For the past 3-4 weeks I had debated whether or not to get new gears for my AP1. I researched 4.56, 4.57 and the 'aggressive' 4.77's. At first I was leaning towards the 4.56's but after hearing about how they have a tendency to 'whine' I was already not interested. Then I started researching the 4.77's. I took into consideration the cruising at high RPM's and gas mileage being lower and all the drawbacks of what I was reading but not experiencing. I had a opportunity to drive an AP1 with 4.77's and immediately was hooked. I didn't want to stop driving. So I had made my decision. 4.77's it was.
Ordered my gears through Hardtopguy.com with the install parts and yellow box. Total price for the parts was around $600+/- . I found a very reputable install shop and had them do the work. The install took about a business week. They also installed new carrier bearings and seals.
Picked up the car last Friday after a long, grueling week and was anxious to see how the gears would perform. Knowing that I needed to heat cycle the gears and break them in for about 500 miles it was hard not to.
So here is what I noticed. Before the break in and after break in:
During the break in period I could tell already the difference in acceleration. 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears come quick and it takes some getting use to. I didn't go past 5K for the break in and the low end grunt in definitely there. From a dead stop through the intersection you're already in 3rd gear. It definitely makes getting around the city much more fun and livable.
I had to take the highway home which meant going 65-70mph. I didn't really get on it since I still had to break it in. For those who are interested 70mph in a AP1 the cruising RPM's are at 4600k.
Now the after breaking them in:
I broke them in about 450-500 miles. Drained the fluid and inspected the drain plug and fluid for any metal debris or anything out of the normal. I found nothing and proceeded to put in LE1605. Top her off lowered to the floor and took her out to stretch her legs. Let me just say.....wow! I was grinning ear to ear. 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear are quick. 4th and 5th seem stockish and 6th is more fun on the highway. Passing cars at 75mph is effortless and getting around town is just much more fun. There is no whine with these gears what so ever. I'm definitely glad I went this route and I am a happy customer.
Just some factoids I noticed:
Modifications on my car:
Berk test pipe
Megan Dual exhaust
Gutted airbox with K&N Filter and snorkel.
I got 252 miles on a full tank with 1 bar left on the gas gauge. This was a mixture of city, highway and spirited driving. I VTEC at least 4-5 times a day.
After the gears I got:
231 on a full tank with 1 bar left on the gauge and that was a mix of city, highway and spirited. I VTEC'd a lot also.
70mph in 6th gear cruising is 4600RPM
75mph in 6th gear cruising is 4900RPM
80mph in 6th gear cruising is 5300RPM
All in all I am happy with the 4.77's. Best bang for the buck. I guess it is a poor man's supercharger and would recommend them to anyone looking for a nice moderate modification to their AP1.
Sorry about the long post.
Here is a sound clip.
BEFORE 4.77
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1ZIqqOrfY4
After 4.77
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdXtMzThWrE
I've owned my 2002 S2000 for almost 4 years now and it has given me joy since day one. But like most S2000 owners it wasn't too long before the modification bug bit. I started off with small things. Mostly accessories and some interior bling. I was satisfied with the car's power and handling capabilities for the first couple years then I slowly started researching 'power' adders.
Like most enthusiasts I started with the simple intake. That satisfied me for a few months and I craved more. I then got a new exhaust system. Again, that lasted a few months and craved more...and so on and so on....
For the past 3-4 weeks I had debated whether or not to get new gears for my AP1. I researched 4.56, 4.57 and the 'aggressive' 4.77's. At first I was leaning towards the 4.56's but after hearing about how they have a tendency to 'whine' I was already not interested. Then I started researching the 4.77's. I took into consideration the cruising at high RPM's and gas mileage being lower and all the drawbacks of what I was reading but not experiencing. I had a opportunity to drive an AP1 with 4.77's and immediately was hooked. I didn't want to stop driving. So I had made my decision. 4.77's it was.
Ordered my gears through Hardtopguy.com with the install parts and yellow box. Total price for the parts was around $600+/- . I found a very reputable install shop and had them do the work. The install took about a business week. They also installed new carrier bearings and seals.
Picked up the car last Friday after a long, grueling week and was anxious to see how the gears would perform. Knowing that I needed to heat cycle the gears and break them in for about 500 miles it was hard not to.
So here is what I noticed. Before the break in and after break in:
During the break in period I could tell already the difference in acceleration. 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears come quick and it takes some getting use to. I didn't go past 5K for the break in and the low end grunt in definitely there. From a dead stop through the intersection you're already in 3rd gear. It definitely makes getting around the city much more fun and livable.
I had to take the highway home which meant going 65-70mph. I didn't really get on it since I still had to break it in. For those who are interested 70mph in a AP1 the cruising RPM's are at 4600k.
Now the after breaking them in:
I broke them in about 450-500 miles. Drained the fluid and inspected the drain plug and fluid for any metal debris or anything out of the normal. I found nothing and proceeded to put in LE1605. Top her off lowered to the floor and took her out to stretch her legs. Let me just say.....wow! I was grinning ear to ear. 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear are quick. 4th and 5th seem stockish and 6th is more fun on the highway. Passing cars at 75mph is effortless and getting around town is just much more fun. There is no whine with these gears what so ever. I'm definitely glad I went this route and I am a happy customer.
Just some factoids I noticed:
Modifications on my car:
Berk test pipe
Megan Dual exhaust
Gutted airbox with K&N Filter and snorkel.
I got 252 miles on a full tank with 1 bar left on the gas gauge. This was a mixture of city, highway and spirited driving. I VTEC at least 4-5 times a day.
After the gears I got:
231 on a full tank with 1 bar left on the gauge and that was a mix of city, highway and spirited. I VTEC'd a lot also.
70mph in 6th gear cruising is 4600RPM
75mph in 6th gear cruising is 4900RPM
80mph in 6th gear cruising is 5300RPM
All in all I am happy with the 4.77's. Best bang for the buck. I guess it is a poor man's supercharger and would recommend them to anyone looking for a nice moderate modification to their AP1.
Sorry about the long post.
Here is a sound clip.
BEFORE 4.77
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1ZIqqOrfY4
After 4.77
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdXtMzThWrE
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Oh
4.77s best bang for buck mod period.
heres a WOT video of mine!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI_kBC9konU
If you have an AP1, its a must.
heres a WOT video of mine!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI_kBC9konU
If you have an AP1, its a must.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,335
Likes: 109
please dont apologize for the long post! It seems that we have more than enough brief content here. Please, check back in a few weeks for a long-term report.
For me, this mod would be a no-brainer if I was at that part of the modding stage, however the only thing I questioned and was of importance is the gas mileage...which seems is not a huge trade off for the gains.
few questions...
1) Do you need to calibrate your speedo?
2) with the 4.77...is that more inline with the ap2 stock gearing?
For me, this mod would be a no-brainer if I was at that part of the modding stage, however the only thing I questioned and was of importance is the gas mileage...which seems is not a huge trade off for the gains.
few questions...
1) Do you need to calibrate your speedo?
2) with the 4.77...is that more inline with the ap2 stock gearing?
Trending Topics
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Oh
Originally Posted by starchland,Mar 5 2009, 08:20 AM
1) Do you need to calibrate your speedo?
2) with the 4.77...is that more inline with the ap2 stock gearing?
2) with the 4.77...is that more inline with the ap2 stock gearing?
2) Ap2 has shorter gearing in 1st-4th, so it would be kind of steep. Probably around a 5.10 gear. But on the highway 5th and 6th gears are longer. More like a 4.56
Thats comparing to an Ap1 Transmission
