Opel gearboxes

oakleyfan101

Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
12
Can anyone tell which gear box is best suited to an opel astra 160is (95)
i have heard of f13 , f15 . f16 and are there any changes that need to made to fit them respectivley
 

Gnome

Executive Member
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Sep 19, 2005
Messages
7,208
Any Opel GetRag gearbox CAN fit on that engine although the only gearboxes that will fit without modification are:
F13, F15 and some F16. Any small block engine's transmission will fit. Small block being the smaller Opel engines, in SA that would be any Opel engine 1600 and lower and the Corsa C 1.8. Some of the newer transmissions are fitted with electronic speedo drive (Corsa Lite and any Corsa C) and/or hydraulic clutch (any Corsa C). Both are easy to replace with either cable operated speedo drive and/or cable operated clutch.

Many those come in different configurations with respect to gear ratios. For example in SA the original Corsa B 1.3 used a F13 but the Corsa B GSi (1.6 engine) also used an F13. Ratios on them are different tho.

Similarly the 160is was also fitted with an F13. Why don't you just get another F13 again?

Most importantly why are changing the transmission?

You should install a new clutch while it is done. I've heard people have clutches fail shortly afterward if they didn't install GM OEM or proper quality after market clutches. Flywheel needs to be skimmed (properly). Need new gearbox oil. Such a mission, shouldn't be done unless you REALLY need to.
 

oakleyfan101

Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
12
thanks Gnome. im replacing the transmission becuse mine failed. driving one evening 2nd gear popped out and wouldnt stay enaged above 30kmph then fourth did the same. i had to get home so i crawled home in first, stopping occasionaly to give the motor a rest. i cant find any gears now and when i release the clutch the engine stalls. i had a new LUK clutch installed a month prior. i been told its cheaper to get a 2nd hand unit than have this reconditioned. GM Quoted me a whopping R38000.00 which is nuts.
whats your take
regards
 

Gnome

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2005
Messages
7,208
I don't have much know how in regards to transmissions and clutches. I really think it is best you join: http://www.opelownersforum.co.za
And ask there.

But here is my take:
Opel (Getrag) transmissions don't break period. Unless you are running an engine that is pushing serious power (much more than standard) OR your transmission has no oil in it. Those are the only 2 scenarios in which an Opel transmission should die. And this isn't some die hard Opel fan love, it's just the way it is. There are people pushing 120kW+ on F13 transmissions with no problems whatsoever and many more Opels from the 80s without transmission problems. It's just one of those things that doesn't break.
My take on this is that whomever changed the clutch messed up somewhere. Dude you seriously need to get over to a decent mechanic. Guys on the Opel forum can advice but if you are in Gauteng I'd say to rather take it to P.A.T (Performance Auto Tuning). He is a Opel Owners Forum hero and built some of the fastest Opels in SA today. Not to mention the guy is friendly and isn't going to charge the prices GM will.

Btw. I looked for 1 minute and I already saw a F13 for sale from a 1.6 Astra for R1500: http://www.opelownersforum.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=60842
F15 from a Corsa Lite, car will rev higher tho because that transmission has closer gear ratios, transmission will easily handle a 1.6 tho, just annoying to drive on the highway like that. R1500: http://www.opelownersforum.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=59599
 
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Gnome

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2005
Messages
7,208
how do you refill an f13 gearbox

I generally do it through the breather hole. It has a black plastic cap on it, unscrew, then fill up. Think you need 3 or 4 bottles of Castrol BOT402 SAE 75W-85 GL-4 for an empty transmission. Don't be a smart ass (or listen to any smart asses ;) ) and put something else in there, that is the oil the transmission uses nothing else is better. I'm not 100% sure how much it takes, call a GM ask for parts then ask them how much it takes to be 100% sure. Those bottles of oil are really expensive and if you overfill the transmission it could potentially overheat (haven't seen that happen tho).
 

oakleyfan101

Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
12
thanks. i was looking at the breather the whole time but was unsure and i got the castrol gear oil. the guy at autozone said it was the right stuff for the job.

p.s i joined opel owners club and was of no use, just insults and dumbasses. vauxhaulownersnetwork.uk is brilliant, from the most insignificant question to the smartest answers.
 
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B00Gz

Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2019
Messages
22
Howzit guyz I'm new ere I would just like some info if anyone used the internals from a f16 Daewoo gearbox on a f15 corsa c gearbox, problem is the f15 box is on a 1800 and the ratios are too close
 

Tuwie04

New Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2019
Messages
4
Good day, I have corsa lite with a 1.4 motor, and a F15 gearbox, just wondering if it is the right gearbox for the motor, because the revs are just to high, 4000-4500rmp on 140km/h
 

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TheChamp

Honorary Master
Joined
Feb 26, 2011
Messages
57,344
Good day, I have corsa lite with a 1.4 motor, and a F15 gearbox, just wondering if it is the right gearbox for the motor, because the revs are just to high, 4000-4500rmp on 140km/h
Sound about right, mine is about 4000rpm at 120km/h. I don't know what gearbox it is, how do you determine that?
 

rietrot

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Joined
Aug 26, 2016
Messages
33,193
Good day, I have corsa lite with a 1.4 motor, and a F15 gearbox, just wondering if it is the right gearbox for the motor, because the revs are just to high, 4000-4500rmp on 140km/h
Yes because it's a small motor and the gear ratios are short and designed to accelerate quickly in town, not to do 160 on the hiway.
 

B00Gz

Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2019
Messages
22
Lol I don't think the linkage would have that effect its more likely gear ratios any ideas which is the right box for a 1.8
 

ArmatageShanks

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Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Messages
15,889
Good day, I have corsa lite with a 1.4 motor, and a F15 gearbox, just wondering if it is the right gearbox for the motor, because the revs are just to high, 4000-4500rmp on 140km/h

Yeah its right, mine is the same. You need to sort that check engine light though.
 

Ducklington

New Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2021
Messages
1
Hello I have a Opel Atra estate 1997 with a Corsa gearbox, clutch wears out quickly, which clutch should I fit Astra or Corsa clutch
 
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