Gearbox upgrade to a six speed?

[css]

I'm just curious if it's possible, and how much would be involved in upgrading a 2001 A6 Avant with a 5 speed manual box and 1.9 AJM engine to a 6 speed box? What sort of gotcha's would there be possibly if any?

[Padwick]

From what I've heard the 6 speeds are far weaker and problematic than the 5 speeds so finding a good 2nd hand one could be the first problem.

[philfingers]

also 'top' is the same ratio in both 5 and 6 speeds from what i've read so motorway cruising will have no effect on fuel consumption.
I considered one for the increased number of ratios for towing. I find pulling a heavy load (1800kgs) with my 5 speed auto 2.5 at around 60 mph the revs are too low in 5th and require changing down. Sitting at 70 is fine when you have less traffic, it tows perfect, but you can't always sit at 70. This is the reason I would consider a 6 speed, to tow in 5th.

[css]

Weaker eh? Surprised by that tbh. I'm not seriously considering it, more wondering if it would be worth while doing a swap.

Surely it would make a difference for motorway cruising!

I hear what you are saying about getting a dodgy replacement as well though, that could go with even getting another 5 speed ofc.

[philfingers]

final drive is the same 5th in the 5spd or 6th in the 6spd. so motorway economy would be the same

[Padwick]

Weaker eh? Surprised by that tbh. I'm not seriously considering it, more wondering if it would be worth while doing a swap.

Surely it would make a difference for motorway cruising!

I hear what you are saying about getting a dodgy replacement as well though, that could go with even getting another 5 speed ofc.

I've heard others saying it but from my own experiences also; I've had two 5-speed and two 6-speed Audi/VW's. Never had a bit of bother with the 5 speeds up to 125k and 148k when the cars were sold. My first 6-speed calved at just over 100k and my current car's one is clunking like mad when changing to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and I'm only at 85k in it.