Technical Considerations When Buying a Gearbox

Not All Gearboxes Are Created Equally

If you're building something that’s actually meant to race—whether it's for Time Attack, hillclimb, rallycross, or drag—you already know the gearbox isn’t just a component. It’s a make-or-break part of the entire drivetrain.

But here’s what most people overlook: not every sequential gearbox is built the same. Specs can look impressive on a brochure—but what matters is how it’s designed, manufactured, supported, and whether it truly fits your application and race regulations.

At Kotouč Gearboxes, we’ve spent years refining gearboxes that hold up where it counts: on track. Here are the most important factors to consider before making that decision—and how we build with all of them in mind.

1. Application-Specific Engineering Comes First

Every gearbox should be purpose-built. We start with your exact requirements—power levels, torque delivery, drivetrain layout, track conditions, and discipline-specific stresses—and design accordingly. That means optimized load paths, stiffness, clearances, and ratios that actually match how your car performs under race conditions.

2. Budget and Homologation Should Guide the Spec

Whether you're building for FIA-regulated touring series or open-format Time Attack, budget and rulebook limitations matter. We’ll help you spec a gearbox that fits both your technical needs and your financial and regulatory boundaries.

We’ve worked with teams at every level—from national hillclimb to international endurance—and know how to deliver performance without overengineering.

3. High-Grade Materials Are Non-Negotiable

All Kotouč gearboxes are machined from certified European steels and high-grade alloys. We don’t just trust spec sheets—we inspect every batch before machining. This ensures the material responds predictably under load and maintains tolerance through heat cycles and stress over time.

4. Precision Manufacturing Down to the Micron

Every gear tooth, shaft spline, bearing bore, and selector is machined in-house. We use high-end 5-axis CNC machines, and multi-stage tolerance checks. This is how we maintain the kind of precision you feel during every upshift and downshift—especially under peak RPM and torque.

5. Optimized Surface Finishing for Durability and Shift Feel

Friction kills performance. That’s why we use REM superfinishing on all internal rotating parts as standard. This surface treatment reduces wear, helps retain oil film, and smooths engagement—especially critical for dog boxes under fast, aggressive shifts.

6. Every Unit Is Assembled and Tested Before Delivery

Before it leaves our shop, each gearbox is test-assembled and fully inspected for engagement quality, alignment, and clearances. You’ll receive full documentation, torque specs, ratio charts, and notes on integration—so your team knows exactly what you’re installing.

7. Reliable Support and Long-Term Serviceability

Buying a gearbox isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a long-term investment. We offer full access to the engineers who built your unit, and we track every gearbox we build by serial number. Whether you need parts, upgrades, servicing, or a second unit down the line, we know exactly what’s in your build and how to support it.

Before You Buy, Ask These Questions

• Was this gearbox designed for my application and race format?
• Will it pass the homologation or tech inspection where I race?
• Does it use materials I can trust over time?
• Can I get service, documentation, and direct support if I need it?
• Is this spec realistic for my budget and sustainable over the season?

If you can’t get clear answers to those questions—you probably already know what that means.

Let’s Build It Right

If you're planning a serious build—or want to upgrade with confidence—we’ll help you get the gearbox that fits your car, your racing class, and your goals.

Talk to us about your setup. We’ll help you get it right the first time.