4 speed to 5speed conversion

[lazell]

intend to convert from 4 to 5 speed transmission during engine out on my 1986 1700 x flow super sprint, long cockpit, rigid axle.

have a good idea what I require re parts etc.

any experence/tips/advice to share.

regards.

 

 

[Anthony]

Hi, have a chat with Chris at 7 workshop, I recall seeing one he had done ( was it Tony's Union jack car ? ) in the workshop

 

From recollection part of the chassis requires modifying to get clearance around the box and you will need a prop shaft

 

Could be loads of these soon if Len can sort out the carbon prop.

 

Best regards

[I.Mupferit]

Not too difficult a job to do at all.

You will need to cut out the semi circular chassis piece at the bottom/front of the tunnel and the old 4 speed mount. Then fabricate a 16G sheet metal section with bottom and sides and new gearbox mount further back (measure difference between boxes which is about 80mm) drill a new hole in chassis floor to fit central bolt in mount.

Fabrication should be a snug fit in the tunnel then rivet in place through the existing steel side plates.

The existing 4 speed dummy gearlever mount can stay in place but easier, for access, if removed.

Parts you will need:-

1) Type 9 g/box with extended shaft

2) Sandwich plate

3) Angled speedo drive and new cable

4) New clutch plate

5) Shorter prop. shaft

6) 5 speed type clutch fork

 

Think that's about it.

 

Good luck

 

Brent

😬

[Nigel Riches]

With reference to Brents comment about removing the "dummy gearshift" I left mine in place when carrying out this mod, (1982 car) as I felt the gear lever is better positioned by the 'wheel, than directly into the extension housing of the gearbox, which is aligned slightly forward of the the dash panel, if you follow, I have fabricated a much stronger remote shift to give more precise changes, and to overcome the gearbox "neutral bias" spring, got some photos of the this somewhere, it is definately worth the effort, even though my chassis was modified by Arch Motors, at very reasonable cost, saved a lot of grief, and they are very pleasant people to deal with, may be worth a call, you won't regret carrying out this change, more civilised on long trips, regards Nigel.

P.S. I found that the five speed box sat to high in the tunnel with the mounting from Arch installed so had to remove approx 0.5 in from the gearbox extension housing mounting point, also had to take the Stanley knife to the rubber mount to get the extension housing to fit down in it.

1982. 5 speed, clamshells. B.R.G / Ali. The True Colours.

 

Edited by - nigelriches on 17 Jan 2003 09:28:44

[mikejay]

I've just emailed another thread on "gearbox" before I saw yours. How has your re-fit gone? I'm a bit chicken about it, would changing from 165 tyres to 175 tyres achieve a very similar effect ("longer legs" better mpg etc) without the hassle?

 

 

[blighty]

Sorry to slightly hijack this thread,but, a question for Brent , When you cut out the little semi-circular piece at the front of the tunnel , did you put anything back? If not have you had any problem swith the integrity of the chassis?

[Nigel Riches]

Blighty, just read your entry here, about removal of the semi-circular cross member under the gearbox, when I took my car back to Arch Motors they manufactured a new gearbox mounting, which was a heavier version of the original, as there are tunnel depth side panels supporting the rear of the mounting, with the gearbox pick-up point further back, and of course no crossmember, when all was back in one piece and on the road it felt tighter, but that could be the installation of zillions of new rivets, hope this helps, Nigel.

 

1982. 5 speed, clamshells. B.R.G / Ali. The True Colours.

[KayTee]

If anybody with a short-cockpit car and an Escort 'english' rear axle wants to dothis modification, or has already done it, I am looking for a propshaft in good condition.

Ford 'rocket' to English live axle, short cockpit.

 

Cheers ! - Karsten

 

PS.: What's that about carbon props ???