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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 5-speed (Ford) - which one?

Hi all,

after discussion with you about supercharger in the thread from last week I decided to start with 5-speed conversion.

Moss supplied full kit including gearbox is a bit too expensive, so I have tried to call to local scrape yards and voila - few hundred meters from my home there is one claiming to have some 5-speed gearboxes from Sierra 2.0 and 2.0 DOHC. Owner asked me by phone, which type I want, he says, that there are two. 1st one in aluminium case with reverse where you have to pull up the ring on the lever first. 2nd one is in steel case with reverse "normally" without any lever tricks.
I think it is number 2, the steel one I need, right? That's my first question.

Next question is - what can I do to judge on the condition of gearbox (milage unknown, claimed to work when dismantled, but one never knows)?

And last one - Frontline starter kit (without gearbox) - is that all I need to buy or can I expect some more bits to be needed? Or is there better supplier you would recommend?

By the way, price of the gearbox is 40 GPB, if somebody will be interested and would handle shipping (out of CZ to UK or NL it will not be that much expensive), I can arrange it for you, just let me know.

Thanks, Stepan
Stepan Marek

Steel case (might actually be cast iron?) is the T9 one, the alloy one sounds like an MT75 with integral bellhousing - doesn't fit. My T9 is a push down for reverse.

As far as telling condition, bearings are hard till it's in the car (except for output shaft bearing) but gear teeth can be examined by taking the top off the 'box and looking for wear. You can also tell what car it's from by counting the teeth on the input gear.

Frontline kit should have all the bits you need.
Rob Armstrong

this site might help -
http://www.type9gearbox.co.uk/

a new one of these will cut down dramatically on gear stick rattle especially if you don't use the Ford standard stick -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-TYPE-9-GEARBOX-GEARSTICK-SADDLE-BUSH-Sierra-kitcar-quaife-tran-x-westfield-/390383937117?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DDLSL%252BSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BUA%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D390297376312%252B390297376312%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5975741774022812675

Nigel Atkins

This site is a good resource for the DIY'er at the breaker's yard:

http://81.149.250.214:76/pdf/type9.pdf

Good luck!
Richard
Richard Reeves

Stephan,
If you give your email l can send you a copy of a magazine article that explains the differences in various versions of the T9 and what to look out for when choosing a box.
Guy

Try Morris Minor Centre (Birmingham) Ltd for your parts for the T9 conversion.
Alan
A Anstead

Stepan, if you are asking if the starter motor is the only thing you need in order to fit the Type 9 to your 1275, (question 3) the answer is definitely no. I'm not very familiar with the Ford conversion (I have a Toyota box in my car) but at the very least you will need a bellhousing and some clutch components also. You will also need to fabricate or buy a new gearbox crossmember, and cut the old one out of the car. Others will give you more specifics.
Andrew F

Type 9 conversion uses retains the standard 1275 starter motor. Unless you choose to go for a Hi-torque starter but it is not necessary.

Apart from the gearbox, the main components needed, as far as I recall:

Bellhousing with clutch release fork
Shortened propshaft with ford-matched front yoke
clutch ford-type 21 spline driven plate
replacement cross member/ rear gearbox mount
Crankshaft spigot bush
Arrangement for speedometer drive connection.

There are other refinements, but they are optional, not essential. I think the above is the minimum you would need. The cross member/ gearbox mount is an easy DIY item and you may be able to sort out the propshaft too.
Guy

Hi all,
thanks for all the tips and links, I'll have a look at it.

Guy,
copy of the article would be great, please use "stepanmarek at googlemail dot com".

Thank you!
Stepan
Stepan Marek

Stephan, you've got mail.
Guy

A decision has to be made at an early stage as to whether you want to use a carbon thrust or roller.
If using a carbon thrust you will need a Quinton Hazel clutch cover as the Ford imput shaft does not fit thru others - the hole in the thrust pad is not large enough. There is a cover (tube) over the imput shaft that will need removal. It is then best to replace its oil seal & gasket.
A Anstead

Stepan,
I'd strongly advise if you're going to buy the conversion kit to get it from somewhere like MGOC/Moss (or Morris Minor Centre ) that has proper warranty backup

BTW in the '80s it would have been Estelle 2 - I know as I had three of them :)
Nigel Atkins

I will be selling some of the bits from a Frontline 1275/5 speed conversion in the next week or so (bellhousing, clutch, maybe other stuff).

The 1275 engine is coming out, and a K series going in.
I will be reusing some things like the gearbox.

If you are interested, please get in touch...

hugh at hughalison dot com
Hugh Alison

Hugh,
thanks! I've just sent you e-mail.

Stepan
Stepan Marek

This thread was discussed between 30/01/2012 and 02/02/2012

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