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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Datsun 5 speed - engine out without gearbox?

Engine coming out in the next week or so. Bearing in mind its a bit of a fag getting the 'box out I'm inclined to try engine only. Anyone done this?

Thanks
Jeremy Cogman

All the time. I never pull the engine and box together.

Mine's a T9 box. Does that make a difference? When I had a rib case it was always engine alone. Much easier I reckon.
anamnesis

As long as it will lift high enough for the crank pulley to clear the crossmember, I would leave the 'box where it is.
Dave O'Neill 2

I have fitted three of the Datsun boxes albeit many moons ago. Three club members got together and bought from Rivergate who crated all three for shipment. Then I was informed that I was fitting them!
The bell-housing is tight on the underside of the battery shelf: so close that I ‘notched’ the heater duct underneath to give some clearance. You’ll have to follow Railway instructions & ‘mind the gap’!
Alan Anstead

"Does that make a difference" I guess maybe if the shape of the bellhousing prevents you getting enough height to clear the front cross member.

Thanks though chaps, I'll give engine only a go.
Jeremy Cogman

Jeremy
I have only put them in and it was years back as one of the owner’s died in 2012 so it was a few years before that. You’ll just have to watch your angles and clearances.
Alan Anstead

I have a leveller so should be able to do that. Bonnet will be of as well of course. It's ages since I've done an enginer...15 years maybe.
Jeremy Cogman

I don't have a 5 speed, just a ribcase box on a 948 block. For decades I always pulled out both together but more recently I found it easier to separate them. Maybe this is because I bit the bullet and purchased the official clutch alignment tool. Cheapskate or what?
Les Rose

This thread was discussed between 09/06/2025 and 13/06/2025

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