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MG MGA - I've joined the 5-speed brigade! Observations.

I took the plunge and bought and (had) fitted a Hi Gear Engineering conversion to my MGA 1600 Mk2. I found this a difficult step to take as I generally like to keep cars close to original, and, as well, I actually enjoy the feel of the MGA/MGB Mk1 boxes. I just don't like continual high engine speeds on the highways. (I'd have fitted a Mk 1 MGB O/D box if the tunnel didn't need to be modified so much.)
I took the opportunity to do three other modifications while things were apart, namely, 1) 3-bearing MGB timing cover, 2) MGB clutch, 3) Modified rear crankshaft bearing, as per the BMC Zetland Australia factory modification to overcome the tendency to weep from this point on the early B-series engines. (After 40 years and 220,000 miles of a completely oil-tight '65 MGB, I found the MGA drips irritating).
OK. Downsides? 1) I don't enjoy the shift action as much as my lovely original box. 2) This is an expensive exercise, no matter how much of the work you do yourself. 3) I hated drilling the tunnel and floor for the speedo cable. (Yes I know I could have fitted a right angle drive, but Richfield Speedographs didn't reply to my email requesting information about the appropriate model I required. I don't deal with companies who aren't eager for my custom. For the same reason I bought my gearbox from Hi Gear (dearer than another source for the T9, but they also didn't reply to two emails so Pete Gamble got all my business.) 4) Doesn't run any cooler at highway speeds despite lower engine speeds and now, more space in the tunnel for under-bonnet air to escape.
Upsides? The obvious. Cruises beautifully on the open road and the better spaced ratios are very worthwhile. (I opted for, and would recommend the alternative taller first gear ratio Peter Gamble (Hi Gear) offers. Even with my taller Mk2 (4.1) diff ratio, this works very well.)
And I scored one unexpected bonus. My car always had an incorrect but physically identical Jaeger speedometer, that always read way too high. I think it might be from an early Sprite. ( SN6125/04 1060 ) It reads absolutely spot on accurate now!!! Rock steady too. How lucky was that?
T Aczel

Do you have a copy of the BMC Australia rear crankshaft seal modification instruction? Could you post a copy to this website?


Mick
M F Anderson

There's still no seal. As far as I can see the modification involves machining a second, but somewhat narrower circumferential groove further back in the bearing shell. This has two holes, similar to those in the original central groove, drilled in the lower half. The bearing cap is also drilled, at a sloping angle, on its front face to drain the received oil back towards the sump. I didn't take the shell off the bearing cap to see if anything else had been modified in the cap. The modification is done by one of two brothers in the Sydney MG car club (Peter Fogarty), who both "did their time" as Fitters and Turners at the Sydney BMC plant. Apparently the factory was modifying such large numbers of cars in this way, (four cars on their large hoist at a time), that for some years Repco was manufacturing the modified bearing, and you could buy them "off the shelf". These modified bearings are however NLA.
I was told that this mod doesn't fully eliminate the oil weep, but reduces it very significantly.
I drove my car yesterday for about 160 miles including a couple of hours on the motorways at 60mph and shorter suburban trips. So far at least, there's not a hint of an oil drip.
The cost by the way, was $50, plus the cost of postage in both directions and the bearing and cap were modified and put back into the return post the same day it was received.
T Aczel

Tom,
Your A should now be fine to make the trip down to Melbourne next year!
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Tom, welcome to the 5-speed brigade. There is one item in your post that I totally agree on, and it's got nothing to do with the gearbox...the LACK OF response by UK firms when it comes to enquiries. I too have spent many hours chasing up messages regarding parts purchasing...I would say this happens in 85% of cases! Britain used to be a world leader in manufacturing and selling around the world..now!? Postage even takes twice as long as it did even 5 years ago. Some of the big firms don't even know what they sell...an example..AP Caparo make a small brake part, and sell to Delphi. Delphi don't even know that this part exists. ..I've been trying for nearly 3 weeks to sort this out, and kept getting shoved from one person to the next! The GREAT in Britain is certainly not there anymore sadly.
Gary Lock

Gary, I agree with you completely. I've had MANY experiences over the years of British firms not responding to entirely reasonable enquiries from a customer.(ie me). I refuse to beg a company to sell me something; I'll just buy elsewhere, or find another way around the problem.
T Aczel

This thread was discussed between 25/09/2010 and 27/09/2010

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