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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - different trans ?

I have now a auto trans on a 215. Now what are my choices of auto trans, british and american,.
I can use and if I could use a newer model trans say a 4 speed auto
jeff

Jeff,

My 215 also came with an automatic as did the large majority of Buicks, 215s or otherwise. I switched to a manual because automatics produce more heat that is pumped to the radiator, which is stressed enough! Perhaps that’s not a problem in a Northern state like Washington. Shifting sports cars makes them more fun to drive. Those old Buick transmissions don’t have a good reputation for reliability, but adaptors are available to use a newer transmission.

‘63 was not only the last year Buick produced the 215, it is also the last year they used that bell-housing pattern. Rover has kept that early Buick bell-housing pattern. You do have a few choices for manual transmissions. The most popular American transmission is the Borg Warner T5 from a Camero and Firebird. You will need a bell housing using the common transmission bolt pattern and the uncommon early Buick pattern. Good luck finding a pre ’64 Buick bell housing in a wreaking yard, I bought a new casting from D & D Fabrications. Rover versions use their own transmissions and bell housings. These are probably package deals around here with the Rover V8, bell housing and transmission together, but you may find a bell housing and transmission sold separate because the motor blew. Finally, in places like Australia and New Zealand where those transmissions are not available, the have adaptors for using Datsun 280Z and Toyota Supra transmissions.
George Champion

Jeff,
If you want an auto you can check with Kenedy Engineering in CA. They make adapters for the GM TH300 and TH400 to Buick 215.
Mike

I Purchased a early 215 Buick motor that was standard shift. It came with bell housing, tin cover, flywheel, clutch, mechanical throw out bearing, etc.... I beleive later GM trans can adapt. I am not going to use in my conversion. I am using SD1 five speed and 3.5 from a 1980 into a new Heritage body shell. Motor from Buick is available.
Brian Cook

OK now I am being dressed down by a 17 yr. old this is a "78" Triumph TR8 engine is sound, car is sound, but
Auto Trans needs to be rebuilt and may be getting spare engine in deal but I was just wondering if it
Would be better and or practical to go to a newer and possibly more advanced trans. I as a dad would like him to keep it auto, as you know why he can't afford
New tires every month, as he wants to go Honda hunting
Sorry for the lack of info in the beginning
jeff

dammit dad you forgot to mention that it is one of 110 preproductions, hey anyone need a a complete fuel injected rover 3.5?
brian

which is better a 78 3.5 rover or the older 215 and
what is the difference between the olds and buick engines
jeff

I was recently told that a GM T200 auto transmission from the early 80's was small in size, 4 speeds and would bolt up quite easily to a Rover or GM block. Does anyone know anything about this? There seems to be lots of them around for $150.
Richard

Richard,
check this out:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Show/2505/autobox.html

Also the BW 65/66 is a 3 speed automatic, smallish and was fitted to Rover SD1s around 84ish U.K.
These were also fitted to Jag XJ6 in the US and the bellhousings swap from the monster Jag L6 to the Rover/Buick V8. JPEGS available.
C.
Curtis

This thread was discussed between 06/09/2001 and 21/09/2001

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