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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Nissan 280z 5speed to 215?

Here in the US, I have seen conversion kits to use the 5speed from a Nissan 280z with the stock MGB 1800 4cylinder. Does anybody know if this transmission can also be adapted to the Buick/Oldsmobile 215 (rover 3500)? I have heard it is strong enough for the power, and want a transmission to use with the stock motor and can be adapted to a 215 when I finally get it together for the car. Any insight or information is appreciated!!
Jereme

Jereme,
One of the pioneers in hot rodding 215s, Phil Baker in Seattle, makes an adapter plate to do this, I think. Phil has retired, and I've heard his son Ray is a bit difficult to deal with but I never had a problem with him. If you want to inquire on this, you can reach their home shop at 206-363-5088.

Regards, Joe
Joe Ullman

Could anybody give me some detail on this? Any idea about the costs involved to mate a 280 5 speeder to the Rover 3.5; for example bellhousing, the box itself, etc. It sounds interesting.
There is a kit in the UK that uses Toyota W58 (Supra?) gearbox. The box is around 500 pounds, the kit to fit is is around 550 pounds. So total around 1300 (roughly) dollars. This sounds like a lot to me. Other use T5 (expensive?), Ford, or Rover SD1 (not readily available anymore). Suggestions on alternative boxes?

Frank
Frank de Groot

Guys, here in Oz land the Supra box is the most commonly used box when it comes to the V8 conversion.It is far better than the rover 5 speed plus you dont have to bash out the transmission tunnel as it fits ,you dont have to get a custome bellhousing made but we have a company down here which does a kit to suit, which includes speedometer cable, new fork assembly and the bellhousing plus a few options with the clutch plate too
The company is called Dellow Automotive if anyone is interested (sorry havent got phone number)

Steve
steve berno

I will check them out. Sounds interesting. Although I promised myself my original 4+OD (even OD on third) deserves a fair chance at proving it is worthy. If it fails within 5 years or 50-80.000 km it gets replaced by a five speeder.

Frank
Frank de Groot

Frank, it depends on how much HP your engine is putting out and how often you exploit that HP. I wasnt going to take that risk as I used to drive a bit harder than normal although mine was a 64 and thus never had overdrive.I guess its just peace of mind thats all and one less thing to worry about

Happy V8ing

Steve

PS apology you do have to get a bellhousing made up
It was a typing error
Steve Berno

On the Datsun T5 trans, I believe it is a V6 version of the trans with 4.03 1st,2.27 2nd, 1.50 3rd vs the V-8 T5 versions 2.95 1st, 1.34 2nd, 1.34 3rd. The V-6 trans gearing would not work well in a V-8 conversion.
Kurt Schley

Jereme,
The Toyota subra gearbox is very good, weighs about 40kgs and is small and very strong. It fits in the tranmission tunnel easily and you can get a choice of 4 gear lever (stickshift) positions (21 inch for MG's gets it in exactly the right position, 20.5 it you are going to have the motor further back like me)) Toyota Celica gear box is an alternative (same shape but steel case, heavier) how ever the bearings arn't as strong/big. That being said, lots of people use them without any problems I've heard about.
I would say that the subra adapter Frank mentions is the kit that Jeff Dellow makes. He charges $450 Australian for the Bell housing and spigot bush etc. You can then spend another $500 on various ancillary bits, some of which are not necessary, just makes it easier. The way the Australian dollar is (about 0.52 American cents, 0.39 English pounds) you are far better off giving him a call and buying direct. He will fax you a list of the various bits and pieces availiable. He can even provide you with a rebuilt gearbox (choice of ratios) for about $750 but I should think that the cost of getting it to you would make this prohibitive, you might be better off sourcing one locally. I'll get back to you on his phone No. don't have it here.
Peter

I found the phonenumber: +61+2+9774 4419. Supra's are not common in Europe, so it might be very hard to find the right box. I'll look into this. I am glad anyway that I now have time to look at the best replacement (just in case the gearbox gives way again). Thanks for the info.

Frank
Frank de Groot

I don't know my P's from my B's, SuPra.
Peter

This thread was discussed between 16/05/2002 and 24/05/2002

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