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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - UK Gearbox Question

I will be converting my 3-synchro GT to V8 power in the near future. A guy in Aus has done this conversion to a 3-synchro car and has very kindly emailed me some pictures of the body mods necessary, so I will be using the rubber bumper bulkhead panels to provide room for the bellhousing. It appears that the standard V8 gearbox will fit without modification to the 3synchro tunnel. I fitted a 5-speed Sierra type 9 conversion to my GT only a year ago so was wondering if it would be possible to use this gearbox with a V8.

I cannot use the 3-synchro bellhousing due to the bolt pattern and the V8 flywheel being too large? But if I was to fit the 4-synchro bellhousing could I bolt this up to the V8? The gearbox would then be in the same position as the standard MG 4-synchro box. If it does not bolt straight up can I buy a conversion kit for fitting the MG 4 synchro box to the V8?
Paul Grundy

Me again!

Just checked out some old threads and websites. The cost of a new bellhousing and a conversion kit is a very expensive and not very smart idea!

So, does anyone know if I can buy a bellhousing to fit the Ford Sierra type 9 gearbox directly to the V8 engine? This would be the easiest option. If this proves unsuccessful, how much bigger is the Rover R380 box than the MG V8 box? Where would the 3-synchro tunnel need modifying, where would the gear lever be positioned?

Thanks, Paul
Paul Grundy

Paul,

I don't know where you got your Sierra 'box from but if it wasn't Autogear (Transmissions) Ltd. in Essex, why not get in touch with them with your questions? E-mail: sales@autogear.co.uk web-site: www.autogear.co.uk

I'm not affiliated with them, just thought they might have some answers.

At the rate they're developing kits, it's only a matter of time before there's a V8 kit. A friend on mine just put one of them into his MGA and thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread! I'm debating one for my '74 B but the current 'box is still working well (hard to justify as of yet).

How do you like the 5-speed in your GT?

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Simon
Simon Austin

I am very impressed with the 5-speed conversion too, that's why I'd really like to hang on to it! Some consider the gearbox quite expensive but if you compare the price to the cost of getting your MG gearbox and overdrive re-conditioned it is not a great deal more and the difference is well worth it in my opinion. You get five gears all under the control of the gear lever, and a stronger and more reliable box which would cope easily with any future engine upgrades you may want to make.

The kit is very well manufactured and everything lined up perfectly on my car, it's like the gearbox is made for the car. The ratios are very well suited and unless you look under the car it looks completely original.

At first I had the opinion of 'why would anyone want to put part of a Sierra in their MG?!' But I was very surprised with the shift of the gearbox, it is very precise and does not feel much different to the MG box. I found the gear lever a little long so I cut it down to give a shorter shift and I think it looks better. I think it was the same length as the original MG lever - but I cut that one down too for the same reason! This conversion has to be tried, once you've driven a car with the conversion you will be converted too!

I'm not associated with Autogear either, I just think it is a great conversion!
Paul Grundy

Other peoples personal preferences notwithstanding, driving 5-speed and overdrive equipped cars in relatively equal amounts I find the electric overdrive far more convenient. But maybe that's just because I prefer driving my MGs.
Paul Hunt

Paul

Try Tim Fenna at Frontline or

http://www.gearboxman.co.uk/

Paul
Paul

This thread was discussed between 21/08/2003 and 22/08/2003

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