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MG MGB Technical - 1967 bellhousing

Hi, I am looking for a 1967 (late MGB bellhousing) to use with my MGA rear section (1600) to place the larger MGB laygear in to. My laygear is not good and this is a good upgrade alternative. Please help if you can locate this part. Thanks, Neal Turner
neal turner

Hi Neal,

Unfortunately, the bell housing is integrally cast with the gearbox, as I assume is the MGA bell housing/gearbox.
Do you mean that you actually want a different gearbox?

Herb
Herb Adler

Neal-
It is possible to modify the earlier three-synchro transmissions in order to install the stronger, larger-diameter layshaft (second motion shaft) assembly by boring out and line reaming the layshaft (second motion shaft) mounting holes to .6.0693”” +/- .0005”. (17.0002mm +/- .0127mm). The best, and easiest, way to do this is to use an “end bell reamer” that is used for reaming the holes in the end bells of electric motors. This is a piloted, adjustable reamer that is adjustable (over a small range) to give the proper diameter and clearance. To keep things in line, it pilots in one hole while it cuts the other. They are commonly found at shops that rebuild electric motors, and the technicians there should do the job for a nominal fee. You will, of course, need to use the corresponding later laygear in order to fit onto the larger-diameter layshaft (second motion shaft), along with its front and rear thrust washers, caged needle-roller bearings, and its larger-diameter distance piece.
Stephen Strange

Neal when you say bellhouseing, do you mean early nonsyc trans case, if thats the case then I know I must have at least one kicking around. Let me know.
Ric
RIC LLOYD

Ric, I should have said early 3 sync bell but forgot. I was going to have my MGA bell machined for later larger MGB layshaft ( 67 ) but could not find anyone to do the job in three surrounding cities. I did later someone who could do the job and will, hopefully, go that route. I will let you know how things turn out. Thanks for all your help, Neal Turner
neal turner

Have you got a late nonsynch laygear and shaft? I understand they are getting hard to find. That 4 bearing shaft is definitely an improvement over the 3 bearing one, plus you have caged bearings and don't have to assemble the rollers inside the laygear, a painful job sometimes.
Bill Spohn

Ric LLoyd, I may need your MGB non sync gearbox bell. Please let me know if it is still availiable. Thanks, Neal Turner 910-231-1882
neal turner

I wouldn't fit ANY new layshaft WITHOUT GETTING IT HARDNESS TESTED. THEY SHOULD BE AT LEAST 62 ROCKWELL. I HAVE SEEN THEM AS LOW AS 54 ROCKWELL. They are apparently now only flame hardened instead of immersion hardened. Look in achchives to find how to modify the early small layshaft setup using 8G2404 needles.
Garth
Garth Bagnall

Neal, I think you will have another obstacle to deal with if you want to switch the front case of an non-sych MGB trans with the MGA; the bolt pattern to the rear engine plate is different from what I am aware. The starter has been moved a little for one. You would need a rear engine plate from a 3-main MGB engine which would bolt up to the back of the MGA engine block. You would probably do better by reaming your existing case. Regards, Ed
L Brorein

Garth,
How do you get a layshaft hardness tested? Thanks, Neal Turner
neal turner

Hi Neal,
Any reasonable engineering shop that does heat treatment should be able to do it.
Garth
Garth Bagnall

This thread was discussed between 09/05/2011 and 21/06/2011

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