Talk about anything regarding the TSSC

Hi all. I am new here, and have recently acquired a rather good spitfire mk2 (1967). The only problem is that the gearbox is completely
wrecked. I have access to a spitfire 1500 box, and am wondering if the 1500 box would drop in to the mk2??
Thanks in anticipation.

Hi Dean,

Unfortunately, the 1500 'box won't just drop in if the other mechanical components in your car are of the original specification. There are many other members out there far better qualified to answer this question than me, and I'm sure they'll be able to advise you on the details in due course. However, the main considerations are as follows:

1) The 1500 'box has a different input shaft (more splines) to suit a different clutch (and flywheel?)

2) The 1500 'box has a larger prop-shaft flange

3) Like the earlier gearboxes (known as the "three rail" type), the one fitted to the 1500 (known as the "single rail" type) had an overdrive option. The length of the prop-shaft and the rear gearbox mounting arrangement differ between non-overdrive and overdrive installations. Furthermore, the type of overdrive units fitted as an option are different ("D" type for the earlier cars, "J" type for the 1500). Does your current gearbox have overdrive? Does the 1500 'box have overdrive?

There are many early Spitfires now running with components from later models, so you need to find out if your car has already been modified in this way (check the engine number). It is possible to make the 1500 'box fit, but it could entail a lot of work if you're starting with an original spec. car.

I hope this helps.

Dean, where are you based? I have a 13/60 gearbox you can have but I'm not sure if it's the same as yours. I've never used it but I'm told it was working fine.

13/60 gearbox WILL "just slot into" a Mk2 Spitfire. To all intents and purposes, the gearboxes are identical.

The 1500 gearbox CAN be made to fit, and is arguably a better gearbox, albeit not original. You will need (among other things):

a fine spline clutch plate to match the 1500 gearbox input shaft (a 1300 Dolomite plate should do; Canleys can advise and supply)

A larger flange on the gearbox end of the propshaft. Not sure, but you may find you need a shorter propshaft, so a complete Spitfire 1500 propshaft might be easiest. Is that available from same source as gearbox by any chance?

1500 gearbox uses (I think) different rear mountings, but should not be too difficult to swap parts to fit Mk2 chassis (chassis' near enough the same anyway).

IF your car has overdrive (you do not say) then matters become more complicated with regards to propshaft length and mountings, but non o/d boxes are more straightforward.

The 1500 gearbox is stronger, has synchromesh on all four gears, and has better ratio spread than the "3 rail" gearbox, so I would not discount it! The 13/60 box however is a straight swap and in that respect "original."

Thanks very much for the excellent advice guys! I am contacting Steve to see if the 13/60 box is available!
The 1500 box seems a little complicated, and will of course take originality away.
Dean

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