Section : Gearbox

Clutch, gearbox, overdrive, propeller shaft.

What type of gearbox?

Posted By : Chris Stanley, 22-Oct-2004, 02:36pm

Hi all,

I have a 1500 Spit that is currently running a (worn) 1300 Dolomite engine. I plan on changing it sonn to an FM 1500, and have been told that my exsisting gearbox will be fine. Question though - I vaguely remember an autocar report that showed the 1500's reverse gear in the 'fifth' position. My reverse gear is a 'push down, left and up' - anyone know if this is the layout of a dolly box?

Chris

Followups :

What type of gearbox?

Posted By : James Carruthers, 22-Oct-2004, 02:45pm

It's a three-rail unit - which is correct for a 1300.

When you change to the 1500 engine you will need to buy a special clutch plate to allow the three-rail box to mate with the 1500:

http://www.canleyclassics.com/partfinder.asp?partn...

Either that or get a single rail gearbox... which is probably just a tad more expensive

James
What type of gearbox?

Posted By : Nigel Gibbins, 22-Oct-2004, 02:46pm

The 1500 gearbox is the Dolomite gearbox (and Marina) and you currently have a 3-rail gearbox from a MkIV spitfire if the first gear has synchromesh (which I'm guessing it does). The good news is you can keep your gearbox but you will have to change the clutch plate to clutch part number GCP103 - this is the size of a 1500 clutch (7.25") but has the fine spline adaptor in the centre.
- What type of gearbox?
  
  Posted By : Chris Stanley, 22-Oct-2004, 03:05pm
  
  Hmmm,
  
  Thanks for all the advice. However, looking at the price of the plate cheers, James for the link), I'm tempted just to get a new box from the graveyard. My box has failing syncomesh on 1 and 2 (makes a hell of a noise on fast roundabouts when I forget to double-d-clutch).
  
  Do the ratios of the single rail differ much from my 'box?
  
  Chris
  - What type of gearbox?
    
    Posted By : James Carruthers, 22-Oct-2004, 03:14pm
    
    Chris,
    
    The ratios will be no different...
    
    I have a nice single rail box in my garage going spare if you're interested... Im in London (M25 J26)... (Spit Graveyard, means you're probably up north then!)
    
    James
    - What type of gearbox?
      
      Posted By : Chris Stanley, 22-Oct-2004, 03:54pm
      
      Actually, no, but I've been to the graveyard a few times and they seemed pretty good.
      
      I work in Surrey during the week, but my fixed address is (well, very soon anyway) Herts. So I'm on your side of the M25 at the weekends. How much do you want for it?
      
      By the way, you don't happen to have a decent 1500 engine lying around (also carbs, manifold, distributor...) do you? I'm on the look out ready for a major rebuilding session at Easter.
      
      Chris
      - What type of gearbox?
        
        Posted By : James Carruthers, 22-Oct-2004, 04:07pm
        
        Chris,
        
        I do indeed have a 1500... a couple actually... though one may be taken...
        
        On the one that hasnt been taken, the big end bearings have gone - but I guess you'll be replacing them anyway? That one is missing a head... but everything else is there... or is lying about the garage. It's also upside down and can be inspected via the sump.
        
        Send me a mail and we can discuss - I don't want much...
        
        http://www.mintylamb.co.uk/mail
        
        James