Anything and everything Vitesse.

Clutch, gearbox, overdrive, propeller shaft.

converted my vitesse 2L to j/od can anyone tell me of the oil capacity for the new set up. Also is it a good idea to use fully synthetic gearbox oil (mobile 1 75/90 )

thanks
charlie

The capacity is 2.7 pints (UK) and use EP90 GL4 spec oil. Not synthetic oil.

I have just bought a recon. j type box with o/drive ( Recon by Kippings ) Box number is KF 10956 S. Have been assured this is O.K. for my MK11 vitesse. If it is O.K. can anyone give me fitting tips. thanks Malcty.

Since the Vitesse never came with J type this is either a very early 1850 box or a load of bits put together. This isn't a problem but I would start with making sure you have exactly what you think you have before taking your car apart.

Image Courtesy of and Copyright Rimmer Bros Ltd
The 3 rail adaptor plate is a lot shorter than the single rail one. If you have the short one it's a lot easier to fit the gearbox as it will be standard Vitesse length.

Look at splines on input shaft. Standard Vitesse is 10 splines but you might have 23 so this affects what clutch you buy.

Do you have single or 3 rail box? Reverse next to 1st on 3 rail, 3rd on single rail, 4th on 2000. 3 rail is std Vitesse.

Do you have the right gear ratios? Count turns in 1st gear and check against the manual.

Good luck
Van

Van. Thanks for your time and trouble. I have not yet had time to look into box with any detail. However it came with a new heavy duty clutch. the seller thought there were more splines on the input shaft. Will waot for time to proceed. thanks again. Malc.

Van. Have now established that it is a three rail box. There are 23 splines on the shaft which matches the heavy duty clutch unit. It would appear that using the Rimmer catalogue I will require the following.J -type longer speedo cable, seal tunnel cover, rear mounting plate and oil ( EP 90 ). Any other bits or information re fitting would be much apprecitated. Thanks again, Malc.

You'll also need a switch and wiring for the overdrive and a shorter propshaft and possibly a right angle drive for speedo, I don't know if these are included in the bits you have. Nuts and bolts will be useful - new 3/8" nylocs for the prop and some spare 5/16" stuff for bolting the bellhousing to the engine as you are bound to lose some or find some of them are a bit past it.

I've not done this on a Vitesse but I always change GT6 gearbox with engine in car. Some people disagree but not everyone has engine hoist, garage etc.
Remove starter, clutch cyl, disconnect speedo cable, prop etc.
Disconnect exhaust and rad top hose
Remove all the bolts in bottom half of bellhousing
Jack up back of engine with trolley jack and block of wood
Remove nuts from 3 studs at top of bellhousing. If studs come out then re-fit them
Remove remainder of bellhousing bolts
Slide plank in through footwell and under gearbox to take weight and remove gearbox!
Fit the mounting plate, change clutch. Drain oil from new box, this helps as it is heavier. Refitting is, as they say, the reverse of removal. You will need to align the clutch plate and make sure you are putting the gearbox in straight, otherwise it will not go in. Put it in 4th gear then you can wiggle the flange to help it align.

Van

Van. Another very helpful reply. I have the extra bits you wrote about in with the purchase. However details re bolts and sizes and fitting thoughts wil be very useful. I believe all the electrical bits switch etc. are with the box. I am ordering a longer j-type speedo cable as this will be needed. Where would be the best place to pick up the electrical power ? Thanks again for your time and expertise. Malc.

The normal way to wire the J-type is:
Take power from green wire on reverse light switch and connect to one side of either the manual switch (on the gearstick or column) or the inhibitor switch (on the selector mechanism).
Connect the other side of this switch to one side of the other switch.
Connect the other side of this switch to one side of the solenoid.
Connect the other side of the solenoid to earth (one of the bolts on the gearbox will do)
A relay is not required on J-type but it is standard on the Vitesse. If you want a relay, use the wiring shown in the proper workshop manual.
If you don't have the manual then buy one! They are available from the club and I would say it is essential. Also includes all the bolt sizes and torques.
Regards
Van

Van. Many thanks yet again. Yes I bought proper workshop manual at autojumble,very useful. Will wait for my mates garage to become available after New Year then hopegully get the job done. Thanks again. Hope you have a "Malcolm free Xmas" and all the best for New Year. Malcolm.

Further to previous e-mail,am now looking seriously at the conversion. I will replace the clutch finger plate and release bearing. As it is a heavy duty clutch ( 23 splines ) do I need a special finger plate and bearing?? New clutch is not in any box but believe to be Borg & Beck.Hope to buy these at Stoneleigh. Malc.

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