Gearbox conversion from Moss to Getrag?

[colin6377]

I have recently been considering converting my old Moss box to a more efficient and modern 5speed Getrag. I believe this would greatly enhance the driving pleasure of this wonderful car and would appreciate any advice/ pitfalls of embarking on such a project. Any info relating to gearbox type ,source, modifications to prop,mountings,speedo drive etc. I believe this has been successfully undertaken in the past and hope that someone out there can steer me along the correct path! Fingers crossed ! Colin.

[Martec]

Hi Colin,

In partial answer to your question, some years ago I got sick of an unco-operative moss box on my 1961 MkII, the options available ranged from £4500 to £800 dependant on which box to consider. Not surprisingly I went for the latter.

Different suppliers offered different kits of bell-housing, gearbox and propshaft, but the interesting thing for me was that some boxes had 5th gear at a 1:1 ratio. In other words no overdrive gear to reduce the engine revs for economy and noise.

I chose to fit a recon. later Jaguar all synchro box with overdrive (being a cheap sod), this required a different bellhousing and a different clutch release bearing (carbon again) and a different propshaft. these were supplied by 'Wilkinson', and I have been happy with it.

As my moss box didn't have overdrive I have a higher ratio diff so now in overdrive I get 2000revs at 60mph, so quiet at cruising speed.

Not the answer you wanted but food for thought.

Brian

[colin6377]

Hi Brian , Many thanks for your observations and subsequent solution to your own personal problem at the time. Part of the reason I am looking into the possibility of using a Getrag is that for the last 20 odd years my every day transport has been a series of (take a deep breath) BMW 3series cars! I have always found the boxes in these cars a delight to use and have never experienced any problems with them. As you say these conversions purchased as a complete package from known suppliers can be horrendously expensive. What I am hoping to achieve is a complete conversion sub £1000, (half would be more palatable) What I do need is info as to which is the best box to source with minimal alterations i.e 265? would this be most suitable as a starting point,are all fixings the same on these units (box to bellhousing)),is the length critical with regard to chassis mounts, gearstick location,prop length, speedo drive ,clutch etc. I hope this doesn,t end up a pipe dream but I am prepared to give it a shot if I can gather all the relevant information! Thank you once again Colin.

[stuarthardy]

Hi Colin

Why not talk to Ken Jenkins about this conversion. I'm sure he'll have plenty of experience of such transplants. He works part time for Derek Watson and they've done lots of auto to manual conversions and modern box upgrades. They sell their version of the T5 conversion kit, which is eye wateringly expensive but you do get a brand new gearbox and a complete, well engineered package.

Beware of so-called reconditioned Getrag 'boxes. It is my understanding that only 2 places in the UK have the correct facility for dismantling them and that even then the success rate is very low. Some people sell shiny looking 'boxes as new or reconditioned when they are neither, they've just been blast cleaned. The good news is that they are virtually indestructible if looked after properly so don't be worried about dragging a used one out of a scrapper, if you can find one. Even the BMW enthusiasts have problems getting what they need when converting auto to manual, etc.

I think the manual XJS used a Getrag box but whenever they come up for breaking they get snapped up. I'm not sure what model number the 'box is but it will obviously be up to the job in a largely standard Mk2.

Sorry, I can't be specific but this is just what I discovered when researching what to use to replace the Moss 'box in my E-Type.

Regards
Stuart

[colin6377]

Hi Stuart, Seems like a logical place to start and probably better than going at it with rough guidance! I,ll keep you guys posted on any progress I make hopefully on the positive side. Many thanks for your opinions and help so far. Colin.