5 speed T5 gearbox

[chuffer]

I'm looking to fit a T5 gearbox to my S1 FHC and would like to hear of experiences from anyone who has such a box, from Watjag, Glebe, Elite or any other source.

I'd like to know if I'm about to make a good decision!

many thanks
Ray

[stuarthardy]

Hi Ray

I got a T5 from Watjag for my S1 3.8 and, although it has yet to turn a wheel in anger, I have been very happy with it. Everything goes together as it should without problems.

I had the transmission tunnel widened in my car because I had heard that there can be a tendency for the gearbox to knock a little. It wasn't a problem for me because the body was being restored when I made the gearbox decision. Its a simple job under such circumstances and should be easy enough when the engine and gearbox are out of the way but you'll need to do some remedial paint/underseal repairs and you might need to open up the glass fibre cover a little. We took 3/8" per side out to open it up a total of 3/4" at the bulkhead.

Be sure to change the oilite spigot bearing in the flywheel for the one supplied in the kit, remember to soak it in fresh engine oil for at least 24 hours before you fit it. Remove the old one by jacking it out with hydraulic pressure from a grease gun.

Five speed 'boxes are great in E-Types - they make a lot of difference. I chose to use the 3.54:1 ratio diff because of the overdrive effect of fifth gear. 3.07 is the favoured choice for most people with 4 speed 'boxes but you get relaxed cruising in fifth with 3.54 but retain the responsiveness of the lower final drive in the lower gears. I think gears 1 to 4 are exactly the same ratios as the Moss box so perfromance should be the same as before although with sweeter gear changes and no grinding gears on the downshift.

I think the T5 was used in the Sierra Cosworth so it should be strong enough for a tuned E-Type.

Regards
Stuart

[PoB]

Hi

I have fitted 5 speed gearboxes to 3 of my E Types. It transforms the car. On mine I also used the 2.88 powerlock diff which allows for very relaxed touring and a real improvement to fuel economy and unless you are a track day stormer I don't think you would notice the slight performance difference in normal use.

The gearboxes I have used have all been Getrags, former XJS gearboxes so I can't comment on the T5 specifically.

Regards
Pat

[DaveK]

Ray,

Why not give Uryk a try at E-Type fabs their box is custom made for the E-Type and there is nothing to chop or change it fits straight in as its supposed to.
I am getting mine in the new year and wouldn't consider any other box.
I tested the box way back in February and it was superb.

Dave