Addition of a 5th gear

[lowebird]

Chaps,
I am looking into buying an S1 E-type and the vendor tells me that the car has a 5 speed box which is great however, he tells me that the 5th ratio has been fitted into the original casing. Is this possible, does anyone have any knowledge of this.
Thank you
Reg

[Art1012]

I have never head of a modification to the original gearbox and doubt that i the car is on it's original box. The only way to be certain is to take out the transmission tunnel cover and look at the gearbox number to establish if it is a Jaguar or Moss gearbox, or something else.

In any case why worry? Most of us would be willing to pay good money for a 5-speed upgrade because the cars are undergeared and I always seem to be feeling for a 5th gear when motorway cruising. Having a 5th gear can only be good for the E-type and will make the driving experience and fuel economy.much better. The condition of the car is more important than the number of gears. Good luck!
Art

[lowebird]

Art,
Thank you for your reply, I think I have deduced the box is an American one which is advertised in the mags. My main concern in establishing the actual manufacturer is to get the correct oil which can be critical.

Reg

[stuarthardy]

Hi Reg.

The confusion over the original casing is probably because the gearbox is fitted to the original bell housing by means of an adaptor plate.

If the gearbox is American then its probably a T5, which is what I have in my Series 1 3.8. Gear change is rifle bolt slick. Ratios on the first 4 gears are exactly the same as the Moss box that came out of mine, with 5th being an overdrive ratio.

Derek Watson supplied my conversion kit and can supply the correct oil for these 'boxes. I don't know what it is because it seems to be a closely guarded secret and the grade recommended has changed so be careful when taking advice on the subject. It isn't cheap either but then you don't use much of it and you're not changing it as regularly as your engine oil either.

There's a good chance that the car is known to whoever supplied the gearbox so ask the various suppliers to see if they know it. They might even be able to advise on other points such as history and condition.

Welcome to E-Type ownership!

Regards
Stuart

[lowebird]

Stuart,
I have just realized that I missed your reply to this question for which I must apologize. Until the E-type arrives ( next week hopefully ) I am between sites as I still enjoy a chat to the SS100 gang.
It turns out that the g/box in question is indeed a T5 about which I have heard good things.
once again, thank you for taking the time to reply.

Reg