Any suggestions re Autobox problems on series 1 XJ12?

[555ttg]

Hello everybody!
I have a 1973 XJ12 swb series 1 car, which has a version of BW auto box fitted,(I can never remember if it is the BW 8 or BW12?). Either way, the transmission went kerpluie last year, and was rebuilt by an auto transmission specialist, who sadly, died over the winter.
Now the nicer weather is here, I find the rebuild leaves a lot to be desired, and subsequent to another 'expert' inspection, it seems the 'box is again going to have to come out. I am faced with finding it almost impossible to get anyone to look at an old BW box to begin with, and almost certainly, will not be able to find someone to take on the job. The car is #70 of all LHDs made,and is original (mainly) with only 52212 miles on the clock.
After my recent experiences, I feel that a conversion to manual, is my preferred option,thereby never having to contend with BW mysteries again, but with what manual box do I go?
I have seen XJ12s with E type V12 manual gearboxes,(only 4 speed, no o/d), but have also heard of various conversions with Tremec T5 and T51 gearboxes. Apart from the obvious, flywheel, clutch, pedal box,master clutch and slave clutch cylinders, what are the needed parts to convert? Also, if anybody has gone this route, what are the cumulative costs for the parts????
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Phil

[almcl]

Haven't done it to a V12 but when I did a 6 cylinder (pictures here:

http://www.almclwebpages.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/2a.html )

it didn't cost a great deal.

You also need the manual centre console and gaiter. I was lucky, I got a donor car that had everything except the gearbox and flywheel and got a gearbox separately.

Consider if you want to change the diff ratio as well?

One issue that quite surprised me was the clutch pedal pivot pin hole had an enormous amount of wear. Not difficult to repair, but I didn't notice until after it was fitted...

[555ttg]

Hi Al,
Thanks for the link, you have a nice website. What gearbox did you use?
Phil

[almcl]

What gearbox did you use?

Phil

To my shame I am not quite sure.

Allegedly it came out of a SII XJ but I always had suspicion that the ratios were more SI. I got it from a breaker in Nottingham. He was wandering around spares day at Stoneleigh with a sandwich board listing all the goodies that they had back home.

Anyhow, I got it refurbed by Mr Evans at KE transmissions and it was quite fun.