803 gearbox, 1098 innards??

[Tea]

Good evening all.

We have a non-interneting friend that is currently restoring a 1956 series 2. He is having the 803 gearbox stripped and replacing the gears with that from a 1098 as he's upgrading the engine, but wanting to keep the car looking as original as possible.

He's been told that he'll need to change the back plate for one from a 948 (and one other thing that I've managed to forget in the hour or so since leaving his house ). Is this correct and what else would need to be done for it to work?

Many thanks in advance.

[mike.perry]

The standard mod is to bolt the 803 tail shaft and lever to the back of a 1098 box.

[Tea]

Ah, I shall pass this on. Is it a direct switch with the 1098? I've read it is for the 948 but not found too much with the 1098.

Thank you for the reply.

[liammonty]

It's not really a 'standard mod'- more common to use 948 box (as it's easier), but the conversion using a 1098 box is well documented on here. You need to retain the casing and innards, but change the reverse gear selector and a few other bits as well as the SII tail piece, and a little machining is needed I believe.

1098 innards into the 803 box (if possible) would be a waste of time, as you'd lose the extra strength of the 1098 case

[bmcecosse]

It may be possible to put 1098 gears in an 803 box - you say your friend IS DOING this - so presumably he knows how?? Can you share with us please??

[Tea]

He is having a gearbox refurb company do the conversion and a Morris restoration company (that has done the car body) have told him about the modifications needed (ie. 948 back plate, etc). I'll be seeing him tomorrow and will ask for further details.

[bmcecosse]

Can't see what '948 backplate' has to do with anything - same as 803 backplate as far as I know....... And yes - I'm sure with machining - the 1098 gears can be put in an 803 casing if money no object.... but MUCH easier to just use a 1098 box - with an 803 'pudding stirrer' gearlever fitted.

[Tea]

I'm just relaying the information I've been given.

Would it not be easier to fit if a company will be doing the work and for a similar price of buying a secondhand 1098 gearbox?

[bmcecosse]

If indeed that is the cost - then go for it!