Ribcase gearbox and a pick a mix of components

[1000wannabe]

Hi Guys,
I'll preface this by saying I've had a search through the topics but can't quite find the answers I need...

I have a 56 Series 2. The previous owner fitted a 1098, that is mated to a smooth case box into which he put Minor 1000 components/ratios.
He retained a 950 back plate, flywheel and clutch and also the original series 2 gearshift (non remote)

I have just laid my hands on a ribcase gearbox originally from a Minor. They are UBER scarce here in Australia.

As I don't have, and am unlikely to find an 1100 clutch etc , I need to keep what I have. I realise I have to change and alter the box front cover.
First question : can I avoid changing the floor panel and retain the original series 2 gear shift onto the ribcase by removing the remote shifter?
Second question: if I can't do the above and have to source a Minor 1000 floor panel, do I also have to change the handbrake lever? I'm sure in the past I've read something about this.

Is there anything else I should know?

The reason I'm on this path is because I'm driving across Australia to Perth and back which is 7500 km AND I'm towing a small custom camper built from the rear of a Mini.. Although the existing box changes nicely and has nice synchros, I don't fancy any issues on the Nullarbor..
Time is also of the essence as I have to run the engine in and sort this gearbox in the next month...

Thanks in advance,
Chris

[win]

Morning Chris
My humble view is better the devil you know, than the devil you don't know, especially if you have time constraints, bad backs and babies are the result of rushing.


If you have a box with all the internals of a 950, they were pretty robust, and if it works OK, that may be the best option for the time being.

You can convert the ribbed box to the original long gearstick, I have done it, it is well documented, but not a quick fix, and you cannot be sure it is better than your original, you would have to strip it down to confirm this.

Have a good trip
Kind regards Win

[1000wannabe]

Thanks for your thoughts.
I haven't been able to put many miles on the existing box due to the engine situation. I do know that it has some bearing noise, not terrible, but easily heard.

A Minor specialist here suggested that the smooth case boxes are marginal behind a 1098.
I will assess the rib box when I get it, but for now, I need to determine what is possible/needed to go with the better box.
Then decide whether to fit it or risk the smooth box.

[geoberni]

Hi
See this from 2019, when I discovered that my 950 was actually a 1098 with a resultant mismatch of components.
It sounds to me that your combination was done more accurately.



viewtopic.php?p=642735#p642735

[1000wannabe]

I have read that in the past.
Unfortunately it doesn't help with the questions I asked as it is all about the same set up that I already have fitted (except I have the correct back plate for the box).

I'm looking to fit a rib case box...

[geoberni]

I have read that in the past.
Unfortunately it doesn't help with the questions I asked as it is all about the same set up that I already have fitted (except I have the correct back plate for the box).

I'm looking to fit a rib case box...

I've seen the occasional photo of a SII with the latter gearbox and original handbrake. It looks close, but is clearly possible.
Here's one:https://fr.pinterest.com/pin/oldcar--31 ... 951591637/
And this one is currently listed in on Gumstree Australia, doesn't show the clearance, but is definitely the original handbrake with a change of gearbox.
So I guess the Inspection authorities out there must have given it the
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/wallaro ... 1331023294


I'm sure Phil can probably assist with any further technical aspects.....

[myoldjalopy]

This topic comes up periodically.

I found these instructions in an old 1989 copy of Minor Matters Tech Tips, where a 1098 box has had the remote mechanism removed and the box mated to the rear extension of a 803 box so as to fit a 1098 engine with 1098 box but retaining the old 803 gear lever:

"The components are not immediately compatable because the rear ball race of the 1098 gearbox is of a larger outside diameter and positioned about 3/16" further back than on a SII box. Therefore, a spacer plate made from 3/16" aluminium must be fitted between the 1098 casing and the 803 rear extension (seems a shame to chop your 948 box), a gasket can be used to make a pattern for the plate, remembering to put all the oil holes and a hole for the locating peg on the steel bearing housing. A blind clearance hole needs to be drilled into the face of the 803 rear extension to take the end of the locating plate.
Unfortunately, the speedo drive pinion is now about 3/16" too far back and will mesh with the nut and washers on the main shaft instead of the speedo gear. This is overcome by by putting a 0.1" thick spacer between the speedo drive gear and the distance piece on the main shaft, the diameter of the spacer being identicle to the distance piece, and by chamfering the far end of the teeth of the speedo drive pinion.
With the whole thing together with a gasket either side of the spacer plate and 3/16" longer screws there then needs to be a small slug of steel welded into the bottom of the slot in the reverse selector rod to prevent accidental selection of reverse when selecting fourth. (This then retains the 'up and over' 803 reverse gear select mechanism).
Before assembly, a new combination of bearing packing washers for the rear cover will have to be selected, as detailed in section FF8 of the Workshop Manual.
To fit to the car, because of the additional 3/16" now added, the two slotted holes in the gearbox mounting cross member must be widened. Also, with a 1098 engine,bgearbox and 4.22 diff in a SII, the correct speedo head must be fitted to match the axle ratio. The 'works' from the large diameter later type speedo will fit into the casing of the small diameter head fitted to SII cars but the dials have to be interchanged and rescaled."

I have never tried this myself - but did mate an 803 with a 948 box to match a 948 enginewhich does not involve all the laborious requirements listed above...also, I don't know which diff you currently have on your car, which needs thinking about if you go the whole 1098 engine/box combo.

[1000wannabe]

Thanks. This tells me that it's not worth going to the trouble just to keep the original shifter.
The previous elderly owner had added a few bits and pieces to the car that has taken it away from being an original Series 2. I can understand changing the 803..
He already changed the diff, gearbox ratios (as I mentioned) and the speedometer.
So I'll just have to source another floorpan cover from a 1000 to proceed.
I'll have to keep the 1000 clutch assembly and backplate as I doubt I will easily find any for a 1098 Minor..

I may in the future put this car back to a 950 and smooth case and keep the 1098 for another project...