Ford gearbox conversion.

[wanderinstar]

I am thinking about this conversion, on the cheap. Why can't the Ford bellhousing not be made to fit the steel backplate on the engine?
Supposing it can't be made to fit, how about using the bellhousing part of Minor box and welding ( by a professional) a 1/2" piece of ally to rear of it drilled to suit Ford box.
Any constructive comments most welcome.

[bmcecosse]

I think 'Matt' was considering going along these lines. Other idea is to use 1275 marina backplate which is bigger - and try to match the Ford bell to that. However it's likely to foul the steering rack - so a slot would need to be cut, and I think there are length/diameter issues with the input shaft to the gearbox.

[Redmoggy]

I use a ford box. The bellhousing is nothing more than a minor one grafted to an alloy plate. There is a little more mucking about to do but it works very well.

[linearaudio]

Along, I imagine, with many 5 speed keen/money poor minor owners, I would be VERY interested to know the details of what needs to be done to acheive this, eg outline of adapter plate etc. Perhaps "redmoggy" could enlighten us a bit further?

[bmcecosse]

Yes - I assume it is the Ford 'bellhousing' (since the Minor bellhousing is non detachable) - but with an adapter plate mounted on the standard A series backplate ? Or - has the Minor bellhousing been cut off the gearbox - and then adapted to fit the Ford gearbox with a plate ??

[Redmoggy]

It is a minor bellhousing cut away from the gearbox and welded to an adaptor plate. This then bolts to the ford box. The release bearing uses the minor pedestool cut away from the gearbox front plate and mounted to the adaptor.

This is a set up i took of another car and i know plenty of people will say its not the best way to do it but it does work.

[bmcecosse]

Sounds good to me !