Morris Minor Owners Club

Need some advise for a 5 speed gearbox my engine its a 1275 midget any ideas the less fiddling about the better

Sierra 5 speed is the normal choice - budget for about £1000............ Easier and much cheaper to just fit a 3.7 final drive ratio.

Have no clue what that is but the minor gearbox with my engine doesn't like going down the gears could you explain what it intails and cost pls

As BMC says, it is possible to fit the Ford Sierra type 9 gearbox to the Minor BUT only after modifications. A new bellhousing, release mechanism and mounts will be needed on top of the cost of the gearbox itself. One of the Morris Minor Centres advertises the fitting kit at over £400 and over £600 for a refurbished gearbox.

Using a different ratio differential will pep up the performance but from what you say, in your last post, a refurbished standard gearbox might be a good place to start if the one you curently have is dodgy. This would be considerably cheaper than shelling out for a 5 speed and allow you to see if you are happy with the performance of the standard box.

If 5 speed is a way you want to go, join in with your local branch activity and see if you can find someone who has already fitted the conversion. If they let you have a drive in their car you can decide if the cost and work will be worthwhile whilst keeping your car on the road until you have decided.

a '3.7 final drive ratio' is the ratio of the diff in the back axle.

easy to do. much easier than a five speed conversion. but you may still find yourself wanting 5 gears.

the 3.7 diff makes all of your gears 'taller', so you loose some acceleration to gain your top end cruising.

a fifth gear with a lower ratio diff (3.9 or even 4.2 [standard late minor 1000]) means you get good acceleration and good cruising. with the added benefits of a stronger gearbox, quieter running, and synchro in 1st gear!

i ran my minor (mildy tickled 1098) with a 3.9 diff and struggled with acceleration. i've since gone back to the standard 4.2 diff, and fitted a ford 5 speed, and never looked back! if i ever change the engine for a 1275, i'll refit the 3.9 diff.

If your 'box 'doesn't like going down the gears' - you probably need to learn how to double-de-clutch! Could also be a problem with the clutch adjustment - and is the gearbox well filled , and with the correct engine oil ?