Morris Minor Owners Club

I'm ending up using my 1098 Traveller for a regular commute involving faster roads. It presently has the standard gearbox. I posted a few weeks back - '5 speed in a 1098' - and now wondering about a combo of soundproofing and 3.9 diff but want to research it more. So...

1. Will the 3.9 diff make the car sound different or will it be the same familiar whine I know and love(particularly in 1st)?
2. Will it struggle to get me up the levels of the (very) multi-storey car park I use, or do I just do that in 1st instead of 2nd? Those slopes are short but steep!
3. Anyone in/near Manchester got one which I could experience?

1st gear noise is mostly gearbox - therefore don't worry about diff for that.
Diff whine (usually heard at speed & when engine is quiet) can be different between one diff and another, regardless of ratio.
Engine racket at 65 to 75mph will be better (less) with the 3.9

Multi-story carparks - short & steep rises are not an issue. Long hills are definitely different and you can end up dropping a gear making a bit slower progress.

Sound proofing - I've had a few minors with improved sound deadening and it is definitely worthwhile if you want less noise. Personally I don't mind the racket as having a conversation at A-road speed isn't one of my requirements!
If it was, I'd have a 948 with carpet underlay and bulkhead soundproofing - not as quick as a 1098 but more smoother / quieter engine in standard guise.

Thanks for this. The main intention is to reduce noise and revs on A-roads/motorways. I can cope with taking longer on hills!
Where would I get the sound deadening stuff and how does it fit/attach?

Most of the Minor traders sell the original style bulkhead sound deadening. I think it fits with plastic clips. Or there are plenty of stick on products available, at varying prices, on ebay etc - use the search facility here to find some recommendations

3.9 against 4.2 is not a huge difference - don't expect miracles! Soundproofing is worth doing if you are using the car regularly. And don't forget under the bonnet - and the bulkhead on both sides. BUT - make sure it doesn't attract damp - no surer way to rot out your floors........

Sorry I never replied to thank you all for comments on this!

i have 3.9 diff its fine for cruising but you get a bit of trade off going up hills but to be honest its not a lot just have to change down faster

What kind of cruising speed can you achieve with a 1098 engine/3.9 diff combo?

I would say it depends on the car, where ever the sweet cruising speed is now should move up about 5 MPH or so.

i tend to cruise at 55 on the speedo and that is 59/60 on sat nav