Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Five speed box conversion

Deal All

I bought a 1982 1600 Kent engined 4/4 last year. She has been a joy to own and drive. I even took her to Rome and back (to Kent) without a single glitch. However, the single biggest issue is the lack of easy motorway cruising ability. Thus I am looking at converting to the 5 speed Type 9 gearbox.
I know there are various articles out there, most being either escort based or by people in the Antipodes who have different parts issues.
My question is: with the later model 711 engine how easy is this and are there any major conversions that need doing etc. My worry is the bell housing will not fit the transmission tunnel and a host of other questions.

All advice greatly appreciated by me ad my mechanic.

Some good info here.

If you can pop over to High Wycombe I have a 4/4 with this conversion without the trans tunnel panels on.

As an alternative (and depending on your budget) there is now a company re-manufacturing the period Hewland 5 speed rally version of the 4 speed Rocket Box which Ford commissioned for the Escorts.

Do you have a link Cereal Surfer please?

Thanks gents, most appreciated. Cereal surfer, can I contact you through mogworksracing to arrange a visit?

I have read that article and it seems to look at earlier crossflow engines. Mine was just from the change over and was wondering if that is hat the article refers to when it mentions "Later cars require much less work as the existing bellhousing, clutch assembly, clutch linkage and tailshaft require no modification."
If this is so, does the engine need re-positioning etc etc etc...

Lots of questions I can imagine... you can arrange a visit by calling 01494 448158.

If you drive over in your morgan you can do some direct comparison's. We have a couple of spare Type 9's laying around as well as at least one bellhousing & starter.

The company is pretty small and they are not on the internet yet... I have their contact details at home somewhere, I can see if I can dig them out later for you.

A quick google highlighted this article which matches the design & photo's I've seen.

http://www.lotus-cortina.com/library/gearbox/gearbox.htm

I would recommend doing a fair bit of investigation into the bell housing/ starter motor combinationas there are several around. I had to modify the spacer/dust cover and I notice yours was also modified Andrew. If I can help with any advice on what I went through, feel free to PM me

Thanks Andrew. Very interesting. This could be a great way to keep my car "original" and have a fifth gear....