Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Ford MT75 Gearbox questions

I have a 2010 sport with the Ford gearbox. I love it as it is very secure and you know when you are in gear. Coupled with the Sigma , I find the set-up very forgiving. I should add that I have driven mainly Fords and am very comfortable with the gearbox.It may be a bit stiff when cold but loosens after a mile or so.

Thanks for all the interesting replies. I have enquired about the Mazda 'box upgrade (Vitesse). It comes in at £3.5k fitted incl. VAT. I am currently thinking of two possibilities : late model car with Mazda 'box as standard, job done, or earlier but low miles and excellent condition MT75 car with a galvanised chassis. If the prices are right then the earlier car could be a good bet. Thinking is that if its MT75 was okay then it's a win. If not then upgrade to the Mazda 'box and result would be a nice car, brand new 'box and still not too bad on the overall spend, at least still less than a very late car. Is that too much man maths?

It shouldn't take too long for the right car to come along. Don’t think its worth changing gearboxes for the “improvement” you might get. If the gearbox is such a worry to you, just buy one with a Mazda box as that is really what you want. Oh, and bear in mind, a very low mileage car doesn’t necessarily mean you have less to worry about...the tyres may be be past their “use-by” date, brake cylinders might be corroded from lack of use...etc

Heinz yes oil in g/box has been changed twice, as far as I am aware using the same oil spec. Might suggest a change next service. Thanks for input.

Our budget usually decides which Morgan we buy. I bought my late 2012 4/4 Sport attracted initially by the colour, spec and mileage and it was a price I was happy with. The test drive sold me the car as It was far better to drive than I imagined. On the first test drive I remember being impressed by the gearchange not knowing at that point it was a Mazda Box. I havent driven the Ford box 4/4 however so i dont know how much difference there is.

Other changes on late 2012 cars is that the easy up hood became standard which I also like better. My preference therefore is for late 2012 to 2016 Morgans as i like the MX5 gearbox, easy up hood and road tax increased by £320.00 to £485.00 a year in 2017. 2012 to 2016 4/4s are likely to be in the £30,000 to £37,000 price range.
There are however some lovely Morgan's for sale below £30,000. Some owners prefer the traditional hood, earlier engines and are quite happy with their Ford gearboxes and as Colin said the car will choose you as they are all so individual.

I have been thinking of selling my 2012 4/4 Sport, but, only because after Chemo has left my hands weak I struggle with the lift the dot hood, a later or factory easy up hood would make life easy. I am holding off simply because it’s the best Morgan I have ever owned, it’s so light and ‘flickable’ through the bends, the gearbox is a delight (Mazda) and its loaded and loaded with goodies (its the ex Williams demonstrator so is remapped and cool air induction/AR manifold and exhaust so breathes really well).

I would probably have to go back to a +4 to match the performance and that means another £10K to match what I have. Even thought of having an easy up hood fitted but that’s super expensive and a dealer advises me not wise.

BR
Colin

Colin - Not sure why your dealer would not think it wise to replace hood - I had a Simmonds hood fitted in 2010 on my 2002 +8, so much easier to use and best of all water tight!

In your shoes, I would ask Allon-White about their easy-up hood conversion. We had it done to our 1985 4/4 and were very pleased.

These prices seem reasonable at Allon - White

2-seater Everflex hood £940
2-seater Mohair hood £1,125

Those prices are for hood replacement. An easi fit conversion is well over £3k.