Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 1968 4/4 5 speed upgrade complete

It's some time since I've posted here but I'm pleased to report the successful conversion from 4 to 5 speed of my '68 4/4, the Morgan formerly known as TWP. I'd long desired a 5th gear, especially as the old car is used for long trips and autobahn runs. Many is the time I reached for top gear before realising I was already using it.

The change became necessary when, after a long run, noises emerged from the old gearbox - which had served well for 111,000 miles. An ex Ford Sierra T9 box was sourced through local contacts and the job given to a mechanic who works almost exclusively on classic English Fords i.e. Cortinas, Escorts, Granada and Lotus Elans.
We read the conversion notes previously published here and on GoMog and thought we'd covered everything but in the end, one never knows what the job entails until the motor and gearbox are out.

However it was much more than just the gearbox. Parts were sourced from either Motomobil in Germany or Burton Power; new bellhousing, new clutch, modified drive shaft, new thrust bearing, new clutch slave cylinder, new water pump, new thermostat housing, new hoses, new oil seals, motor painted Ford blue etc etc. I've only driven about 30km, basically the trip home with a short Autobahn run, and I'm very pleased. It's a lovely gearbox, quieter, smoother, precise shifts and, as many have pointed out, this will be kinder to my motor on long trips.

Thanks to all those who have posted and continue to post tips, detailed information and experience. You've helped me a great deal.

Congrats on the swap - certainly transformed my 4/4 - a real improvement to the driving experience.

Sounds like a great result.

As a '68 I presume it's a 1600 crossflow? .... mine has the crossflow retro-fitted with the T9 five speed box ... I find it just fine on the road ... not revving its nuts off if you use the Motorway and that engine/box combo seems to just suit the spirit of the chassis ... proper old-school experience but easy to live with in modern traffic.

Well done with the modification.

K

Thanks. Yes it's the 1600 crossflow and a lovely motor it is. But I've always longed for a 5th gear and now early impressions are that not only do I have that but also an excellent gearbox with fast precise changes.

TWP has already been to Corsica and across Europe in both directions a couple of times but there's one big trip (at least one) still to be done. When the lovely G retires (early 2026) we will drive from Vienna to France, take an overnight ferry to Ireland, tour Ireland, take the ferry from Belfast to Scotland - more touring - then back down to the south and eventually back home to Vienna. But I'm tempted to keep the Mog in the UK for that summer and use it to visit some of the historic events, especially the hillclimbs, Prescott etc. I just like the scene at historic hillclimbs, having done a bit in my youth.

Anyway, that's a loose plan and part of the motivation to spend scarce funds on the gearbox change.

That trip sounds wonderful.

Enjoy the planning phase. If your England sojourn includes the East Midlands, perhaps I can buy you hat beer I owe you

Sounds like a great trip ..... if you're doing Scotland, a couple of days in the NE (Grampian) is an overlooked gem ... some great roads and hopping the series of fishing villages under the cliffs from Cullen to Pennan is a brilliant day ... and much quieter than the more known places in the summer .... let me Know if you think you might and I can give more detail.

Prescott is brilliant (Graham can give you more info) ... a fine Bugatti Museum and always some old racers on the hill... one of my favourite venues to drive and just hang-out .... to me a 'must see' would be a British Championship round at Shelsley Walsh ... the place oozes atmosphere (they've been hillclimbing there for over 100 years) ... the speed of the top single-seaters on the hill is astonishing, and on a sunny weekend the spectator's car park has a free car show of classics ... place is iconic.

K

Auster, welcome back after the understandable absence. Quite a busy time I guess. If you do manage to spend time in the South West I can let you know three of my favourite scenic drives.

Paul we will definitely be back in Oakham on that trip and can meet up there or anywhere else you nominate. I recall our beer at the Grain Store but I'm quite sure I'm the one who should be buying next time. A lot of beer has passed under the bridge since we last met so it will be good to catch up.

Yes very busy and life shows no sign of slowing down. I'm more likely to be in the SW on flying trips e.g. Eggesford or Middlezoy in 2025, but in 2026 we might do it in the Mog. I'll post updates here and seek suggestions for scenic drives. Thanks.