Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - 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.

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.