If I can chime in here: The 5 speed conversion (at least that I am
aware of) for the 1500 Midget is put together by the folks at Frontline
Spridget in the UK. It uses a Ford Sierra gearbox.
The Ford Sierra was marketed here in the US as the Merkur XR4Ti. A
pretty rare beast, but not totally out of the question. There obviously
are some cahssis modifications required, since the kit includes a new
chassis crossmember, a fiberglass transmission tunnel and replacement
carpet for the tunnel.
That is (at this point) the limit of my knowledge. What I don't know is
whether the Frontline conversion works with the XR4Ti parts (I'd think
it would, but there might be LHD-RHD issues).
If you wan to explore it further, I'd suggest you send email to
frontline@mgcars.org.uk
Hope that helps.
Chris Kotting
ckotting@iwaynet.net
Guy wrote:
>
> Sorry Dave, My message perhaps wasn't quite clear about this.
> I have two cars.
> A 1500 Midget that I modified to take an overdrive gearbox. I am really
> pleased with that, it makes such a difference to driving; quieter, faster,
> more economical. I would really recomend this conversion.
> There is a description of the job on Larry Miller's Buggii web page:
> http://www.ado13.com/techs/tech3/od1500.html
>
> I am now interested in a 5 spd box for my 1275 Sprite. I have heard that
> the European model ford Sierra box can be fitted, and is easy to come by in
> the UK. There is a German made bellhousing adaptor. Not sure where to get
> hold of this though. Daniel 1312 has done this conversion and might help.
>
> Guy
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Dave Bohler <bohler@hooked.net>
> To: <Guy@weller-lakes.freeserve.co.uk>
> Sent: 21 June 1999 02:12
>
> > Hi Guy - I have a 1500 Midget also (78). I'm interested in putting a 5
> > speed in my car, but the only coversion kits I can find are those like
> > Rivergate that use Datsun 210 boxes and require extensive body work to
> > install. I noticed in your eamil that you are using a "Sierra" box. I
> > haven;t heard of this one before. What car does it come out of ? Does it
> > bolt right up without bodywork in a 1500? Are there conversion kits
> > available?
> >
> > Thaks in advance - Dave Bohler
> >
> > 78 Midget
> >
> >
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