Joe,
I'm glad that you're "my" Triumph advisor. Dean was beginning to worry me a
bit. So far, my gearbox is in good shape, but when it goes, I definitely
want to replace it with a full-synchro version with or without a J type
overdrive unit. Either that, or a straight 5-speed conversion.
As far as I'm concerned, the 3-synchro transmissions were the achillies heel
of early Spitfires and I have no intention of enslaving myself to one for
the sake of originality. I want my car to be fun for me to drive and as
reliable as I can make it, period. I have no fear of concourse judges
because I don't intend to ever enter my car in that kind of competition.
Best wishes,
Jeff in San Diego
'67 RHD Spitfire Mk3 aka "Mrs. Jones"
Jeff's Classic '67 Spitfire Mk3 site & Vintage Spitfire Webring
http://www.ohms.com/spitfire/spitfire.shtml
home of the NEW Totally Triumph Auction
"By Triumph enthusiasts, for Triumph enthusiasts"
http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/TRauction.cgi
and... The Triumph Autos/Parts Wanted Listings
http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/TRwanted.cgi
...plus a few other surprises!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
----- Original Message -----
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
To: Dean Rayner <deanr@saville.co.uk>
Cc: Spitfire Mail List <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 7:38 AM
Subject: Re: So, who wants to sell me a Spitfire OD tranny?
>
> Dean,
> Unless the UK Spits have different gear ratios in the gearboxes than US
SPits (and I don't think they do), the internal ratios are the
> same throughout the series. The differences in the gearing is
accommodated by changing differential ratios. The diff ratios were not
> changed when optional overdrive was selected, so in the 4 regular gears,
there is no difference in the engine rpm and the power output
> to the rear wheels. But when the OD is engaged, you get the benefit of
reduced revs.
>
> What's wrong with a 4 synchro box and D type OD? I have one in my Mk1 and
it operates flawlessly. I love being able to downshift to
> first without having to come to a complete stop or worry about crashing
the gears.
>
> Joe
>
> Dean Rayner wrote:
>
> > My Triumph advisors do not recommend putting a late gearbox-o/d into an
> > early spit. The later gearbox has higher ratios for the greater torque
> > produced by that engine. Also the diff ratios will be wrong.
> >
> > If you have a 3 synchro box, you should replace it with a 3 synchro with
'D'
> > type o/d and not a 4 synchro box.
> >
> > Dean Rayner. (UK)
>
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