As the person who posted the original information I can say that John is not
correct but the answer is still Yes and No.
The Merkur 4ti is basically the same as the Sierra box Frontline and others
use in all their Spridget 5 speed conversions. However, I think only
Frontline are the only person with a kit to hang this box on the back of a
1500.
Yes the Merkur box does have different ratios and they are closer than the
standard ratios eg: standard 3.65, 1.97, 1.37, 1.00, 0.82 whereas the Merkur
are 3.36, 1.81, 1.26, 1.00, 0.83. If you compare this ratios to the 1500 box
I can't see there is a problem.
No the box will not fit because the Merkur box is designed for a vee 6 so has
a longer input shaft. The shaft can be shortened (not recommended) or the
input shaft and corresponding gear can be swapped with the 4 cyl (UK spec)
shaft and gear - obviously this puts up the price and entails a full gearbox
rebuild. However, some early boxes may not have the slightly closer ratios
anyway.
Minor difference in gasket but otherwise the changes over the years to the
boxes are not going to cause a problem.
If you can find a box and are prepared to spend a bit of time and money you
will end up with a really neat conversion - oh and don't forget the quick
shift gear lever.
Daniel1312
In a message dated 28/09/00 06:33:54 GMT Daylight Time, helejohn@neteze.com
writes:
<< Hi Adrian
As the USA agent for Frontline products I can answer your question and the
answer is yes and no! The only parts that are a direct replacement for the
Ford Sierras type 9 is the gear case and a few odd parts. The gears, input
shafts and ratios are not the same. Gaskets seals etc are. SO service parts
are easier to get. Merkur manual shift gearboxes are not exactly found on
every street corner either.
We are using the same gearbox as Frontline in our 5 speed kit for the 1500
Spit, I am not going to say any more than that as I do not think that this
is the correct forum for a commercial!
I hope this helps.
Regards
John J Black
Waterloo Drivetrain Systems
http://www.waterloo-dtr.com
>>
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