[Zmagnette] 4 synchro MGB trans in ZB

charles durning durningcharles at gmail.com
Mon Dec 2 10:18:52 MST 2013 

Steve,

Thanks for the inpit.  It looks like there may be a 5 inch (best guess)
difference between the ZB and the MGB shift lever placement.

Charlie Durning

If you are using Google or Gmail, Big Brother is watching.



On Mon, Dec 2, 2013 at 11:05 AM, Steve C. <laverda at aol.com> wrote:

> I believe Higear has a replacment lever set up that will move it to the
> standard position.
>
> --
> Sent from my Android phone with mail.com Mail. Please excuse my brevity.
>
>  charles durning <durningcharles at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> David,
>>
>> I've been offered a used Hi-gear conversion from a wrecked MGB.  I did
>> some crude measurements and it looks like the shift lever will end up back
>> by the parking brake handle.  What did you do to resolve that problem?
>>
>> Charlie Durning
>>
>> If you are using Google or Gmail, Big Brother is watching.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Dec 1, 2013 at 7:09 PM, David Halliday <davidh at egopharm.com>wrote:
>>
>>> I can wholeheartedly recommend the Hi Gear conversion with the Ford type
>>> 9 gearbox.  It is a great conversion.  It fits easily, with very little in
>>> the way of mods and looks stock from the interior.
>>>
>>> I just drove my original and standard ZB yesterday.  I really miss that
>>> 5th gear and syncro on 1st and 2nd!
>>>
>>> Kind regards,
>>>
>>> David
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 30 November 2013 02:49, Wayne & Isabel Hardy <gwhardy at suddenlink.net>wrote:
>>>
>>>>   Just a short comment on Rivergate kits again..I have experience with
>>>> a 210 tranny in a Midget. Neat little installation, requires only a couple
>>>> stout smacks on the tunnel side so as to allow removal of the side located
>>>> tranny oil check plug. You could if you wanted also use a hole saw clear
>>>> through and check the level through the side from the inside of the cockpit
>>>> but don’t need to. Gear selector comes out pretty much exactly where the
>>>> old one did, and gears 1-3 are almost exactly the same as the Midget box,
>>>> 4th is direct drive 1 : 1 ratio, and 5th is ease it on down the road gear
>>>> for freeway use...especially if you have already gone to a 3.9 : 1 rear as
>>>> I did. It gets about 45 mpg in 5th overdrive at 70 MPH, at about 2300 rpm;
>>>> and 1st syncro is sure nice too. Very nice kit.
>>>>
>>>> Wombat
>>>>
>>>>  *From:* Allen Bachelder <bachldrs at comcast.net>
>>>> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 27, 2013 3:40 PM
>>>>  *To:* List for the Z Magnette Group - North America<zmagnette at autox.team.net>
>>>>  *Subject:* Re: [Zmagnette] 4 synchro MGB trans in ZB
>>>>
>>>>  Mike and Charles,
>>>>
>>>> Yeah,  I can imagine that a 3.9 on a 1500 would present quite a
>>>> challenge on Lombard Hill!  I guess my consideration of rear gears presumed
>>>> the 1800 was already in the picture.
>>>>
>>>> I forgot to point this out but in the third picture I sent, you can see
>>>> I've moved the handbrake back about 1.5". This is not difficult at all -
>>>> there's plenty of room to take up that much slack in the cable.  Also note
>>>> that I tilted the lever up a bit on it's front bracket.  It clears the
>>>> tower nicely. Regarding the 200SX or 240SX transmissions, the 280Z was
>>>> Rivergate's choice and their kit will not fit the others. They liked the
>>>> extreme durability of the 280Z - as it was designed to handle the
>>>> six-cylinder engine.  They do have kits designed to fit the 210 five-speed
>>>> to "A block" engines. Designed for Spridgets, I believe they also adapt
>>>> well in Morris Minors. I keep my eye out for these on occasion and have
>>>> dreams of my own MM 4-door with a 1275, a Rivergate/210 five-speed, a
>>>> Spridget 3.9 diff, and Spridget discs up front.  The trick is to FiND a 210
>>>> 5-speed. And for that matter, the 280Z 5-speeds are drying up also.  BTW,
>>>> there is some activity in the BW T5 bull pen.  We may have another option
>>>> before long.  Hopefully somebody who knows more than I will speak to this.
>>>>
>>>> I still hold with the opinion that the non-od MGB 4-synch would be more
>>>> trouble to install than a Hi-Gear or a Datsun and give you very little
>>>> return for your money and effort.  It would be nice to capitalize on that
>>>> free one you have - except bear in mind that your freeby is the 2nd-most
>>>> worthless part on an MGB, the most worthless part on an MGB being a 3sync
>>>> non-od transmission.  If you advertised to MGB guys that you were currently
>>>> accepting 4-sync non-od drop-offs, your front yard would be full by
>>>> morning. Keeping one or two and tearing them down for parts makes some
>>>> sense as the internals can be used in rebuilding od boxes.  I gave away
>>>> four of them about two years ago. I have one "spare" 4-sync od box that
>>>> I'll will to one of my kids someday. The other kid will get the house and
>>>> everything that's in the bank.
>>>>
>>>> Regarding shifter location, I think that problem can be solved pretty
>>>> easily - since the Rivergate/Datsun brings it's shifter up right in the MGB
>>>> 4-sync opening. Ergo, if the Rivergate/Datsun shifter requires about a 2"
>>>> rearward expansion in the Magnette tunnel, the 4-sync MGB shifter would
>>>> require about the same. I'm pretty sure it would be doable. ' Wonder if
>>>> anybody's tried this with a Triumph TR6 box.  After all, a Triumph has to
>>>> be good for something...  ;-)  ;-)  ;-)
>>>>
>>>> Cheers,
>>>> Allen
>>>>   ******************************************************************
>>>>
>>>> *Allen & Florrie Bachelder       =iii=<Spring Creek Home for Wayward
>>>> MGs*
>>>> *'57 ZB, '65 B, '69 C/GT, '73 B/GT*
>>>> *North Street, MI 48049, USA*
>>>> *http://www.mgexperience.net/member/bachldrs
>>>> <http://www.mgexperience.net/member/bachldrs>*
>>>>
>>>> ******************************************************************
>>>>
>>>>  On Nov 27, 2013, at 2:22 PM, charles durning wrote:
>>>>
>>>>  Allen,
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the response.  I'm not intending on using a MGB OD
>>>> transmission just the NON OD trans that came with the engine.  My concern
>>>> was with the location of the shifter.  I'm thinking that with a little
>>>> fabrication I can relocate the shift lever in the opening for the remote
>>>> control.  I might even be able to adapt the Magnette lever there.  I'll
>>>> compare the 2 when I get it out sometime in the future.
>>>>
>>>> A friend has a used Ford Sierra trans and the adaptor parts he removed
>>>> from a wrecked MGB.  It's FREE.  I looked it over and it looks like the
>>>> sfift lever would interfere with the parking brake lever also.  It looks
>>>> like a major job to relocate the shift lever on that trans.  I would use it
>>>> if I can work out relocating the shift lever.
>>>>
>>>> Frankly I would be happy with a 4 speed, that's why I would consider
>>>> using the NON OD MGB 4 synchro trans that came with the engine.  I could
>>>> keep the 3 synchro trans it would be easy enough to adapt to the 5 mb
>>>> engine.
>>>>
>>>> BTW I did some looking around and it looks like the trans from a Datsun
>>>> 200SX or 240SX would put the shifter in the right place.
>>>>
>>>> Charlie Durning
>>>>
>>>> If you are using Google or Gmail, Big Brother is watching.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 12:05 PM, Allen Bachelder <bachldrs at comcast.net
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> As far as I know, the cheapest way to do this is with the Datsun 280Z
>>>>> five-speed (it has a "Z" in it!) and a Rivergate kit.  I've done it on two
>>>>> different Magnettes.  The kit is designed for an MGB so there is a bit of
>>>>> fabrication necessary - but it isn't rocket science.  The bit in question
>>>>> is the transmission mount. The Hi-Gear Ford Sierra kit is available from
>>>>> either Moss or Bruce Woodson and I understand there is a purpose-built
>>>>> version for the Magnette.
>>>>>
>>>>> Having done the Datsun/Rivergate option, I can say that it is pretty
>>>>> darn easy.  The pictures show the only modifications done to the car.  Bear
>>>>> in mind that the PO had converted the car to the Datsun transmission with a
>>>>> kit homemade by his mechanic. The second picture shows how much material
>>>>> was removed from the back of the shifter opening.  In fact, this is more
>>>>> than necessary, but the third picture shows how I dealt with it.  I chose
>>>>> not to weld the new tunnel patch in case a future owner wants to reverse
>>>>> the conversion.  In this sense, in answer to frequent criticism, by using a
>>>>> Japanese transmission, I actually preserved more original MG than I would
>>>>> have with an MG transmission. Another advantage to this approach is that
>>>>> the old Magnette drive shaft still fits - requiring only that the front
>>>>> U-joint yoke be reamed slightly to fit the Datsun U-joint which of course
>>>>> has it's own front yoke and transmission spline.
>>>>>
>>>>> If I recall correctly, I used an early MGB shift-lever boot.   I did
>>>>> rework the flange of the shift-lever tower with a body hammer to fit its
>>>>> new location. The PO didn't use a tower at all.
>>>>>
>>>>> One more thought.  If you're undecided about the transmission choice,
>>>>> first try replacing your original 4.55 differential gear set with a 4.3, a
>>>>> 4.1 (if you can find one), or a 3.9.  This is an easy two-hour job. You
>>>>> might find that even with the original gearbox, you're happy with the
>>>>> higher-geared rear end. It's interesting that the two ZAs I rode in while
>>>>> visiting the UK were both the earliest 4.87 rear-end types, and while we
>>>>> never went on the "M roads" with them (equivalent to our interstates), they
>>>>> seemed remarkably unstressed.  For awhile there, I started wondering why I
>>>>> had gone to all this effort.  But then I get on the I-69 here in Michigan
>>>>> with its 70 mph speed limit and I'm sure happy to have my 5th gear, along
>>>>> with the 3.9, giving me 25 mph per 1,000 rpm.
>>>>>
>>>>> FWIW,
>>>>> Allen
>>>>>   ******************************************************************
>>>>>
>>>>> *Allen & Florrie Bachelder       =iii=<Spring Creek Home for Wayward
>>>>> MGs*
>>>>> *'57 ZB, '65 B, '69 C/GT, '73 B/GT*
>>>>> *North Street, MI 48049, USA*
>>>>> *http://www.mgexperience.net/member/bachldrs
>>>>> <http://www.mgexperience.net/member/bachldrs>*
>>>>>
>>>>> ******************************************************************
>>>>>
>>>>>  On Nov 27, 2013, at 12:42 AM, Steve C. wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>  As Steve K states I installed a 4 syncro overdrive many years ago in
>>>>> my ZA. I would not even consider doing so today. The 5 speed kits are so
>>>>> much easier to do. The come with everything you need and require almost no
>>>>> modifications to the car. To install the late over drive you need to build
>>>>> a rear transmission mount, a transmission tunnel, drive shaft, speedo gear
>>>>> box and cable. Then deal with the starter hitting the frame and making a
>>>>> clutch hydraulic line. I also did some mods to the shift tower, but do not
>>>>> remember exactly what. I think that covers it all.
>>>>> --
>>>>> Sent from my Android phone with mail.com Mail. Please excuse my
>>>>> brevity.
>>>>>
>>>>> Steve Kirby <skirby210 at cox.net> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It is not my place to answer this, and it is further not my place to
>>>>>> offer up this answer, but I will anyway!  One of my first, of many,
>>>>>> mentors, in the Magnette World was Steve Carroll . . . he of thee superb
>>>>>> header set up many of us have purchased.  Steve did put a full late B
>>>>>> synchro in his.  I do remember Steve describing the various things he had
>>>>>> to do.  Steve is a person of immense talents, so his pay grade is much
>>>>>> higher than mine.  Perhaps Steve will answer, now that I've prodded him a
>>>>>> bit, or Charlie can contact him directly.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> #2SteveK
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> *From:* LannM at aol.com
>>>>>> *To:* zmagnette at autox.team.net
>>>>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, November 26, 2013 8:29 AM
>>>>>> *Subject:* Re: [Zmagnette] 4 synchro MGB trans in ZB
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Shifter location aside, the 4 sync is wider than the 3 sync.  Compare
>>>>>> a 3 sync MGB with a 4 sync.  The transmission tunnel is noticeably
>>>>>> different.  I've put a 4 sync in and early MGB and it takes a lot of work
>>>>>> with a BIG hammer to move sheet metal around.  Even then, its still a tight
>>>>>> fit.  I can't imagine a Magnette would be any easier.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I think Allen is right, a Hi-Gear 5 speed would be quicker, easier,
>>>>>> and probably cheaper.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Lann
>>>>>>
>>>>>>  In a message dated 11/26/2013 10:19:44 A.M. Central Standard Time,
>>>>>> durningcharles at gmail.com writes:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Robert,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I didn't think that even modifying the remote would work.  It would
>>>>>> still be too far back, not to mention the height.  I was thinking about
>>>>>> eleminating the remote and mounting the shifter directly to the opening on
>>>>>> the trans where the remote attaches.  I still have to get under the car and
>>>>>> do some measuring to see if that would be close.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It would be good if some BMC car used the 4 synchro trans with a
>>>>>> direct shifter.  That would keep me from having to make something.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Charlie Durning
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 1:58 AM, <monster at caverock.net.nz> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> http://www.beardmorebros.co.uk/website%20pages/Dads_Oxford.html
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On the above page are some photos and a description of fitting an
>>>>>>> MGB engine and 4-synchro+overdrive 'box to a 1960's Farina Oxford.
>>>>>>> It includes a pic of shortening the remote gearlever extension to
>>>>>>> fit, and a new tunnel.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'd agree that the benefits of non-OD box over all the mods needed
>>>>>>> for a 3-synchro box might not be great.
>>>>>>> I also love the sound of the non-synchro 1st gear. Bah, musicians,
>>>>>>> eh? :-)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> regards,
>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>> Robert
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 26.11.2013 15:50, Allen Bachelder wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Charlie,
>>>>>>>> Even without overdrive, the remote shifter on the MGB 4-sync sits
>>>>>>>> high and your going to have to substantially reshape the
>>>>>>>> transmission
>>>>>>>> tunnel to make it fit. That's a ferocious price to pay for a
>>>>>>>> synchronized first gear. If you're going to that much trouble, you
>>>>>>>> might as well go five-speed.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Zmagnette mailing list
>>>>>
>>>>> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>>>>> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
>>>>> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
>>>>> Unsubscribe/Manage:
>>>>> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/zmagnette/durningcharles@gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Zmagnette mailing list
>>>>
>>>> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>>>> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
>>>> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
>>>> Unsubscribe/Manage:
>>>> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/zmagnette/bachldrs@comcast.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Zmagnette mailing list
>>>>
>>>> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>>>> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
>>>> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
>>>> Unsubscribe/Manage:
>>>> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/zmagnette/gwhardy@suddenlink.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Zmagnette mailing list
>>>>
>>>> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>>>> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
>>>> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
>>>> Unsubscribe/Manage:
>>>> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/zmagnette/davidh@egopharm.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Zmagnette mailing list
>>>
>>> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>>> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
>>> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
>>> Unsubscribe/Manage:
>>> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/zmagnette/durningcharles@gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Zmagnette mailing list
>
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
> Unsubscribe/Manage:
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/zmagnette/durningcharles@gmail.com
>
>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/zmagnette/attachments/20131202/84fbcef4/attachment-0001.html>

More information about the Zmagnette mailing list