Tiptronic gearbox

[T5GRF]

I owned a Griff 500 reg P549 LKO in the late 1990's, I bought the car direct from Prodrive whom had used it as a development mule fitted with a semi automatic gearbox. The car was returned to standard when I bought it but still had gear shift buttons fitted to the standard steering wheel.

The story behind it (so I was told) was that they were developing a Mustang for Ford fitted with a prototype semi automatic box, the car was destroyed when the factory was flooded. The Griff was purchased as a replacement and fitted with the gearbox and used for a few hundred miles to finish off the project. I don't know if Prodrive have kept any records of the car but maybe they maybe able to help?

[Speedy James]

Thanks for the information. I will try and investigate this. Ashcroft Transmissions have confirmed they can supply a box but as yet I have found no one who has said they can do the job or cost.

[eliot]

Speedy James said:

Thanks for the information. I will try and investigate this. Ashcroft Transmissions have confirmed they can supply a box but as yet I have found no one who has said they can do the job or cost.

Any competent garage should be able to do it. You could also take an exploratoty route of scoring a cheap 4HP24 of ebay (ignoring the fact that its 4wd) and see if it clears the tunnel etc.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RANGE-ROVER-P38-AUTOMATIC-GE...
(but ive seen them much cheaper)
If you procede - you could use the box to avoid a core charge with ashcroft. Did ashcroft say they can supply a 2wd box for you?

[Speedy James]

Thanks. Yes, Ashcroft can supply 2WD. It's all food for thought. I guess I am a bit nervous of what could be an expensive experiment. I don't want to start without a clear view of total costs and was hoping to find someone who has done it before.

[eliot]

Speedy James said:

Thanks. Yes, Ashcroft can supply 2WD. It's all food for thought. I guess I am a bit nervous of what could be an expensive experiment. I don't want to start without a clear view of total costs and was hoping to find someone who has done it before.

Well this sort of question has been asked a few times - so there's always going to be someone who would purchase the car after - but you would have to wait for the right person to turn up?
I guess you are looking at a few hundred for someone to pull the manual box out and offer up the auto for a fitment test.
If it fits, then probably several hundred more to complete the job. I assume ashcroft want a grand for the box and I expect fitting would be about a grand as well.