MG B GT related question

[ArisK]

Hey guys,

I recently bought a 1971 MG B GT automatic and I have one question regarding it's gearbox (Borg Warner T35), since this is my first auto car ever. I was wondering, is it possible to change between D (Drive) and L1 - L2 (low gears) while the car is moving? If yes, is there a speed or rev limit that has to be met in order to protect the gearbox from any damage? I tried finding the owner's manual online, which should explain everything but I had no luck finding it.

I know this question may sound dumb, but I have little to no experience regarding auto cars.

Thanks in advance

[benters]

that must be quite a rare beasty an auto BGT. . .sadly I don't know the answer to your question, but someone here will be able to point you in the right direction I would think.
At the same time have you tried the MG car club or MG owners club for info ? perhaps someone there or your local owners club group might be able to help you.

[ArisK]

benters said:

that must be quite a rare beasty an auto BGT. . .sadly I don't know the answer to your question, but someone here will be able to point you in the right direction I would think.
At the same time have you tried the MG car club or MG owners club for info ? perhaps someone there or your local owners club group might be able to help you.

I don't know the exact production numbers for the auto BGT's but I suspect that are quite low. One of the reason I bought it, apart from being in a quite good condition, was the fact that I had never seen an auto B before.

[nta16]

ArisK said:

I tried finding the owner's manual online, which should explain everything but I had no luck finding it.

the Driver's Handbook (owner's manual) is a very good book to have and it'll tell you lots more than just what you want to know now

rather than an electronic version which leaves you at the mercy of batteries, internet and wireless connection and not being able to see the screen because of light - better than this buy a paper copy - (Ref:0052) - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...

if you must have an electronic copy too then there a rather clonky DVD that also includes parts lists, workshop manual - http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-HTP2003

sample of what the Driver's Handbook tells you (Midget)

[ATE399J]

I would have thought the car should have a "kick down", if you haven't any previous knowledge of auto's this is a function where flooring the throttle should cause the gearbox to change down automatically. Perhaps not the answer to your question but may have the effect you are trying to achieve.
Also, +1 on get the owner's handbook!

[HumbleJim]

I've had plenty of autos but not a T35, in all those you can change on the move but little point. In first the car will stay in first and not change up, in second the box will change between first and second D will use all 3 gears. Just leave it in D. Some boxes (not sure if it's the same in this one) will pull away in second for economy, so only drop into 1st under hard load (steep hill, towing etc)

Maybe worth posting on a more general classic car or an american site, plenty of other cars use this trans.