Gearbox Options
Discussion
What options are there for gearboxes in a 350i? My current box doesn't always engage 3rd properly so I am preparing to have a good look at it and probably pull it out. Are there alternatives to the standard Vitesse box and do these have better or worse ratios? Ideally i would prefer something with a longer 5th to make motorway driving more relaxing.
I don't really want to start hacking the car around to make soemthing obscure fit.
Cheers,
Mick
I don't really want to start hacking the car around to make soemthing obscure fit.
Cheers,
Mick
FrenchTVR said:
Get the box rebuilt at N+T transmissions. He can mix and match ratios for you and it's MUCH cheaper than buying a new box
Andy
Sounds good Andy, where can i find these people please?
Mick
N+T Transmissions
The old workshop
Over Whitacre
Warwickshire
Ken Tomlinson is the man
I've lost his phone number for the moment, but will try to track it down.
Cheers
Andy
Competition Transmission Services seem to have a good reputation, although I had mine rebuilt at Progress Engineering in Maidstone as it was close to where I live, and I didn't want to remove the box myself. They managed to do it without removing the engine or butchering the chassis. Amongst other things, the oil pump was shot, which you cannot tell until major damage occurs. Plus they machined the box for a proper oil seal for the gearshift shaft, so no more leaks past the cheapo o ring fitted as standard.
paul gotts said:
Competition Transmission Services seem to have a good reputation, although I had mine rebuilt at Progress Engineering in Maidstone as it was close to where I live, and I didn't want to remove the box myself. They managed to do it without removing the engine or butchering the chassis. Amongst other things, the oil pump was shot, which you cannot tell until major damage occurs. Plus they machined the box for a proper oil seal for the gearshift shaft, so no more leaks past the cheapo o ring fitted as standard.
Forgive my ignorance, but as far as I,m aware, there is no oil pump in a standard Rover gearbox.
deetes said:
Competition Transmission Services seem to have a good reputation, although I had mine rebuilt at Progress Engineering in Maidstone as it was close to where I live, and I didn't want to remove the box myself. They managed to do it without removing the engine or butchering the chassis. Amongst other things, the oil pump was shot, which you cannot tell until major damage occurs. Plus they machined the box for a proper oil seal for the gearshift shaft, so no more leaks past the cheapo o ring fitted as standard.
Forgive my ignorance, but as far as I,m aware, there is no oil pump in a standard Rover gearbox.
It's shown in the Haynes manual.
The box has an built-in oil pump. Stripped once a completely nackered box, in the hope of being able to overhaul it my self. Not working pump and too low fluid level (previous owner) had taken out completely one of the outer bearings of the secondary shaft. Got a replacement box as it was no use to rebuild it.
Get it rebuild with the input bearing improved, and a better oil seal (only required if you want to stick to ATF) for the gear shaft. Plan it to have it done on my 350i in the future.
It will last on the road nearly for ever. If you have doubts, ask Steve Heath.
Rob
Get it rebuild with the input bearing improved, and a better oil seal (only required if you want to stick to ATF) for the gear shaft. Plan it to have it done on my 350i in the future.
It will last on the road nearly for ever. If you have doubts, ask Steve Heath.
Rob
Fitting a T5 is not straight forward as the bell housing remote control and propshaft all need modding as wll as the chassis mounts for the gearbox. Budget £1500-2000 inc a decent gearbox.
The gearbox is pretty reliable and as a Bernie rebuild is about £380-400 and the box should then last longer than the car unless you are thumping 400+ bhp through it, so it really is a cheaper option in the end of the day.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
The gearbox is pretty reliable and as a Bernie rebuild is about £380-400 and the box should then last longer than the car unless you are thumping 400+ bhp through it, so it really is a cheaper option in the end of the day.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
shpub said:
...a Bernie rebuild is about £380-400 and the box should then last longer than the car unless you are thumping 400+ bhp through it, so it really is a cheaper option in the end of the day.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
Cheers Steve, had feeling you would know the answer to this one. Who's Bernie though? And are you talking about the Rover box for the rebuild?
Cheers,
Mick
The going rate for used boxes on ebay is about £150-£200 in case you want to try that route (having said that I picked up a bargain one for £110 including delivery, and I've seen one go for £450.)
I have had reasonable results using old boxes from scrap SDi's, but like Steve, they tend to be a consumable for me. However, I've not worn out a clutch yet!
I have had reasonable results using old boxes from scrap SDi's, but like Steve, they tend to be a consumable for me. However, I've not worn out a clutch yet!
Badcow said:
For the gearbox oil, the plate says "80W" (or W80) but the previous owner of my 390SE says that I should put 20W50 because of the pump (and that 80 something is too viscous).
What oil grade should I use for the gearbox ??
Depends who you ask - Rover originally recommended a heavy gear oil, but changed to atf when too many people started complaining about crunchy gears when cold. ATF really is too thin, and people like RPI recommend Castrol SMX, although I believe Richard Thorpe recommends engine oil, or a mix with ATF. The guys that rebuilt mine also suggested engine oil, which is what I have in it now, although you do need to take care until its warmed up, and I tend to shift straight to third from first which seems to avoid the crunch.
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