tvr 350 gearbox problems

[danny22]

Ive got a 86 tvr 350. it snaggs goin into 3rd gear- (syncro) I was wondering what gearbox is fitted to my car. And would it be cheaper to chuck a second hand unit in it rather than strip the box. You thoughts would be appreciated. thanks

[L33]

Its a common fault (the syncro does seam to go in either 2nd or 3rd first).

Basically a rover SD1 gearbox (or LT77 gearbox as is otherwise known).
From memory, on the LT77 boes for the TVRs, some internal bits are reinforced as they were for the rover SD1 vitesse. For this reason, you need a like for like box or to have it referbed with all the hardened internals. If not, your "new" box will melt like chocolate...

I think there were a few versions of this box and are some slight compatability issues. (different sized bolts / threads etc).

Your best bet would be to have yours reconditioned. Cost wise, your looking at about £300 to recondition the gearbox to a proper standard.

The worst thing about changing the box on a wedge V8 is that the engine needs to come out You cannot change the box with the engine in place. To remove and refit the engine, your looking at about £500 and upwards in labour costs from a garage to do this. If you can do it yourself then you save a huge chunk of money in the process!

While the box is out, you might as well replace the clutch as this too is generally an engine out job (although some have tried, struggled and eventually suceeded by leaving the engine in to replace a clutch). The last thing you want to do is have the engine out to do the gearbox and in six months time have the engine out again to replace the clutch.

Good luck bud.

L33.

[gwood]

i would first change the oil to see if it goes any better.change the oil for smx oil or poss atf oil. the oil that is in originally is too thick. was common on land rovers. the oil change made them better...

[mikeb]

I didn't take the engine out when I changed the LT77 and clutch in the 450SE.

Also you will find that £300 for a refurb rapidly turns into a lot more! have a shop around and get them to confirm a turnaround time as well as price.

Also whilst you are at it change the gearbox support bushes.

MikeyB

[adam quantrill]

Ditto oil - replace with Castrol SMX-S as soon as possible, as your damage would have left particles in the oil which will make things worse.

With luck this will make things a little better or at least slow down the gradual damage.

Gearbox replacement depends on your budget and spanner ability. Budget £300 for a recon box and £700 to have it replaced.

Alternatively you can buy OK units off ebay for £70 to £150, and replace it yourself, cost about £20 to hire a crane. The engine only needs to come forward abou 6 - 8 inches.

[D1 MAD]

Have a read of this old thread and check the remote linkage bushes before you start pulling the engine and gearbox out.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=182...

Edited by D1 MAD on Wednesday 27th February 22:25

[L33]

mikeb said:

I didn't take the engine out when I changed the LT77 and clutch in the 450SE.
MikeyB

I thought the access was slightly more restricted on a 350i and the ONLY option was to take the engine out... unless you go down the bodge-it route of grinding out chassis cross members and welding them in again afterwards?
I'm happy to be prooven wrong mind...

Edited by L33 on Wednesday 27th February 22:32

[shpub]

As described in't bible... there is a technique for removing the gearbox without taking the engine out or cutting the chassis. Involves moving the engine off its mounts and forward about 8 inches.

[L33]

Cheers Steve - I happily stand corrected

[adam quantrill]

Yes - forgot! If you have gear selection problems FIRST take the gearstick and pull it up vertically - not too hard mind. If it moves up and down more than a few mm then it's the remote linkage bushes. See that thread referred to above for the full gen on this.

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

anyone know the part numbers.

Thanks
Leigh