Rover SD1 gearbox v Borg-Warner T5

[Midge]

I'm currently weighing up several options for a Chimaera. At the moment my budget only stretches to the early models. Is it worth my while holding on and saving for a post '94 model with the above change?

[simpo one]

Most people will tell you that the Rover box is rubbish and the T5 is great, or words to that effect. My personal experience, and that of some others, is that the Rover box is slick and fast whilst the T5 is a notchy bitch that likes to baulk at high rpm. OK the T5 can handle more power, but I don't think that's a factor in a 4.0 engine that might make 200bhp.

The conclusion would appear to be that every car is different and there are no doubt good and bad examples of each. Hence, if the Chimaera you want and can afford happens to have a Rover box and it drives and changes gear to your satisfaction, I don't see a problem.

[2 Sheds]

Its torque that kills gearboxes, the Rover is rated at 280 lb ft, and will probably cope with alot more.. Don't forget early 500s used them.
Tim

[beljames]

Never used a T5, but find my trusty SD1 gearbox to be about the best box I've ever used on any car. The only downside is it is an absolute sod to get into reverse.

(The reader should note that the comment 'best box..in any car', that the reference group for the above comment includes such vehicles as a Talbot Horizon, Vauxhall Astra series 2, and an Alfa 33. You should weigh up the validity of the comment with this in mind...)

[shpub]

The SD1 box is prone to dieing but can be rebuilt/strengthened to cope with more power. Tower View did min in the 520 and I'm sticking around 400 lb/ft or torque through it.

The T5 is not perfect but is more reliable and gives less trouble. T5 box cars have better ratios as well which makes them a bit quicker.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[M@H]

No problems with my Rover box so far, it works like a dream actually... I suppose you've got to consider the increased cost for the BW vs potential cost of a gearbox rebuild if the worst happens (which could of course happen to either).

When I was looking I had this very thought in mind but in the end bought what I thought was the best overall "package" that I'd found, not basing it on individual components (otherwise to buy "the best" you just end up sliding up the price scale to a 500 )

Cheers
Matt

[chuckh]

matt the cluch and actuating rod ect were changed in your car when i owned it at about 40 k miles. the change feel ect was improved dramaticaly along with much less presure needed on the cluch pedal. still a sod to get in reverse though. i used to select 1st or 5th the shift quikley into reverse much better!!!!!!!!! cheers CHUCK.

[M@H]

Hi Chuck.. I saw the receipt for that lot, what was the problem with it? ..it goes into reverse with no problems at all now ! it clunks occaisionally but hey, they all do that.

Cheers
Matt.

[Midge]

Thanks for your comments. Finally settled on a 430 with the SD1 'box which seems fairly slick although reverse requires a sharp selection - but it selected every time I tried it. For my price bracket I could only afford the early cars or M-reg 400...hopefully I made the right decision!

[chuckh]

hi matt we took the gear box out because there was a grating niose when deppresing the cluch pedal. and it was bloody annoying.there is a rod type thing with a ball on the end which was corroded naturaly we replaced the cluch whilst the box was out !! though it was not worn out. nice car mate but the tvr thing just was not for me. couldnt be bothered with all the minor probs running a cooper s and a toyota mr2 roadster no probs but bikes are still my true passion

[M@H]

HI Chuck, Glad to hear its got a new clutch too I'm really most pleased with the car, I just wish it was as reliable as the S.. I think it all depends on the specific car as to how many niggles they have, although the Chimaera seems to have a general pile of alarm/electrical "characteristics" judging by the topics here. I supose its one of the problems of a more complex car over the S.

Anyway, I still love it (when its running )

Cheers
Matt.

[boosted ls1]

A lot of the problems attributed to the rover box are caused by incorrect adjustment of the bias spring at the base of the stick. Once that's been set correctly the change can be quite slick. If thats not the problem there have been numerous debates about the correct oils to use, atf etc. If the bias doesn't cure the shift then I'd suspect an internal fault and take it to Ken Tomlinson or get a t5. I'v never had one that was excellent.

[boosted ls1]

Here's something I read on another list.

Re: TR7/Rover 5 speed gearbox torque/reliability issues.

Quote:

Here is a message that I wrote about a local TR8 with a Chev (Corvette) =
355 motor in it ....

Chev 355 all aluminum really nice intallation -- claims it is putting =
out about 360 HP.

On the Chev install -- 2.5 inch pipes all the way back with custom 4-2-1 =
headers sounds incredible. I talked to the guy who fabricated all the =
parts -- he is running a Chev bellhousing and made an adapter to fit in =
the Rover 5 speed box.

Says that the transmission is sitting on original mounts and that =
if/when he sells the car it can all be unbolted and returned to original =
- -- no cutting at all except the hood ( a brace on the underside) -- =
running the original rear axle as well -- says that he has been "whaling =
on it for two years" and hasn't broken anything yet. Takes out 5 litre =
Mustangs "real easy". The Fab guy runs a 406 Corvette and he says that =
the 8 gives him a run for his money

Sounds like an LS1 kitted out with the LT77 box.