Rover gearbox v T5

[Counting Crows]

Hi all,

I'm new on here and pretty new to the Griffith scene. I've been looking for my first Griff for a few months now and it's been difficult to find the right one at the right price. I've done plenty of research, but i've got a gearbox query.

In an ideal world i'd hope to have a 500 without PAS but with a T5 gearbox.

Thing is, i think i've found a fine example, a '94 500 without PAS...in one of the colours i fancy, with low mileage. But it's got the Rover 'box.

I'm i worrying too much about the Rover 'box / 500 combo? Is the Rover 'box good but the T5 just better, or is the Rover one noticably "poorer"? I've only tested the Rover one on a 4.0 Griff, and it seemed pretty slick to me. Is the increase in power of a 500 problematic?

Any help/advice would be priceless, thanks.
CC.

[FFMan]

I have an early 500 with early gearbox. It can be a bit notchy but I'm advised and am about to change the oil in it which apparently improves it. Check back with me a in a few days and i'll give you an update.

I've never driven a T5 but mine is fine. It doesn't like to be rushed but for road use there's nothing wrong with it.

[spend]

I'd rather have one with the Rover box TBH, just always feel slicker to me. The over complicated linkage under the tunnel dispires even more about T5's having viewed the jigsaw puzzle

Did TVR change from choice or simply because LT77's became unavailable I often wonder?

[Counting Crows]

Thanks both for the replies. As long as the Rover 'box / 500 isn't a poor combo, then i'll not worry about it.

FFMan - let me know if things improve.

Thanks again.

[350Matt]

The T5 box is quite a bit lighter than the Rover but both will stand similar levels of power as they are fitted in TVR's the T5 can be taken futher tho' in terms of gearsets, better bearings etc although I think Mr Heath still runs a rover box albeit heavily re-worked in his supercharged monster

[angry jock]

The T5 greabox has a shorter throw and needs to be manhandled more and I personally find the Rover gearbox lighter and easier to use.

[FFMan]

ok so changed the oil from sonething unknown to smx-s over the weekend.

The biggest difference is that it is smoother when cold, no waiting for it to warm up before the change improves. When hot i would say there is little difference.

[blueg33]

LT 77 box is ok but as someone has said it cant be rushed. It also pays to select first prior to selecting reverse, you get much less crunching then. It can be a tad notchy when cold.

Oil is critical, DO NOT use the auto box oil that Rover specified, you will get too much wear. The best oil is, i think, called Difflock, if you googhle it you will find it online. It has been formulated specifically for the LT77 gear box.

[jimmyV8]

I too was in a similar position to you a little while ago. Having had a Chimaera with a T5 box I was keen to follow suit with my Griffith. I have recently bought an early 500 with the Lt-77 box and must say that since it has been reconditioned it is very smooth and I must say I notice little difference between the two. The throw is longer to the LT-77 but I think it has a slightly longer 2nd gear which can be nice sometimes. I wouldnt worry about it just make sure you find a well maintained one!