Gearbox Swap

[D87 SMW]

Can anyone please tell me if it is a straight swap replacing a 4 speed box with a 5 speed on a 1.3 Maestro?

Cheers.

[F690OTF(RIP)]

I'm speaking from absolutely no experience here, but it's something that I'd thought about doing (if it was my car, rather than my dad's, I'd already have done it). I believe that certain 1.3 models had the 5 speed gearbox (I had a feeling the LX was one of them, but you've had one and I haven't, so you may be able to confirm this). I'd always assumed that since the engines were the same and the wheels, etc., were the same, you ought to be able to take a 5 speed gearbox off a 1.3 which had one, and put it on any other 1.3 (except the HLE, although I would guess it would physically fit but might produce peculiar results).
However, this is conjecture and guesswork. I'm sure someone must know for sure.

Peter.

[derek mclean]

Yes, it's straightforward, but you need to swap all the linkage and lever assembly too. Otherwise, it's dead easy. And well worthwhile.

Derek.

[Mat_C]

I've done that - as per derek, but even with the 5 speed linkage, you may have problems, I did. Had to shave a little bit off the linkage so it would go into reverse.

If you can - get the linkage off the same car as well. Well worth doing - makes motorways sooooo much more relaxing - and cheaper!

[D87 SMW]

What a day!

Got as far as taking off items like the starter motor, linkages and driveshafts. Then we discovered we didn't have a jack to hold up the engine while we used the one we had to lower the gearbox. :banghead:
The gearbox itself, my god... two bolts on the top were all it was held to the engine with! :eek: :rolleyes: :o
Anyway. The 5 box upgrade for GGT can't continue until we get another trolly jack. :rolleyes: :banghead:

:o *slaps head*

[derek mclean]

Safer to support the car on two axle stands. Cheaper than buying another jack too.

Derek.

[D87 SMW]

What we need at weekend is both Specials up on stands, a jack under each engine, and a third jack to raise/lower the gearboxes.

Should hopefully have all this equipment ready for the day.

[D87 SMW]

Wahahey! GGT now has a 5 box! :D :cool:
Got both gearboxes dropped by 2pm, and had the 5 box installed into GGT by 5pm.
No changing of linkages required at all, was just a straight swap! :)

Not had chance to take GGT for a test drive as SRY was/is in the driveway on stands with his engine held up with a jack... :rolleyes: :banghead:

BTW, clutch is still biting near the top... :banghead: :rage: :mad:

[D87 SMW]

oops posted twice!

[Austin-Rover]

The true test will be when you can get the car off the drive and see if all the gears work apart fro just 1st and reverse you could test on the drive...

:cool:

[D87 SMW]

Sadly that's not going to be before next Sunday... :banghead: :o :(

[E_T_V]

The clutch bite point is almost always near the top (until the clutch finally dies), it is when it is near the bottom you gotta worry!

[D87 SMW]

Originally posted by E_T_V
The clutch bite point is almost always near the top (until the clutch finally dies), it is when it is near the bottom you gotta worry!

The bottom? People have told me it's the top!

What's it to be? Top or bottom. Place your bets now!

:rolleyes:
:laugh:

[D87 SMW]

Originally posted by RDGelder
The true test will be when you can get the car off the drive and see if all the gears work apart from just 1st and reverse you could test on the drive...

...which turned out not to be 1st after all. Must have been third, becuase it would not power up the driveway. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Mat_C
Had to shave a little bit off the linkage so it would go into reverse.


Can you tell me more about this?

Today, after getting SRY off the drive with no probs, we discovered that GGT had 3rd, 4th, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and reverse gears. :eek: :banghead:
No amount of linkage swapping has solved this problem. :rage: :mad:
Anybody and ideas?

:o :(

[derek mclean]

So you have fitted the 5-speed linkage, then?

If so, and if you can get reverse but not 1st/2nd, then you need to adjust the linkage.

Slacken the pinch-bolt near the front of the control rod that goes from the lever to the bell-crank, and experiment with it until it works. There's no easy way of getting it right, except by using trial and error, and a bit of intelligence.

I have never had any probles doing this type of adjustment, either with Maestros or with any other car that has similar methods of adjustment. And it is not dependent on the type of linkage. The same adjustment applies to all sorts of different types, Astras, Escorts, etc.

If you can't do this, ask a professional. He'll probably take about 5 minutes and charge you a fiver. Well worth it, I'd say.

Derek.

[Mat_C]

Try adjusting the linkage - get it as good as you can. The mail problem is that the linkage beds into itself (ball/selector lever) make adjustment a pain the arse.

If you are able to engage first by pressing down as if you were going into reverse, but not pushing too far across - then you could shave a little off the reverse stop (the plastic bit which meets the metal plate - you'll know what I mean when you have a look at the gearlever from underneath). Try to adjust it first - the only reason I did it was pure sheer impatience.

I would go with the "take it to a pro" idea.