More sporting gear ratios

[GREG]

Derek Hughes sells an overdrive upgrade as does this company Sheffield Yorkshire providers of overdrive units

Or I have instructions for fitting a 5 speed Ford type 9 from a Sierra etc -- a popular upgrade with a lot of classics and I know one Bristol 400 owner that is delighted with the results.

I would have thought that Brian Marelli could advise at Bristol Cars

Come to think of it - this company look after more racing Bristol's than anyone else so would be best to advise https://www.inracing.co.uk/ Ian Nuthall

The Ford option would be the cheapest..

[Stefan]

Id suggest a higher final drive ratio if you are not hillclimbing with it.The o/d conversions work well and fit inside the existing footprint of the Bristol gearbox without chassis cutting, and a later Bristol gearbox (B/W model)has better spaced ratios.

[GREG]

I think that once you have fitted a Ford or Mazda box used to work in classics and kit cars, the options on ratio's are almost limitless due to the amount of people using and racing with them. There are lot's of specialists around like this one

ford type 9 gearbox reconditioned sierra first motion transmissions - Ford Type 9 Gearboxes

I'm sure that In Racing can supply a Bristol bell housing to start with, or I may have one if needed ( shame to break up a good box ) I don't think you would get as many ratio options with the overdrive route.

In Racing make new Bristol engines and support a lot of race cars so probably best for advise due to the knowledge of the engine characteristics. Although if it's down to budget and race ware maintenance, I think the Ford / Mazda box route will win.

Good luck

[STELLWAG P]

Dear Greg.
My Name is Peter Stellwag from München, and I am also a BOC member, since 2003.
As my old std. 400 gearbox has the same usual problems, I would like to go for the Ford box.
Can you, please tell me who has it in his 400? And, possibly, who can do that work needed, please?
I thank you very much for your efforts and help.
With best regards
Peter

[Geoff Dowdle]

20160923_114937.jpgPeter,
Hello , I have fitted a Ford Type 9 gearbox to my other 400 chassis 650 .
It has only been registered a few weeks and I have only covered a few hundred miles in it so far.
Compared to a standard 400 box that not in good condition ( these often jump out of third gear ) the Ford box is a major improvement . The ratios and syncro action are far better .

The basic steps involved in doing the conversion are as follows

Purchased reconditioned Ford Capri 2.8 litre Type 9 gearbox (the other Type 9 boxes have a shorter input shaft and the ratios are not as suitable)
New clutch plate to suit gearbox shaft
Modify bellhousing
Make adapter between bellhousing to gearbox
Fabricate bracket to fit to rear gearbox mounts
Make new tail shaft
Make new main gearbox cover
Modify rear gearbox cover
Buy right angle speedo drive
Make new speedo cable
Fit new gearbox carpet as gear lever is in different position
Shorten the handbrake lever
plus a few other small items

The Ford gearbox is not as a good in the shift as a remote shift Bristol Borg Warner box, the 1st gear is higher, 2,3&4 are almost the same , plus 5th is the bonus.

Interestingly on secondary roads at up to about 65 mph I did not use the 5th gear . But on the expressways at 70 - 80 mph I was in 5th but it would have happily cruised at those speeds in 4th with a standard gearbox.

In retrospect ,my recommendation is try to purchase a Bristol Borg Warner gearbox , it will fit without any major modification . But if you decide to fit a Type 9 I can help with further details and photos .

Attached are a few photos
Regards
Geoff

[STELLWAG P]

Dear Geoff.
I thank you very much for your quick and detailed answer. That sounds not to be a simple way. Maybe the better Option is a CR 5 box plus overdrive? And that would also be the more original way.
And. your 400 Convertible looks fantastic.
best regards
Peter