More sporting gear ratios

[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