6 Speed Gearbox for Triumph Spitfire

[Spitfire73]

Hi All,

New to the game, I have long been a fan of the GT6 and Spitfire and finally purchased a MKIV,

Its in need of a lot of TLC and then some,

I really want to put a GT6 Engine in there, but ideally I would also like a 6 speed gearbox,

I have seen alot of posts on engine transplants etc, but few on gearbox's, only ford 5 speed conversions,

I would ideally like to put a 6 speed in there, anyone done this so far?

[itiejim]

Don't think there is going to be an easy conversion out the tbh, but then, why would you want to bother? The T9 Ford box is fairly light, reliable and cheap. You can get the final drive right with the CWP and you really don't need any more intermediate gears with the torque of an old Triumph engine.

[niva441]

You get 6 ratios with the overdrive unit. Although why do you think you'll need 6 ratios. More ratios generally implies to me there is a lack of torque or narrow powerband, are you intending to tune the engine?

[garagewidow]

good luck finding a 6speed that will fit without major chassis mods,as said an o/d will provide theoretically 6 ratios,if using saloon/tr box can even have 7 by fitting an extra switch where the blank plug is on the remote linkage housing.

[Spitfire2]

As already said the overdrive unit gives 6 speeds. It's also great fun to use.

There is no reason to consider fitting a conventional 6 speed - or viable way to do so.

Ford type-9 is the usual option for a 5 speed but those I know who have done it have found it problematic.

For best Triumph experience an OD is the way to go.

[Spitfire2]

As already said the overdrive unit gives 6 speeds. It's also great fun to use.

There is no reason to consider fitting a conventional 6 speed - or viable way to do so.

Ford type-9 is the usual option for a 5 speed but those I know who have done it have found it problematic.

For best Triumph experience an OD is the way to go.

[Spitfire73]

Thanks for the input guys, its much appreciated,

My overdrive doesn't work and looks like it needs a lot of tlc to get it back up and running, but it sounds as if this is probably the best route to go in the short term,

Many thanks

[davepoth]

Spitfire73 said:

Thanks for the input guys, its much appreciated,

My overdrive doesn't work and looks like it needs a lot of tlc to get it back up and running, but it sounds as if this is probably the best route to go in the short term,

Many thanks

It's either an electrical or oil level issue, which should be easily sorted. Overdrive units are incredibly robust and the only thing that really can go wrong with it are the clutch cones wearing out, but they would result in no drive at all, so it's not them.

[330p4]

The lare mazda MX5 sport has a 6 speed box but hard to find & alot of work to fit
Ian

[theoriginaltwig]

As already mentioned an overdrive not operating is a very simple fix 90% of the time. If it's not working at all it's probably going to be a dodgy connection on the wiring loom due to the dodgy connections. It only takes around 60 minutes to have the tunnel up and attacking the overdrive loom and gearstick with a soldiering iron and crimps can work wonders!

[monkfish1]

Get it working in 2nd as well and you can have 7 gears. Did this in my dolly sprint. Fantastic!

[SantaPod]

Put the SD1 gearbox in my GT6.... but that'll only get you 5.

[racingsnake]

Caterham do a 6 speed Ford Type 9 gearbox, I know cos my mate just fitted a 6 speed Type 9 to his Slyva Striker.
There's a Ford Type 9 conversion for Triumph bellhousings so it possible...
Considering this for my 2.5 Vitisse at the mo'.

[330p4]

Caterham 6 speed is fine for a race car but only 1:1 sixth gear no overdriven gears
Ian

[jellison]

Why - a TR overdrive on the back give 6 or 7 ratios!

[davegt6]

Can't figure why you want 6 speed unless you're so used to driving a diesel that you have to change gear every 500rpm! Go for Type 9. I've had Westfield, Spitfire and GT6 all fitted with them. Bullet proof even in 200BHP 6cyl - easy to fit as all the parts available, quickshift if you want too. All the gears you need just make sure you have the diff ratio for what you want the car to be used for.