E-type - recommended specialist for gearbox work?

[e42]

Hi,

I have a S1 4.2 (synchro gearbox) which has started to make ominous noises from the gearbox when idling, also noticeable in-gear with the exception of top gear.

Can anyone recommend a specialist who could properly diagnose the problem, be relied on to safely remove the engine (I'm a bit precious about taking care not to damage anything, no offence intended!)and repair the 'box?

I'm NW based but happy to travel (assuming the car is happy to travel, seems ok to drive at the moment).

Any suggestions very welcome - thank you!

Dom

[jith]

You have mail Dom.

J

[pb63]

Try http://www.butlinclassiccars.co.uk/

Very good and reliable.

[e42]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies thus far, much appreciated. Butlin and Sons have a feature in this month's JEC mag, coincidentally.

Regards,

Dom

[dinkel]

http://www.hardyengineering.co.uk/

Neil races with Jeremy Welch, ace guy.

[a8hex]

My Moss box was rebuilt by Overdrive Services in Derby (I think) they were the preferred people of the guys who were doing the work on my XK.

[mph]

Are you keen to keep it original ? Why not take the opportunity to drop in a 5 speed ?

Regarding specialists - the best gearbox specialist may not necessarily be the best people to remove and replace your engine. In fact they probably won't want to.

Personally I would find someone I could trust to remove/repace the engine and then get the box sent off to your/their preferred gearbox specialist.

[e42]

Hi,

I thought about a 5 speed, I think the options provided either a 20% or a 25% taller top gear. On reflection though, unless I was doing long distances on motorways (which I don't do very often) or planning to travel abroad (which I probably won't) I think the standard 'box has a nice set of ratios and top provides a good performance balance at around 25mph/1000rpm. Also, sounding a bit 'busy' on motorways keeps speeds down a bit!

[fareaster]

e42 said:

Hi,

I thought about a 5 speed, I think the options provided either a 20% or a 25% taller top gear. On reflection though, unless I was doing long distances on motorways (which I don't do very often) or planning to travel abroad (which I probably won't) I think the standard 'box has a nice set of ratios and top provides a good performance balance at around 25mph/1000rpm. Also, sounding a bit 'busy' on motorways keeps speeds down a bit!

Agree, won´t make any difference to the mpg, given the sort of usage my car gets. With the torque spread on my V12 a 2 speed would be adequate!

[e42]

Hi all,

A happy conclusion to this thread and one very happy customer!

After posting on here regarding my noisy gearbox (S1 4.2 synchro), James Lundy (www.jlmotorengineering.co.uk; jith on here) contacted me regarding diagnosis and repair. I took a trip up to Glasgow to meet James and discuss the work in more detail - James has a wealth of experience with running/repairing classic cars, Jaguar in particular, and is a real gentleman to boot.

Subsequently, James arranged to transport my car from Preston up to his workshop in Glasgow and completed all of the work in-house, including engine removal/refit and all repairs to the gearbox, reconditioned half shaft and propshaft and a number of other jobs at my request best done while the engine is out.

James kept me fully informed of progress and completed the work very quickly, despite some delay from one of the better known suppliers in providing a new mainshaft assembly for the 'box.

I drove the car home from Glasgow, a distance of over 200 miles, on a lovely sunny day - what a difference!

The car has never driven better, roll on summer and a big thank you to James for a superb job.

Dom

[jith]

Many thanks for that Dom; it's really nice to be appreciated. I'm going to do a post on the job as it was very interesting and just a bit challenging!!

James.