Ford X flow engine to 5 Speed box conversion.

[Harvey]

I'm thinking of fitting a Ford Type 9 V6 5 SP box (not type N Sierra) to my Kent X flow engine and wondered if any of you have done this before?
The car currently has a hydraulic Clutch MK 1 Cortina and it would be simpler to keep if possible?
Presumably I will need a Bell Housing alloy RS2000 or Iron Sierra? Anyone got one spare?
I have heard I need a 1” spacer between the Bell housing and engine with the V6 box as it is supposed to have a longer input shaft? Is this right?
Presumably I will need a different clutch? Anyone know what sort & size I need?
What about Pilot bearings to fit in the flywheel? Imperial to metric?
Presumably I will need a different clutch slave cylinder and operating arm?
Presumably I will need a different starter motor because I think it fits the other side of the engine but will it fit the Kent flywheel?
My prop shaft will no doubt have the wrong ends and need shortening too I suspect but what will I need?
I’m sure various Ford magazines have written articles on this conversion before as hundreds of Escorts have been converted but I haven’t managed to find much out as yet. It would be nice to buy the parts I need before I rip the car apart to same time!
I’ve found some info from NZ on the net but some of the details are sketchy.

Alternative options to modernise the car?

It seems that most new Ginetta’s are fitting Zetecs and the MT75 box which would be another more expensive option but where are the RWD boxes from, Transits, and I doubt these will be a direct fit to Kent or Zetec are they?
The Rover engine is another option but that would also need an expensive gearbox conversion?
Cheers for any advice in advance.
Harvey

[Purple AK]

Have a look on here under Gearbox, May answer a few questions www.robs7.com/

[justin s]

why the v6 gearbox.Is it because of the gear ratios? You could get the gears transfered into a sierra type 9 box and have it looked over.It would make more sense.I know that people do machine down the primary that slots into the crankshaft,but only when the gearbox is in bits.I've never heard of the spacer thing.I have changed the box from a 4 speed to 5 using the type 9 sierra.You will need a sierra clutch plate with the same amount of splines in the centre as the primary.You re-use the clutch cover.You 'might' have to change the propshaft to gearbox joint.The gearbox (if you use the type 9) sits in a different place,so you will need to mod the rear mount.As for the starter,it will stay the same.God knows what you could use if you have the plate made up.The best ratio's to use is from the last of the Capri type 9's .I believe they are the same as the v6 but no machining to do,but are very rare these days.I have the sierra box and although the 1st gear is very short,seems fine for 180bhp for now.What are you using the car for?

[Purple AK]

Harvey.
Just read this again along with your other post. If you want to keep with a hydraulic clutch. go for the normal Type 9 and use a Wilwood puller slave cylinder. It just replaces the cable. Used it on my Cobra, 351c T5 combo and it works a treat. www.cobraclub.com/cobragallery/showphoto.php/photo/3262/password/decda35cca16860782ef498a6da4efe0/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

[harvey]

Thanks for the replies so far. I was advised to buy a V6 type 9 as the ratio's were supposed to be better and it has an extra bearing at the front which makes it heavy duty? I have bought the box now and cannot identify it properly but it did have the V6 bell housing on it and its stamped 1986? The box is supposed to be a recon but I have no evidence to prove it as I bought it privately so I don't know if it’s any good till I try it so it’s a gamble really.
I have a 4 speed Kent powered G4 Ginetta which is too low geared for the longer trips I do, hence the conversion.
I believe the input shaft is the main problem on the V6 box as it’s an inch longer so I plan the compare it to a mates type nine box to check this is what I have. If this is the case does it come out easily and can it be swapped for a shorter shaft or be machined? I believe the front oil seal is week point, which should be replaced also, but I don’t feel confident about stripping the whole box.
I also have no bell housing as yet so I'm at stalemate. Ideally I’d like a lightweight alloy RS2000 one but there are not many about nowadays.
Anyone know where I can buy new seals and parts for the box?
That willwood puller looks interesting but expensive and I have also been told its possible to fit an internal slave cylinder on the shaft but I'm not sure which one it is? Mondeo? The racing ones shown in Demon Tweeks are again very very expensive and I'm trying to keep my budget down to a minimum.
I plan to start dismantling soon now the holidays are over but keep the advice coming please.
Cheers

[justin s]

wht not just change the diff ratio,rather than the box,if the gears are'nt long enough?.The four speeder I took out of my Westie seem more sprightly than the 5 speed type 9 I put in.
If you do decide to fit the box and you ned to strip down the box to change the gears,then I would put all new seals on it anyway.

[studog]

If you do go down the rebuild route Burtons do all the gaskets etc (www.burtonpower.com) They may well also be able to help with advice. There is a fair bit of info in their catalogue.

A couple of points occur to me:-
if you do need a spacer the standard crossflow starter can still be used as it needs to engage in the flywheel ring gear rather than having much to do with the gear box.
I belive the bell housing bolt holes are the same regardless of which ford box / engine combo you use so the spacer can be quite simple if required.
Bear in mind if you do space the box you may also need to space the clutch release bearing out from the arm to compensate.
If it is a case of wanting generally higher gearing to make cruising quieter it may well be easier to change the diff. This would improve things a bit any way as the standard ford ratios are very low for first and second anyway, unless you have the mexico box.

I hope this is of some help.

Stu