Discussion
Hi,
I’m planning a v8 conversion of a B and looking at gearbox options.
It seems like an r380 or MX5 mk3 kit are the obvious options (the BGT v8 box having a dreadful reputation and LT77’s being a bit agricultural vs the r380).
Has anyone got any experience of these in a v8?
My worry is the Mazda box is too light; I’d really want a T5 (had one in a Chimaera) but it’s more work than I want to do.
Any thoughts welcome (apart from ‘buy another Chinaera’)
I’m planning a v8 conversion of a B and looking at gearbox options.
It seems like an r380 or MX5 mk3 kit are the obvious options (the BGT v8 box having a dreadful reputation and LT77’s being a bit agricultural vs the r380).
Has anyone got any experience of these in a v8?
My worry is the Mazda box is too light; I’d really want a T5 (had one in a Chimaera) but it’s more work than I want to do.
Any thoughts welcome (apart from ‘buy another Chinaera’)
I’ve just got a V8 Sebring with a LT77 in it and as you say a bit agricultural sounds like straight cut gears at times. I will be planning a Mazda box in the future, the kit is around £2300 and includes everything, clutch assy, prop shaft, brackets etc....Been watching vids by RPI in Norwich and ratios seem good for the 3.5 although I have a 3.9 stage 2.
I have a Vitesse (MX5) box now in my early factory V8. The original box was coming to the end of its days after 45 years of good service and a rebuild didn't seem like the sensible option in this intrinsically weak box in the V8 application. Vitesse fitted it (for a very reasonable fee) and the difference is litterally night and day.
The box feels so right for the car and the ratios are perfect. No more overdrive, which is a shame, but the 5th gear ratio is virtually identical to the o/d.
I really can't recommend it enough. Have a word with the boys at Vitesse Global Ltd, they're very friendly and really helpful.
PS. Yes, I know it's not original on an otherwise original factory V8 but the driving improvement means I really have squared this one with myself, no question!
The box feels so right for the car and the ratios are perfect. No more overdrive, which is a shame, but the 5th gear ratio is virtually identical to the o/d.
I really can't recommend it enough. Have a word with the boys at Vitesse Global Ltd, they're very friendly and really helpful.
PS. Yes, I know it's not original on an otherwise original factory V8 but the driving improvement means I really have squared this one with myself, no question!
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