MX5 gearbox into midget 1500

[skellywelly]

Hi everyone.

I have just purchased a Mazda MX5 MK1 gearbox, its the NA type with the exposed shift rail.

My plan is to fit this gearbox into a 1975 1500 midget.

So..

It would appear that the midget gearbox is 25 inches from the gear lever to the front face. ( is this correct ? the gearbox is still in the car so its difficult to measure)
The MX5 gearbox is 32 inches so I will need to move the gear lever forwards and shorten the shift rail, this should be achievable.
Has anyone done this to one of these boxes ?
Any tips ?

Do any of you know if the gearbox will fit in the existing transmission tunnel or will I need to get jiggy with the grinder ?

Any thoughts on speedo drive ?

Is there an existing adaptor plate that is available for this conversion ?

Any other ideas, help or inspiration, feel free to chip in.

Cheers.
Skelly.

[Flying Phil]

If you are a member of the "Midget and Sprite Club" they have very good technical experts who might be able to help you. A more usual gearbox swap is the "Ford type 9" I believe. Mind you I have put a Rover 4 speed gearbox in my Sprite....together with the V8....so most things are possible!