6 speed gearbox for the Elan

[curly type 26]

Must admit was originally intrigued by 6spd but have one in my 111R Elise & for normal driving tend to use 1,2.4,6th. maybe diff on track under race conditions? So i think for me a type 9 with BGH sporting close ratio's will be the way to go, Curly (but still watching progress with an open mind)

[worzel]

Hi Colin (Curly!)

Apologies for delay this end. I'm trying to get hold of some of the gearbox pictures you requested from a friend- but he appears to be away on holiday. I'll keep trying next week- if he still has the pictures they'll probably be more informative than my sketches.

Regards

John

[curly type 26]

Thanks John, sounds good, time i had a holiday too. But sketcheys will be fine if no photos available, dont worry wont be judging as my drawings are a bit like a chicken walked over paper with ink on feet. Curly

[JJDraper]

I think its worth re-iterating the point that the gearbox is not for really for track use. The ratios are pretty close to the Lotus 5 speed box (with a better change) and an extra extra overdrive for motorway work. Use the first four as if you have a standard bullet box and the other two for easy going between blats. It is not a close ratio 6 speed where you use all gears to max revs - that would require a mighty engine (hmm... a 210HP Zetec, plus this box, now that would be worth trying...)

My greatest regret is that my own car's rebuild was committed to a 4 speed box before this option was out of testing!

Jeremy

[Spyder fan]

3750 rpm = genuine 85 mph in 5th gear in my +2 zetec. Sometimes I look for 6th but thats only because my Mini has 6 speeds which incidentally reaches a genuine 90 mph at 3750 rpm .......... all checked by my tomtom satnav, so no real difference there.

The gear lever is 36mm further back than my old 4 speed box, but I can't say I have ever really noticed the difference, and the gear change is certainly better than than a Lotus 5 speed and nearly as good as a 4 speed.

The result is a good strong gearbox that is easy to use and relaxed at cruising, I regularly commute and listen to Terry Wogan in the morning at fast lane speed. The MT75 box fitted to my Zetec +2 is strong and reliable and would easily mate up to an LTC, Spyder already do the conversion and Butchering is too strong a word for re-trimming the centre console for where the gear lever fits.

[elansprint71]

Did anyone ever reach a conclusion with this thing? in other words:
Has the box been fitted and made to work?
Is it any good?
If so, how many units have been made?
Anyone here got one?
Any pictures?


etc.

[Bob]

Hi,
Yes, I have one in my S4 and its great. I also have a 3.55 diff fitted, so about 3200 /70 MPH very comfortable.
The first 4 gears are similar to the orginal box, 5th being 1 to 1 and 6 being .89 I had a 3.77 in which gave blistering acceleration in the 4 lower gears, but still up at 3700 or so at 70 in top the 3.55 at my age suits very well. I had a discussion with Ken on saturday about it.
Off to France in two weeks to give it a real run.
Bob

[elansprint71]

So; is Bob the only one?

How much to buy?

Any photos?

[Elanman99]

[quote="elansprint71"]So; is Bob the only one?

How much to buy?

Any photos?[/quote]


Photos of what?

The topic runs to 8 pages, I have tried reading it backwards and still do not know which gearbox is being discussed, other than it having six speeds.

Can anyone elaborate please.

Ian P

[elansprint71]

So; is Bob the only one?

How much to buy?

Any photos?

Photos of what?

The topic runs to 8 pages, I have tried reading it backwards and still do not know which gearbox is being discussed, other than it having six speeds.

Can anyone elaborate please.

Ian P

I think it's about the MX5/Miata gearbox but, as you imply, it's not the clearest of threads.

One might have thought that the perpetrators of this great idea would (given the limited market/sphere of interested folks) have been shouting from the roof-tops on the forum if, in fact, it does work.

Mazda parts are dirt cheap and I might just go out and buy ten MX5 boxes to go with the unwanted differentials on my shelves.

[Bob]

Hi,
No I am not the only one there are about six or so I believe, to look at it you would not notice the difference the gear stick is in the same place. See the photo.
I love it, I do get tied up sometime between 4th and 6th but then I did on my 993 aswell so thats me not the gearbox.
Will let you have a report after trip to France.
Bob

[elansprint71]

Thanks Bob, look forward to hearing from you. Have a good trip.

[GrUmPyBoDgEr]

I hope that the 4th, 6th confusion doesn't happen on down changes?
That can push an engine well over its safe rev limit & cause valves to make freinds with pistons.

John

[elansprint71]

I hope that the 4th, 6th confusion doesn't happen on down changes?
That can push an engine well over its safe rev limit & cause valves to make freinds with pistons.

John

Would that situation not require a 7th gear?

[Bob]

No I have made sure Pistons and Valves dont get mixed up, I have a Omex rev limiter fitted currently set at 5500 but I might change that to 6000 RPM
Bob