T9 5 speed conversion

[mbell]

In the US, a better option is probably to piece together a T5 based conversion or fit one of the newer tremex boxes. For example : https://www.tremec.com/menu.php?m=184

You'll need to sort the bell housing, propshaft and clutch but transmission should be available and not need shifter location mods.

[alanr]

i realise there is lots of past information from years ago on the why's, wherefore's and possibilities of fitting a T5 in an Elan or +2 but do we actually know of anyone who has successfully fitted a T5 or Tremec gearbox in a standard Lotus chassis and mated it to a twincam?

Alan.

[h20hamelan]

Think the TKO and TKX are a bit wide. Guess I should measure mine to confirm.
The V8 T5 is rated to 350hp, so overkill in my books.
Also, the 4cyl T5 found in Mustangs etc has probably had an easier life. But, I believe the reason for a Tremec would be the availability of gears and internals. No other offering has this, or your making it.
Used in millions of USA cars from 1984 through 2002, Chev Camero, S-10 truck (this tail shaft), Mustangs etc.

They fit the Spyder (thank You mbell) and standard chassis. Though not with standard angled speedo, but a GPS is $200 so not so bad.

I should probably gather up a few crates to ship to the UK, but they have become sort of scarce (4cyl T5’s) the last few years. Still lots of V8 T5’s, about $600 - $2500.

[mbell]

do we actually know of anyone who has successfully fitted a T5 or Tremec gearbox in a standard Lotus chassis and mated it to a twincam?

I have certainly seen post on here where people have managed it. Not very many threads as you need the right combination of t5 parts and I don't with there was a production car made with the right combination. So you have to get together the right bits from multiple gearboxes.

So a t5 swap is a pain but t9 are rare boxes over here, so not as good candidate as in Europe.

Think the TKO and TKX are a bit wide. Guess I should measure mine to confirm.

Possible, I've not measured or tried, so would be good to know.

The tkx looks quite small and has option for a very forward gearstick position. So if it fits it could be a good option.

Like the t5 they are a bit overkill for power handling but have to take what you can get...

(thank You mbell)

[berni29]

Hi Guys

Just to add to this thread, here is a picture of my T9 relocated gearbox compared to a 4sp, and another picture of this actual gearbox in the plus 2 with a standard chassis. The chassis did have to be cut a bit at the Y, but not excessively so. I have a pic of the chassis somewhere.

All the best

Berni

[koobs90]

Friend of mine spoke to Mr voigt about parts of the conversion kit, waiting to hear back if its possible.

[2cams70]

Aside from the weight the bigger the gearbox the more you lose out on shift feel. Big heavy gears inside the gearbox means lots of internal inertia. The big heavy gears take a lot of slowing down and speeding up between gearchanges. The synchro action is therefore a lot slower than in a gearbox with lighter internals. You lose out on that delightful "snick, snick" feel that the standard 4 speed box has. Have you ever driven a heavy duty truck with say a 9 speed syncromesh gearbox? I can assure you despite the synchromesh the shift feel is most certainly not "snick, snick". A gearbox designed for a V8 behind a Twin Cam? I shake my head.

[koobs90]

I have driven a 1967 f650 dump truck when I worked for a pool company back in the 80's, big giant steering wheel big tall shifter, had to double clutch all the time, kinda fun but not slick. I will put the 4spd in before I go t5.

[koobs90]

Berni29, how do you like it? Shift good?

[alanr]

Hi Berni,
That does not look like the usual 'cut and shut' that is usually done on the T9 tailshaft you have there. It looks like a completely new gearstick tower has been fabricated. I wonder why they didn't go with the usual method?
I understand you acquired this gearbox with other purchases but do you you know the back story to who and why this was done like this?...and is this a better/easier method I wonder?

Alan.

[englishmaninwales]

Edited! Rereading I think 2cams70 was referring to the T5 rather than T9.
Doh!

[The Veg]

I thought I'd read that the V8 Mustang T5's big selling point was that the ratio-set for 1-4 was pretty close to what's in the Lotus 'box. I do know a forum-member who is working on a T5 for his Elan but I don't know if he'll see the question here in the +2 section, so try posting it in the powertrain section.

[alanr]

A very nice surprise for me on Wednesday was a call from Alan Voigts to say my T9 conversion with the optional extra 2.89 1st gear was all done and ready for collection.
So I have just driven up to Wallasey today and collected it. I had a really good chat with Alan Voigts over his T9 conversion and after asking him seemingly umpteen questions over fitment I came away really pleased.
The total time from placing the order to receiving the T9 conversion has been just 8months and not the 18months or more I had been anticipating!
I now just need to find some time now to get stuck in and fit it into my +2
Can't wait to try it out!

Alan

[nmauduit]

A very nice surprise for me on Wednesday was a call from Alan Voigts to say my T9 conversion with the optional extra 2.89 1st gear was all done and ready for collection.
...
Can't wait to try it out!
Alan

please post about the full experience when you get a chance (esp. the touch and feel of the gears, esp. 1st), thank you !

[alanr]

A very nice surprise for me on Wednesday was a call from Alan Voigts to say my T9 conversion with the optional extra 2.89 1st gear was all done and ready for collection.
...
Can't wait to try it out!
Alan

please post about the full experience when you get a chance (esp. the touch and feel of the gears, esp. 1st), thank you !

Will do...It may be a few weeks though. Too many other things non Lotus on the go at the moment unfortunately.

Alan.