Semi close, Close or Ultra close???

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

Hello,

I am digging in the subject of gearbox ratios but it is very confusing as you all seem to know what you re talking about. It feels like I missed the 15 first minutes of the movie!

I beleive I have the 2000E Semi close ratio gear box on my sprint.

As I have to rebuild the gearbox would it be interesting to consider other option such as the Close gear box ratios (1st 2.250, 2nd 1.660, 3rd 1.220) or the ultra close ( 1st 2.250 ; 2nd : 1.495, 3rd 1.168)

Can someone explain me what would it change when driving the car? it seems obvious to you but I need to read an explanation in normal and simple words.

Thanks!

[jono]

The close ratio box provides a taller first gear and stacks the final ratios closer together which keeps the engine on song.

I understand it makes the car a little more tricky to get off the line, especially with a 3.55 diff, but that is probably not such an issue on the Elan as with the heavier Plus 2.

If you can find a close ratio box then kill for it as they are exceedingly hard to get a hold of. You can buy an aftermarket cluster but they are straight cut and so will be very noisy for a road car.

Jon

[Mazzini]

I have a close ratio (2.5/1 first) box, a tuned 135bhp motor and a 3.5 diff in my S3 and I couldn't imagine a better set of fast road gears... I'm too old for a traffic light GP anyway

[msd1107]

I too for years had the 2.51 cr 1st with the 3.55 diff and also 185/70-13 (and previously 165-13) tyres.

Easy to get started, even with a passenger or up a hill. Stop and traffic was no problem, just idle along in 1st gear until the traffic clears. No need to choose between lugging the engine in 2nd or buzzing the engine in 1st.

This was a daily driver, even on LA's mobile parking lot morning freeways.

For me, it was a jerkier process getting started with the lower 2.97 1st gear and/or 3.77 or 3.9 diff.

David
1968 36/7988

[Tahoe]

I call the ratios wide, semi close, and close ratios.

My first Elan had the close ratio gears, and I loved them, and I didn't have any issues with first gear take offs. My current car has wide ratio gears and I hate them, so I've also got some semi close gears to install when time permits. From what I understand the semi close with 3:90 gears is a good combination for everyday driving, especially where I live, where speed limits are never more than 55, unless I get 50 miles from home. I'm sure you'll feel good with semi close, or close ratio gears, but I would avoid the wide ratio gears if you can.

As a side, it seems that there is a market for a close ratio gear set that isn't straight cut. Has anyone heard of anybody that might be willing to reproduce them?

[Rozzer]

FWIW I have the ultra-close ratio box and short ratio diff and it makes for a swift turn of speed, but hard work on the engine at motorway speeds (which unfortunately you have to use to get anywhere here in Australia!) - 70 miles an hour is 4,500rpm!

Overall I would recommend this set up as it makes the car a hoot to drive, but if long distances (e.g. historic rallies) are your thing, perhaps opt for taller gearing.

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

I decided not to change ratio i stick to the set up i currently have.
Just need to have that gearbox 42 years old refreshed!

[robertverhey]

Very subjective of course, but in the lotus cortina I run a semi close with 3.54 diff centre sourced from an escort 2 litre.... this seems to be the optimum touring/freeway combo for me. Also I tow a trailer occasionally, so with an ultra close I think I'd struggle a bit getting away on any sort of hill with a decent load in tow. But keen to give it a try if anyone wants a swap!