5-speed gearboxes.

[rodslot53]

I own a 74 Elan +2s 130/5 which is fitted with the Lotus 5 speed box which I understand uses Maxi internals. I find the change, particularly 2nd to 3rd difficult, and also 5th to 4th.
What are the options available for a replacement gearbox which would give a better, more positive gearchange.
Rod.

[mbell]

Voights offer a type 9 conversion kit but not cheap and long wait. It might also not quiet a bolt in and forget setup as you would expect.

Personally I find the shift on my 5 speed quite good and if yours isn't it might be easy to improve it. There a few key things:
1) Gearstick in good condition, especially the lower ball
2) Reduce the 5th gear detent pressure
3) Use a good gear oil like Redline MTL
4) Ensure the clutch is operating correctly and no drag
5) ensure the internal alignment of the shift mechanism is good

1), 2) and 3) can easily be done with th gearbox in the car. For 1 make sure to put it in gear before removing the gearstick for inspection. 2) can be done by adding an extra washer under the dome nut on the under side, you might lose a small amount of oil but not much and doesn't require draining the box.

[The Veg]

Welcome Rod! I don't have the information to hand right now, but there's an old article floating around that details several mods that improve the shifting; I think it includes some of what mbell suggested.

Also a few US enthusiasts are working on converting the T5 gearbox, however their conversions depend on some bits that might not be available in your part of the world.

[Lyn7]

Hi Rod. I use the same gearbox in my Sprint. I have non of the issues you mention and suggest the easiest might be to investigate the faults? If you search the forum there is a link to a rebuild which may have been done by a continental chap? Sorry cannot remember his nationality! Don't assume any of the replacement kits/boxes are an easy swap. There are issues with all the options, so fixing what you have might be the easiest.
Good luck, Lyn.

[Lyn7]

Hi again Rod. Just found my copy of the article I was referring to!! It was written by Victor Hollnagel and he is a Dutchman. It is very comprehensive and at a quick glance I now remember making a new gear stick as per his directions. A Google search might work.
Cheers, Lyn..

[The Veg]

Hollnagel is the one I was referring to as well; couldn't think of the name at that moment. No personal experience as yet, but I've heard good about these mods.

[john.p.clegg]

If you are going to follow the guide mentioned above , I'd take a good look at his recommendation re. the selector , ie. making a square selector "finger" , good for 1st, 2nd,3rd and 4th but as for reverse and 5th It just will not work.....

John

[gjz30075]

The Hollnagel paper: http://gglotus.org/ggtech/elan-5spd/elan5spd.pdf

[rodslot53]

Thank you for all the responses re. the gearbox. I have downloaded the Hollnagel info, and reading through it to decide what to do. Will report back once I have made some progress.
Rod.