Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Looks like its close
Anyone know if this would fit our cars?
I am hoping to collect one and see

http://the-mite.com/mite18.htm

A very interesting suggestion.

I have had a quick look at the website and this seems an "easy way" to modify the gearbox by simply shortening the selector by 103.5mm.

Is this far enough?

It certainly looks an interesting avenue to work on and as a slight improvement, some sort of nylon block could be machined up to be bolted /shimmed between the underside of the "tower" and the top of the gearbox tail to take away any unnecessary strain / movement on the linkage.

The MX5 gearbox has an integral bell housing and the overall unit is quite long, so first order of business would be getting it mated up to the Twin Cam and fitting the chassis. And the starter location would be an issue as it's right where the exhaust wants to be.

Unless you are thinking about installing the entire MX5 engine/gearbox, which is an entirely different discussion.

Steve

The NA/NB gearboxes do have indeed have this technical hitch...which dampens enthusiasm unless a Mazda Duratec engine is used!

Caterham Parts sell a the gearbox without the integrated bellhousing but of course the selector tower is different.
https://caterhamparts.co.uk/gearboxes/6 ... ation.html.

I will do some more research.

yes
Duratecs for the lot of y'all
and I

As there are off the shelf triggers and standalone computers these days $400 for the Duratec.
I had planned on collecting a box and lump tomorrow!

Making mods to the frame to accept the lump should be the only big issue anyone may have, and the mounts

note on MX5 Duratec 2.3 2.5 which puts it too high and low in the engine bay.

I plan on the Focus engine $150 and a shorter block 2.0l and changing the valve cover and sump pan to MX5

The issue I am having with it, is it is only in the NA 90-97 MX5
There really are not great gear options for it, though it would be fine in the +2 I believe.
The T5 Tremec still makes the most sense, better ratios and availability. So back at the RWDMOTORSPORTS.COM $400 option.

There is a good chance when I am in the big city next, I will collect a box and give it a shot. If anyone has the chance or knows someone who has attempted a NA 90-97 box fitting could please post comments.

More…
The early trans is not for a Duratec, ah well!

Any progress on the mx5 gearbox?
I bought one to explore whether it was possible to move the shifter position to suit.
Having stripped the box it seems doable.
It’s a 3 rail box like the elan, but the shifter rails are offset to one side which would allow the operating rod to be extended forward and allow the shifter tower to be repositioned. Whether I have the skills to achieve this remains to be seen!
All fun and games

I still have failed to acquire one. In 3000km, only 1 available.
Though i would like a couple (3), i will need to source some

There has been an MX5 box conversion done successfully in the past.
It involved quite a lot of mainly, aluminium cutting and welding to reposition the turret and alter the bell housing to mate with the TC engine.
The owner has since sold the Sprint into which it was originally fitted.
The new owner of the Sprint has since removed the 6 speed box, returning the car to its original 4 speed configuration.
Pictures may be made available of the 6sp. box if required.

That would probably be good, to have the photos

I believe the 5 speed is smaller, easier to fit.

The 03-08 5 speed fits the Duratec.

Hi,
In answer to your original post, the alteration shown to the shifter position is about 4inches
To be in the right place in an elan the shifter needs to be moved forward about 9 inches. A more complicated proposition but achievable, I think!