Convert Marina Gearbox to LHD

[marina12]

Anything in this from Retrorides- not a recommendation:
https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/20 ... ki-gearbox
https://barrattengineering.co.uk/

[david painter]

RWD gearboxes thin on the ground today the road rally boys are using MX5 and RX7 gearboxes in the Escorts arnt built with mega money parts ie Millington engines Quaife gearboxes and Atlas axles. Worth considering is the Getrag 240 5 speed gearbox as fitted to BMW E30 E36 316/318 this is a short light compact very robust gearbox with remote gear change. On the Negative side has integeral bellhoushing and no speedo drive as they were electronic from the diff it is already Hydraulic clutch though a mechanical speed drive box car be found in late E21 but these are very rare.
Dave

[trunnions ftw]

The beauty of an A series and engines of their ilk lies in the backplate being able to be remade to accept any old bellhousing within reasonable constraints, I'd look at a Suzuki jimny gearbox as its compact and very refined in design infact I'll be looking at this more closely as I'll be doing a 5 speed swap on my 1.7 ital eventually!

[MarinaCoupe]

The Suzuki Jimny gearbox is 5 speed as mentioned earlier, however it’s not 4 speed plus overdriven 5 gear like an MX5 or Type 9 gearbox. The Suzuki gearbox is 5 close ratio gears with top being 1:1, so you have no advantage over your existing Marina gearbox once in top gear.

[balmy]

Just as a btw - Type 9 sits at the same revs in fifth as mine does with standard gearbox and 3.27 diff and smaller circumference tyres than standard.

[MarinaCoupe]

Just as a btw - Type 9 sits at the same revs in fifth as mine does with standard gearbox and 3.27 diff and smaller circumference tyres than standard.

Yes the Type 9 overdrive is about 17% higher than 1:1.

[MarinaCoupe]

Looking at the front of the Getrag BMW gearbox, the angled BMW engine puts the starter motor on the top of the engine. Obviously that wouldn’t work with the upright Marina/Ital engines, so if you wanted to mount the Marina/Ital starter motor in it’s normal position, you would need to chop the alloy bellhousing about a bit.

[trunnions ftw]

Pre m13A gearboxs have the 0.86 fifth and there's a 0.79 version also for earlier engines
I also like the look of the 2.4 duratorq gearbox as that's got a compact bellhousing and the 4 bolt version uses a conventional prop joint rather than the donut

[locost_bryan]

The Suzuki overdrive 5-speed was also used in the Carry van with the G13 engine.

First gear is 3.652:1 compared to the Marina's 3.412, so a taller 3.89 diff (from a 1.3 Ital, Triumph 1500, Some Spitfires) would give the same acceleration from a standing start. Could probably get away with a 3.63 from a 1800 Marina.

Fitting kit available from Barratt Engineering.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our A-Series 5 speed gearbox kits for MG Midgets and Austin Healey Sprites, for £2200.
The Suzuki Jimny gearbox provides synchromesh on all gears, a 5th gear for cruising and the durable reliability needed for high performance. Combined with an improved clutch system, lightweight flywheel and high torque starter motor, this kit will transform your car without compromise.
Included is all of the hardware needed for an easy to fit, bolt-in conversion, down to the last gasket. We can even provide a refurbished gearbox.