I am now looking for a gearbox to fit to my zetec. i dont really want to go the scrapyard root, but i dont want to spend a fortune, I have heard that first on a type 9 is a little too short.

Can anyone help

Thanks, Gaz

It is indeed.

Mor specifically, it is the gap between 1st and 2nd that is the big issue. That's why people like BGH Geartech do a long first gear set.

Conversely, my old xflow gearbox has a much closer 1st - 2nd gap, and I reckon I can live without a 5th gear, so may leave it in.

[Edited on 15/12/07 by zilspeed]

Gaz,

As you know, I've been considering this - for me, the issue is that the engine runs out of revs at around 25mph. The rest of the gears are fine, so a higher ratio diff won't help.

BGH prices are 'competitive', i.e. cheaper than Quaife, but still a fair amount of cash - not much change out of £300 for a gear kit (and you'll still want gaskets, seals, etc on top of that) or not much change out of £500 for a fully refurbished and guaranteed exchange box. The refurb box sounds a lot, but when you add up all the extras it's not much dearer than the gear kit. The main gain is that 1st would be good for 40+ mph, which is a significant difference. Note: these prices are for the 'up to 145BHP' stuff - higher-power stuff is a fair bit more expensive.

I'm holding off for the moment as I'm concentrating on the bike carb installation. I rarely use 1st once I'm rolling, so for me the gains would be small in comparison with the amount of cash required.

cheers,
David

You might do well looking into fitting a Capri 2.8i box then. Dont have the details but i believe the main shaft needs modifying (shortening??) to allow it to fit. Worth a search on here anyway for more info - or i'm sure someone will know anyway.

Keep an eye on ebay for a Tran-x or Quaiffe type 9 box also

The solution for fitting the V6 box to a straight 4 engine is to fit the 30mm Caterham gearbox spacer between the Type 9 V6 box and the straight 4 bell housing then the longer QH133 (8mm thicker) clutch release bearing.
If you fit this first then no problems b ut if you retro fit as i have then the gearbox goes back 30mm with a shorter prop or the engine goes forward 30mm with associated engine mount and exhaust location moving forward as well.
The better first (3.36) will allow close to 35 mph with a 3.9 diff and over 60 in second (1.81)

[Edited on 15/12/07 by snapper]

V6 box, spacer and RS2000 bell housing
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i have attach an excel gear speed calculator

[Edited on 15/12/07 by snapper]

I recognise that!!

Aim for the old 2000e ratios for the lower gears --- istr the V6 type 9 box is quite close to this.

thanks chaps, it is great to have a few ideas.

i will get xmas out the way then i will go shopping.

do you think i can get one in the sales