OK so after running our Tiger Supercat for a while with a MZR Duratec and Type 9 box the clutch has started to slip so decided to future proof the box
with a more modern alternative.
We've ordered a 5 speed box from a late 2ltr MX-5 Mk3 which I believe should bolt directly to our Duratec MZR engine. Had some quotes on
clutches so I believe this will all be quite straightforward.
The area's of concern or the unknown for me are:
Propshaft - I suspect we will require a new one. Does anyone have any advice on this?
Gear lever position - Will we require an extender system like what our type 9 box currently has?
Any advice much appreciated as we really want to crack on so if you know where parts can be bought or info regards making parts it would be much
appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Paul
Tiger SSC
220bhp on standard MZR Duratec engine with throttle bodies and mild camshaft upgrade.
Not 100% sure but don't the late model mx5 boxes sit at an angle to the engine?
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1968 Ford Anglia 105e, 1.7 Zetec SE, Mk2 Escort Workd Cup front end, 5 link rear
Build Blog - http://Anglia1968.weebly.com
I have an rx8 6 speed box, also came with a 5 speed, and the 6 speed is the same box (bar the bellhousing end) as in the mx5 mk3 and that has the same
gear stick position as the type 9 give or take a few mm.
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1968 Ford Anglia 105e, 1.7 Zetec SE, Mk2 Escort Workd Cup front end, 5 link rear
Build Blog - http://Anglia1968.weebly.com
So is the top one an RX8 5sp box? which apart from the bell housing you believe is the same as the late MX5 one?
Looking at the picture it does look like the box length is a little shorter than the type 9 when the bell housings are taken away which does suggest
we will need an extender for the gear lever because our current type 9 has one.
Tiger SSC
220bhp on standard MZR Duratec engine with throttle bodies and mild camshaft upgrade.
It is a 6 speed box but as the rx8 also came with the 5 speed box I assume the gear sticks are in the same position. There is a bit of perspective in
the photo, the boxes are within about 10mm from bellhousing face to stick.
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1968 Ford Anglia 105e, 1.7 Zetec SE, Mk2 Escort Workd Cup front end, 5 link rear
Build Blog - http://Anglia1968.weebly.com
The engine will cant over by 10 degrees with a mk3 box. Some of the TB suppliers do tbs with this in mind which is something I would investigate. I
believe you'll also need a mx5 clutch and fly assembly.
its the engine that sits over at an angle not the box, gear lever may be further back. Tunnel mods will be required to accomodate both the box width
and the bellhousing.
Go for 5 speed not 6 as the 5 is stronger.
Thanks for the reply
Yes we have purchased the 5 sp box.
I was hoping someone would have some idea's on the lever position as this will be one on my main concerns.
Tiger SSC
220bhp on standard MZR Duratec engine with throttle bodies and mild camshaft upgrade.
On the Westfield. Using an ecoboost (same block as duratec) the engine is ran canted over and the gearbox is upright. Gear lever is a little far
forward so uses a cranked lever. The one below was bought from vitesse. But you could probably make tour own.
quote:Originally posted by Fcck2000
Thanks for the reply
Yes we have purchased the 5 sp box.
I was hoping someone would have some idea's on the lever position as this will be one on my main concerns.
According to the CAD file I have of the 5-speed Mazda, and an old drawings of the Type 9 (usual disclaimers apply, since I don't have examples
of both boxes to hand to check these measurments), they're as near identical as makes no difference.
The 5-speed Mazda is 723 mm from the face of the bellhousing to the centreline of the gearlever. Ford Type 9 is 731mm. for the same dimension, so the
gearlever would sit about 8mm further forward on the Mazda.
And as has been said, the engine is canted over at 10 degrees, when it's bolted up to the Mazda gearbox.
Bit sad replying to myself LOL… thought I’d resurrect this old thread I started.
Eventually got around to making a start on doing this, just wondered if anyone else has done the conversion?
I now have the old type9 out ready to recon and sell. Certainly needs new bearings as the main shaft has a lot of play.
Bought a 5 speed N7 Mazda gearbox that will be connected to my 2ltr Mazda MZR engine. They are both from a MX-5 so expect they will bolt together no
problem.
The work I will have is move the engine forward by 1 inch. This will give clearance around the bell housing and bulkhead. It’s now an engine out job
to separate box and engine which isn’t ideal..
I still believe the main issue will be gear lever position. I need to move it 150mm ish towards the driver. The type9 has this installed but I can’t
find anyone who makes one for the N7 gearbox… Would have thought someone would be looking at making these by now with the shortage of type9s. Not to
mansion the cost of them!
Any pointers guidance much appreciated :-)
I’ll add a few pics of the 2 boxes side by side as they are quite similar in size.
I’ve been looking into this a little and have picked up an N7 box. Although not listed on there site Gbs have developed all sorts of bits for fitting
a Duratec to there car including angled sumps. And gear stick remotes. Raceline also do an angled sump for The Mzr combo.
That’s awesome just what I’ve been looking for. Spoke to Ben earlier and said send an email over. As they are only in Nottingham and I’m Leicester, I
think I’ll pop over. Does look like they have everything that I need. Glad I waited a few years now :-)
Thanks for the info and vid
Tiger SSC
220bhp on standard MZR Duratec engine with throttle bodies and mild camshaft upgrade.
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