13 replies to this topic

[DemBeardz]

Hi,

I have the later A+ shell waiting for an engine. I have purchased a complete early A series engine with remote style box to fit finding out I'm going have to modify the tunnel, I have a later rod style box and would like to know if I would run into any compatability issues fitting it to the earlier block. (drop gears verto/pre verto etc)

Thank You in advance

[Spider]

The early Rod Shift will fit your engine generally without issue.

 

You'll either want the matching transfer housing, as the idler gear bearing is smaller, or you'll need to fit an adaptor to the A+ one, though, this is less desirable, as once fitted, these are difficult to remove without damaging the housing.

 

You'll also need a Primary Gear and Idler Gear, both pre-A+.

[GraemeC]

Think there is a bit of a mix up of terms here - there is no such thing as an A+ shell.

 

If I'm interpreting it right, you have a shell with a rod change tunnel, a whole power unit with a remote change 'box and a separate rod change 'box.

The remote 'box will have the early small diameter idler gear shaft, the rod change could have the same or the later larger diameter one - we'd need more info to be sure (photo, casing number, details of the engine it came from).

 

If the rod change has the small shaft idler then you'll be able to simply swap the 'box.  If it has the large diameter idler then you will need to fit a corresponding drop gear case and set of drop gears (primary, idler and input).   

Edited by GraemeC, 26 January 2017 - 09:12 AM.

[nicklouse]

to sum up. (forgetting the magic wand box) there are two types of gear change remote housing type and rod type. any block can be used on any box (some early ones have internal clearance issues with the 1275 blocks).

the gearbox need to match the transfer case, NOTE the rod type box come in two flavors, A Idler and A+ idler. note also the drop gear assy also need to match (all three).

 

matching gear box/linkage to body shell is good but then you can drop whatever block you wish onto it.

 

simples.

[DemBeardz]

Thank you for the replies I think I've got it. so I can use the A series block with A+ rod box (from an 88 metro) as long as I use the matching transfer casing for the gearbox?

[panky]

And the A+ drop gears

[Cooperman]

In the past I have fitted a remote change to a later type shell. You have to make the remote end bracket fit, which is not too difficult.

That way you have the much better remote change together with better engine location.

[DemBeardz]

In the past I have fitted a remote change to a later type shell. You have to make the remote end bracket fit, which is not too difficult.
That way you have the much better remote change together with better engine location.

How was the exhaust fitment, I was under the impression the tunnel needed extensive mods. From what I've read it's meant to be a smoother gear change.

[DemBeardz]

And the A+ drop gears

Yes. Drops as well, thank you.

[nicklouse]

In the past I have fitted a remote change to a later type shell. You have to make the remote end bracket fit, which is not too difficult.
That way you have the much better remote change together with better engine location.

How was the exhaust fitment, I was under the impression the tunnel needed extensive mods. From what I've read it's meant to be a smoother gear change.

Exhaust fits as normal. Yes you need to cut some the metal around the gear stick opening.

[nicklouse]

Remote housing in an 88 shell.

[DemBeardz]

Remote housing in an 88 shell.

Ah that means I could keep the block and box matching. I was under the impression that the mods were quite substantial. Do you have a build journal?
Thanks for the photo.

[Cooperman]

When I did it I cut the correct sized hole, then fitted the original type of rear metalastic bush and bracket. I had to modify the bracket a bit to get it to fit, but I did a welded modification and it worked fine, It was on a 1275GT historic rally car so the better remote gearchange unit was a good thing to have.

[nicklouse]

Remote housing in an 88 shell.

Ah that means I could keep the block and box matching. I was under the impression that the mods were quite substantial. Do you have a build journal?
Thanks for the photo.

Just do it it ain't hard. A little cutting and s bit of fabing.