10 replies to this topic

[Purtsi]

Hey, I've got my hands on a 1,3 A-series engine with remote 'box. What rod-change gearboxes can be used with this engine as the remote 'box can't be used in this particular case? And ofcourse, what parts need to be changed to get things working? Thanks

[dklawson]

I don't believe there's an issue with any "not" fitting where a remote was before. The only conflicts I'm aware of involve the early magic wand gearboxes that can't be fitted (without minor modifications ) to a big-bore block because of the engine's stroke.

Don't throw out the remote box. Were I over there... I'd buy it from you.

[Purtsi]

Reason why the remote box must go, is that the engine will go to a Mini where at the moment is a rod change 1000cc engine. As I'm aware that the remote tunnel won't properly fit under exhaust tunnel which was designed for rod-change, I rather change the gearbox.

It won't be thrown away. don't woeey. I believe it'll find new owner somewhere.. best option would be if it could be swapped to a rod 'box that would fit in that engine.

[Purtsi]

Was this really that difficult question that no-one can give right answer to? am I right that all A-series rod change boxes can be used with A-series blocks? I remember hearing that 998 box could be used with 1275 engine.. is this true or not?

[The Matt]

If you've got a 1275 A series, you can take off the remote box and slap an A+ rod change box under it easily enough

There are no real issues to be concerned about AFAIK, I'd recommend just getting as new a box as you can (or a reconditioned one). I also have been told that the later rod change boxes are better (there is a change in bolt pattern on the input end of the main shaft IIRC, which makes them less prone to breaking).

[Purtsi]

OK, thanks. So A+ gearboxes fit, how about A-series then and do the 998 and 1275 use the same 'box? Would be easier to find 998 box than from 1275

[Gr4h4m]

Wont you need the correct drop gears aswell?

[dklawson]

I thought the drop gear issue surfaces when you are mixing A-series with A+.

Repeating what I said earlier, I thought the only gearbox fitting issue was that you couldn't put an early 850 box under the large bore engines without grinding away some clearance inside the gearbox case to clear the crank. You should be OK with your later rod change box fitting either a 998 or a 1275. If he doesn't post to this thread, ping Guessworks to have this confirmed.

Regarding the remote vs. rod swap, it is my understanding that the problem is fitting the rod-change to a car originally built for the remote. The early cars with the remote have a shallow rounded tunnel on the floor and it's difficult even with the adapter brackets to get clearance for the exhaust and the rod change linkage. I would have thought it an easy swap to put a remote into a car originally built for the rod-change. Again, Guessworks would know for sure.

[The Matt]

The drop gear issue as I understand it:

The primary gear on a 1275 and 998 are different (probably due to differences in the crank interface, not the gearbox interface.

The primary gear that is on a 998 engine will mate OK to a 1275 gearbox,

The primary gear that is on a 1275 engine will mate OK to a 998 gearbox,

The idler gear on an A+ has a bigger shaft diameter than an A series box...........

So, as long as you maintain the idler gear that goes with your gearbox and the primary gear that goes with your crank, you are OK AFAIK.

EDIT: That's as I understand it, but I'm not 100% certain. I do know that a mate of mine has just fitted a 1275A+ to his 998A+ gearbox and that I gave him a spare 1275 primary gear to be able to do it though.

Edited by mini mad me, 14 June 2007 - 12:49 PM.

[Purtsi]

Now those were the answers I was hoping to get. thanks guys

[The Matt]

Regarding the remote vs. rod swap, it is my understanding that the problem is fitting the rod-change to a car originally built for the remote. The early cars with the remote have a shallow rounded tunnel on the floor and it's difficult even with the adapter brackets to get clearance for the exhaust and the rod change linkage. I would have thought it an easy swap to put a remote into a car originally built for the rod-change. Again, Guessworks would know for sure.

Yup, this is what I am doing at the moment, I am opting for rod change as I have a ready built SCCR A+ gearbox, that is going to be used in my '71 shell. I have looked at the fit and have decided that my best (and in some ways nicest) option is to have the rod change linkages located inside the car, allowing me to save the tunnel from being butchered (other than a little access hole for the linkage to poke through somewhere near the front).