Gearboxes again

[john g]

I'm about to purchase my first Westie! I have two to pick from. Both are 1994 SE, 2.0 ltr pintos, one with a 4 speed box & the other a 5 speed box. The car would be used frequently and would involve motorway travel.

Of the two the 4 speed seems to be the better car but...

Would the 5 speed be better on MPG?

Could I swap the 4 speed for a 5 speed, if so is it a straight swap, ie no chassis alterations?

[Bob Green]

Hi John

Let me know how you get on as I have the same dilemma

Kind regards

Bob

[damianc]

The 5 speed is about 10mm longer so you may well have enough leeway with the propshaft if you wanted to convert.  

What you gain with 5th you generally lose by having a shorter 1st (assuming it's an rs2000 4 speed).  I can't remember the exact ratios but the standard 5 speed is about 25% shorter on 1st gear.  5th gear is a bit easier on motorways and feels a little less hurried.

Have a search about the site, I'm sure this subject has been discussed here and there.

[john g]

Cheers, thanks for your feed back.

[Bob Green]

Hi John

I have just been given a 5 speed Type 9 gearbox to fit my 2ltr Pinto 1993 SE, which is known to be good.  Having just done all the measurements but have not fitted it yet, I don't believe fitting will be major trauma.

The gearbox is 1cm longer than the 4 speed , so the standard propshaft will be OK but the major difference is the gearbox mounting, which is 9cm longer than the 4 speed.

I have spoken to Westfield about bolting an extension plate to the origional crossmember plate and then bolting the rear end of the new plate to the chassis.  They say this will not cause any structural problems with the chassis.  (N.B.  I don't use mine in competition although I didn't tell Westfield this).

What I intend to do is add an extension plate to the origional plate of 7 cms to the origional mounting and add an extra full lenght plate underpining the origional plate and extension plate to cover the origional and new plate together.  Then I will add a strip of metal to bolt to the back of the extension plate to the chassis.  It sounds bl**** complicated but it isn't.  The only unknown is, will the prop shaft fit as it could be a 26 and 28 spline.   Other than that, it's all systems go

I intend to fit it Saturday week.  Give me a ring on 01530 563001 and maybe I can explain it better.

Kind regards

Bob

[samcooke]

I'm fairly sure the prop won't fit - it didn't when I converted my old capri from four to five speed - there were loads more splines on one than the other.

You'll have to change the clutch too and get a gear lever for the five speed.

Still, it's not expensive or hard.

Only thing is, I broke two T9s in that 3l Capri, I belive the four speed is supposed to last better.

[Clive]

The 4-spd is the stronger box and also the gearchange is better, but only in my opinion.

Clive

[stevejones]

I had a 4 speed changed to 5 speed. The Propshaft will need to be modified (shortened) and first does become debatable.. But it fits fine. I can pull away in 2nd though on a crossflow unless I need a fast start..! No changes needed to gear shift position but if you are doing motorway trips then go for the 5 speed or the noise from the 4 speed in high rev's will require you to wear ear plugs..!!

Steve Jones