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Overdrive Gearbox


AndyW123blue

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Hi all
New to this forum,  just started the restoration of a mk1 gt6, currently has a non overdrive gearbox. Want to fit an overdrive box. Looking on eBay there's a few types A, J etc can anyone give me a pointer on if there's a wrong type. Also is there anywhere that sells reasonable priced overhauled units. Other than a shorter propshaft and a modified mounting plate is there anything else to consider.

Thanks
Andy

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Indeed. Plus the gear change linkage needs to have an extra "wing" so you can fit an inhibitor switch. And teh overdrives usually come needing the appropriate adapter plate so they mate up to your gearbox. And a solenoid....... not forgetting the longer od speedo cable and expensive angle drive.

It means a gearbox strip to fit the od mainshaft, so is not to be undertaken lightly.

oh, and a part often forgotten is the cam on the mainshaft to drive the od oil pump.

And the OD unit you require is a D type.

Honestly, it is much much easier to buy  a complete package.

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Andy

90% of the gearboxes available that are suitable for your GT6 will be 3-rail with D-type overdrive.

They will be boxes sourced from a GT6 or a Vitesse.

One from any type of Spitfire is not suitable as a complete unit swap.

Nor do you want a gearbox from a 2000 / TR / Stag, either A-type or J-type, unless you intend to modify your chassis (there is a thread going elsewhere on the forum about fitting a Dolomite Sprint box to a Spitfire, same gearbox.)

You can also fit an 1850 dolomite box, either earlier or later types, they account for the other 10%. Later ones need a different clutch plate.

No other Dolomite box is suitable.

Cheers

Colin

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Should add that the latter 1850 gearboxes (single rail with fine spline input shaft) are not a direct fit as the GT6 bell housing doe not properly fit the single rail casing and the gearbox is 1" longer meaning a special, shorter than standard propshaft is needed, plus a very tight fit with chassis/tunnel.  The internals can be built into a 3 rail casing which solves the bell housing issue but not the length.  Various other non-standard combinations are possible.....

Nick

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Hello Andy !
Great choice of Triumph !! 😀

My mk1 had no Overdive when I got it ,  It's a very worthwhile conversion.
I converted mine by having my non overdrive propshaft shortened, I took a bit of time to get all the bits I needed together, ie, rear mount+ plate, angled speedo drive, column stalk,  the overdrive gearbox I  got hold of a working second hand unit just to get me going. Once all fitted and working I then steadily changed parts for better or new until I had a reliable set up.

What stage are you at with the car?  Do you need to convert it yet?  Is it a runner?  
Any pics ?

Regards
Roy 😎

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Quoted from AndyW123blue
Anyone know where I can get one?


Bay of evil... 😀

Anywhere from £125 for a tired O/D gearbox to £600 for a complete package from an eBay trader.

Quoted from Piero franchi
you will need to right ratio diff to suit the overdrive


He's right! 😎

If you have a 3.27 that will be long legged for a MkI 2000 engine, Motorways and Autobahns.

Consider changing to a 3.89 (overdrive GT6/Vitesse differntial, also Spitfire MkIV) or a 3.63 (as fitted to Spitfire 1500).

The 3.27 will be sellable as they go well (bit weak) with a 2.5 engine in a GT6/Spitfire.


Use James's site to workout comparative to speeds

http://www.mintylamb.co.uk/gearspeed/

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Thanks, I'll keep an eye on eBay. I only got the car a few weeks ago and have only managed to get the interior out so far as I'm on a family holiday now which is getting in the way! Going to completely strip it down and rebuild everything. Hopefully going in for a re spray around December / January time.  I'll try Mike papworth if I get stuck.

The throttle stuck when I was driving it. It redlined and has now developed a knock so the engine will need a bit of work other than that the bodywork apart from the bonnet seems pretty sound.

I can't post a picture as apparently there too large.

Andy

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  • 2 years later...

Do a search for Tony Lindsey Dean or Kingston Sports Cars in Ixworth and it will bring up his phone number.

I have purchased one of his boxes a couple of weeks ago.

It is almost all new parts in the gearbox, a fully recon J-type overdrive from ORS. Looks a very nicely put together bit of kit. Can certainly see why it was what it cost.

He offers a number of options, using either type of input shaft, different 2nd gear types, D or J type overdrive. Had a good look at the boxes when I went to pick it up.

Cheers

Colin

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