Elva Courier Forum

Question for the mechanically involved in the Elva Community... expect this is most of us!!

Has anyone found the need to do a full overhaul of the 4-speed transmission and evaluated changing to a Ford T9 or Miata 5-speed (as Father Frank and the Elva Factory surely would have considered/used if he/they had those in the parts bin).

Our cosmetically restored MK IV-T, has now had its tweaked suspension returned to original configuration with all correct parts, the car is again fitted with period magnesium wheels it ran at Sebring and proper clearances are restored without needing to booger the body work.

Time to fix the drivetrain which, as purchased, has the all too common chipped first gear, worn-out second gear synchro and questionable / noisy MGA OD.

I suspect the issue involved in using a Ford T9 or Miata 5-speed would be a machining a new driveshaft and concern on the shaft angle if the trans output shaft is a different height. I am not familiar enough with the change, although it is done in the Tiger community all the time, so it should be straightforward.

Experienced advice will be much appreciated.

Cheers, Mac

I googled "MGA 5-speed conversion" and got this:


https://www.vitesse-ltd.com/products/mga-5-speed-mazda-gearbox-conversion-kit-vitmga251?variant=21482009067603

Thanks Michael. Will add it to our short list of potential options, If it in fact has the same output shaft alignment as the problematic 3 synchro +OD box that would simplify things. They do claim to offer one for the 1800 5 main engine as well. Best, will let you know.

Converting to a Ford T9 is doable. The T9 is based on the Type E (aka Rocket Box). The rocket box is a 4 speed, and fits just fine. The T9 and Rocket Box have the same 23 spline 1" input shaft. You will need a custom bellhousing to mate the T9 to the MG motor. These used to be available from a couple sources including Moss...but Moss seems to have moved on to Miata trans conversions. I know nothing about the Miata box conversion referenced above. For the T9, in addition to the bellhousing, the T9 input shaft seats in a different size pilot bushing so you will need an adapter. You will also need to fabricate a transmission mount and have a new driveshaft made.

Most helpful Mr. Hoffman, thank you for sharing.

My machine shop is considering trans swaps including T9 or the Miata box both judged doable but I have been getting considerable support from long term owners to instead just refresh the 4 speed, three synchro box and keep the OD.

Typical of the original transmission on the Type IV-T model ours has the noisy first and worn synchro second which are easily fixed and with the repairs there would be the option of closer ratio gear set.

Most interested to hear of other direct knowledge or hands on experience in drivetrain options in otherwise original Couriers.

MacM

Many of us Courier owners (probably most) race them, rather than drive them on the street. The advantage of the Ford boxes is that they can take the racing abuse well and still have some aftermarket support. The high quality close ratio straight cut gear sets coveted for the MG boxes are no longer very easy to come by. But if your car is predominantly street driven, I can see the attraction of just sticking with what you've got. If it's not hitting the highway much, it's probably not worth the hassle of going through the swap. Best of luck in whichever option you choose.

Red 61, exactly right regards trans durability to sporting driving with the T box also on scarcity of NOS gear sets for MG box.

My racing days were spent on mainly Porsche cars 550 and 356 through 956 and 962. Admittedly the our British spawned cars L7, Elva, TR, E-Type are scratching some old itch from university days... and rarely used in anger.