Modified Minors

Considering a 5 speed conversion to mount up to my minor 1000. I have a 1275. I’m considering the Ford 5speed that I’ve seen on-line but would love to have some input and direction from club members re: this project. Also am considering a hydraulic clutch conversion at the same time. Help
Thanks, Mark

Have you used the "search" tab at the top of the page to see the discussions that have already taken place on this topic? This should help you get started on your project.

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Bob Marcum

1959 Bugeye
1960 Morris Minor Tourer
Ex vintage Mini racer

Hi Mark,

Here is a resent post on a transmission swap in the regular forum. As Bob suggested do a search and see what pops up. The usual Datsun 210 5 speed is difficult to get and is big $$ if you find one. the Ford T9 was mentioned here recently and was quite a lot of $$ too with shipping and all. would you be doing the install or hiring it out?

Have you changed the rear end gears yet on the car? The 3.9 pumpkin is available for not a lot if you find a donor MG Midget or a AH Sprite or someone that has a spare.

https://www.morrisminorforum.com/forum/morris-minor-forum.2/upgrading-to-5-speed-gearbox.45240/

We missed you at the Morris Minor picnic a week ago, sorry you couldn't make it. Maybe well see you at the ABFM in September..

TX
Mr fixit
Chris

Thanks Chris. I do appreciate your info.
1) I’ve got a 3.9 diff.
2) I’m looking for a shop here in Idaho to do the work. If you know of anyone in Boise area, let me know.
3) I no longer live in Oregon so probably won’t be able to do gatherings there except for the upcoming meet in Baker City.

With a 3.9 and 14 inch wheels you may not want a 5 speed. Try the diff before the expense of the 5 speed. Was there a 4 speed Toyota gear box that's the same conversion? I recall there was and may be less expensive since no one is looking for those.

Hi mark,

Idaho, that's a change of pace to retire to. Glad your still doing Morris stuff. I understand with the distance about not being able to come to the show, not a drive I'd be willing to make either.

Good luck on the tranny project and keep in touch through the club email.

TX
Mr fixit
Chris

Not much point of using a Toyota 4 speed swap in a Minor if you're using a good ribcase already. You get syncro in first, but s that necessary. Final drive is still 1:1. You can get a rebuilt ribcase for about the same price as a rebuilt T-40, if you find one. It;s an expensive swap if you buy the Dellos or any other bellhousing, then there's the clutch bits. If you're RHD, going to hydraulic is easier than LHD, which I'm finding to be a PITA to mount the MC, and clearance is a big problem for the slave.

I found out recently that a Toyota T-40 transmission case is the same as a five speed T-50 case and the T-40 can be converted to a five speed by adding those gear and other parts used in a T-50.

They apparently an easy transmission to work on as once removed from the bellhousing, the case splits lengthwise, so everything lays exposed on the case half. No amatuer.stuffing gears in from the end, hoping for success !

Maybe a bit late for most people as they both are as scarce as gold nuggets in your yard, BUT, if you do find one while roaming wrecker's yards, don't hesitate to grab it for your own use or for resale. They go for $400 and up on websites, so there may be some profit to be made. Either a T-40 or T-50 is a great find.

Mine is installed using an aluminum adapter plate that replaces the Moggie backplate. High torque starter, modified flywheel to carry Toyota's pressure plate, new pilot bushing or roller bearing, and you're pretty mush ready to go. Modifying the rear mount is necessary, have a driveshaft shop weld and balance the 'Yotas yoke on the Moggie's drive shaft. The 'Yota's shifter on my '82 fits right thru the cover and fits without any modifications! (There are two versions of remote shifters, either will work) There's lots of articles on doing all of it thru a Google search. Dellows in AUS used to make a bolt up bellhousing, but they're extremely rare noe. Not cheap when new, either. My plate came from the parts bin of a Midget racer; it was an extremely fortunate find.