Toyota 5-Speed

[Cappy]

What are the reasons for putting a Toyota 5-speed in a Healey?

 

[red57]

Stronger, better gear spacing/progression, better synchros, lighter, smaller (allowing better air flow out of engine bay), no leaks, and, when I did mine in the '90s, they were common in all wrecking yards and readily available - that last part may not be as true anymore, but back then they were the only option I knew of. There are other options now like Tremec.

 

[twas_brillig]

Synchromesh 1st gear; eliminate o/d problems.

 

[roscoe]

Ditto what they said above. Also, an hydraulic clutch with a throw out bearing that has a real ball bearing in it. Although I never had any real trouble with the carbon block throw out bearings but they were always worth replacing if I had access. My clutch is a bit less leg strain now. My wife swears the car is quieter and a bit smoother. If highway driving is your thing the W58 and a 3.54 rear end crown and pinion set works pretty well. If you wanted a back up light the W series boxes have that switch installed.. Some Healey gearbox parts are hard to find. My original box was exhibiting an intermittant issue that I knew would put me on the roadside at some point and rather than go through that little nightmare I decided to make the swap.. I did the rear end gear swap at the same time. I just decided that I was on borrowed time and if I was going to continue doing all my own work I'd rather have a gearbox that is easier to handle and parts that are still plentyful.

I had to look for longer than I had supposed I would for a good one that was in my neck of the woods . I found one last year and I paid $500 for it which was more than I was expecting to pay but the truth is they really are not as readily available as they were. I think I'd be hard pressed to find another for that price. I realized that was actually a very good deal for a gearbox that turned out to be in excellent condition.