77 Midget 1500 gearbox

[SAMidget]

Down here in sunny Johannesburg my midget is making horrible grating noises in the clutch area. So it is time to replace the clutch. However, I am thinking of converting to a 5 speed whilst the whole engine is out. A number of people have converted to the nissan 1400 but it appears that these stories are for the 1275 models or am I wrong?. What replacement would fit the 1500 triumph motor in the Midget? I did a search on the site and got 300 replies, after getting to page 6 of these replies the link started breaking so, a short cut - new thread.

Thank you members in anticipation.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Ford Type-9. With an adapter plate you can use your existing bell housing. It does require cutting the crossmember and installing a new brace/transmission mont in its place.

 

[bill_young]

Trevor has it right, the Ford type 9. Frontline does the kit needed. https://www.mgcars.org.uk/frontline/gearbox.htm

 

[tosoutherncars]

And/or, rebuild your 4-speed and add an overdrive from the 1500-model Spitfire. Requires a bit of cutting, and a bit of hammering in the tunnel.

 

[SAMidget]

Down here in sunny Johannesburg

Thanks for the advice guys. I surfed the net re Ford type 9 gearbox, got the answers then went to the yellow pages and looked up the locals but got a long story. I went to Roger Pearce, best MG mechanic in South Africa and he advised if I want to change to the 5 speed get the kit as advised by Bill. Hope my bonus arrives 30-06 as the import and exchange rate is a bit steep.