-
Hi Guest!
You can help ensure that British Car Forum (BCF) continues to provide a great place to engage in the British car hobby! If you find BCF a beneficial community, please consider supporting our efforts with a subscription.
There are some perks with a member upgrade!**Upgrade Now**
(PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Hey - did you know if you click on the title of a thread it will take you to the first unread post since you last visited that thread?
but were afraid to ask: 
STOP!! Never post your email address in open forums. Bots can "harvest" your email! If you must share your email use a Private Message or use the 
smilie in place of the real @
Pretty Please - add it to our Events forum(s) and add to the calendar! >> 
Bigeye transmission source?
- Thread starter ichthos
- Start date
Share this page
AN6-TX
Jedi Hopeful
Offline
Depending on what you are looking for (rebuild vs. replacement), these folks may be able to help you out:
https://www.speedwellengineering.com/
https://www.spridgetmania.com/home.cfm
https://www.britishcarspecialists.com/html/services.html
Commonwealth Classics (Vancouver, WA) 360-649-7464 (no known website).
All of the above are located on the left coast. I have never used any of them myself but have heard positive reports on all of them. Good luck!
https://www.speedwellengineering.com/
https://www.spridgetmania.com/home.cfm
https://www.britishcarspecialists.com/html/services.html
Commonwealth Classics (Vancouver, WA) 360-649-7464 (no known website).
All of the above are located on the left coast. I have never used any of them myself but have heard positive reports on all of them. Good luck!
JP, Isn't the five speed a Datsun transmission? If so, wouldn't it be impossible to get parts if needed?
I am trying to keep it as original as possible, but I also want to keep driving. What modifications would have to be made?
Drew, I have never considered using a non stock transmission before, so I never payed attention to other non-stock transmissions. When you talk about ribbed case transmission, are we talking about later Sprit transmissions, and if so, what years are we talking about?
Does anyone know of anyone who upgrades the smooth case transmission by putting in a later Sprite transmission in it like Quantum did?
I am trying to keep it as original as possible, but I also want to keep driving. What modifications would have to be made?
Drew, I have never considered using a non stock transmission before, so I never payed attention to other non-stock transmissions. When you talk about ribbed case transmission, are we talking about later Sprit transmissions, and if so, what years are we talking about?
Does anyone know of anyone who upgrades the smooth case transmission by putting in a later Sprite transmission in it like Quantum did?
Offline
Yes, the ribcase is the later 4-speed used after the Bugeye -- so I think 61-74 or so. Bolts up with no modifications (you may need a different engine back plate, but I honestly can't remember). It's an evolution of the smooth case that came in our Bugeyes originally. I used one in my last Bugeye, and my current Bugeye came with one already installed. It would be by far the cheapest option for you, and they are pretty readily available. The only visual difference is a few ribs on the outside case, otherwise it really is a "stock" option. Same gear ratios as the close-ratio option that was available in period for the Bugeye.
As for the Datsun 5-speed, it's a nice transmission. I've got one in my Morris Minor, and have one set aside for my Bugeye. Bearings and seals are still readily available, and some other parts as well. Other internal parts are getting harder to find, but it's a very stout transmission. The downside is cost -- the boxes themselves are getting more expensive and you need a conversion kit (I used one from Gerard's Garage, excellent quality) that adds another layer of cost. Still, that overdrive is nice and installing it in the car doesn't require any major modifications to the body shell so it's easily reversible.
As for the Datsun 5-speed, it's a nice transmission. I've got one in my Morris Minor, and have one set aside for my Bugeye. Bearings and seals are still readily available, and some other parts as well. Other internal parts are getting harder to find, but it's a very stout transmission. The downside is cost -- the boxes themselves are getting more expensive and you need a conversion kit (I used one from Gerard's Garage, excellent quality) that adds another layer of cost. Still, that overdrive is nice and installing it in the car doesn't require any major modifications to the body shell so it's easily reversible.