Morgan 5 speed conversion

[johnea]

Hi British Car Enthousiasts

Here's a tough one:

We fitted a Sierra 5 speed box to a 4-speed 1600 Kent Morgan. We want to retain the orginal Cortina back axle.
The question: is there a propshaft available for this conversion, or can somebody tell me how to solve this problem?

Regards, John

 

[DrEntropy]

Just a suggestion, but: someplace there, there should be a good driveline shop (think trucks) to have the ability to shorten and balance the original, and if the yoke at the trans has a different hook-up or pattern they should be able to graft the proper end to it at the same time.

 

[racingenglishcars]

I have done many driveshafts on Chrysler, Alfa, Jaguar... and I can't think how many others. These were mostly used for race cars (not mine), but (and maybe this isn't completely responsable) I've just cut, straight of course, and welded different shafts together. Never had a balance problem, but they were only used short term - like not puting 20000 km on the car. And they were always strong enough. I figure a balance on a home-welded unit should be good. (Actually one Alfa got a composite shaft out of a Renault Espace)

But I don't suggest doing this with your Morgan!

 

[eschneider]

This is a common conversion and well worth it! Basicly a sierra box (xr4ti in the states)....

Doc's advice is golden. Lots of driveshaft shops would love to help out. Very reasonable in most cases, considering what you're working on.....

 

[DrEntropy]

Eric, we need to ~talk~... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk.gif

BTW: WHERE th' heck have YOU been?!?! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[eschneider]

Eric, we need to ~talk~... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk.gif

BTW: WHERE th' heck have YOU been?!?! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

Talk? Oh, I'm good at that....

Been? Moving Fiats around and trying to get the new Jag going <laugh>

Lets see... The stable now holds
2 Fiat Spiders
2 Fiat X1/9's
1 Spitfire
1 series II Jag XJ
and a Geo Tracker (hey, 1 of 'em has to run)
oh, forgot the K400 scooter....

 

[smcmanus]

Dr E. is correct, go to a driveshaft shop. There is one in most larger towns. Here in KY, I have an excellent old [censored] that makes great shafts for cheap.

If you decide to make your own, please look at these pictures of a JH that threw its half-assed homemade driveshaft. Remember that when you are turning 7000 RPM in top gear that the driveshaft is also turning 7000 RPM!!! Balance is critical.

Have a nice day
Steve

 

[DrEntropy]

eeep. That coulda been a ~REALLY~ bad day. Femurs don't grow on trees, y'know...

I've only ever had ONE piece of driveline let go: inner +2 "donut" at low speed. THAT made a mess. Can't imagine what it would be like to try gatherin' up somethin' like that at racing speeds. Off-roading as a first consequence, I guess. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[SteveL]

If its the same as the Sierra, you can also hunt down a
Mk 3 Capri shaft...