Question for the numbers gurus

[Healey Nut]

So I have this matching numbers 62 Tricarb with original factory hardtop . Its a BT7 not the ultra rare BN7 .
It does have a sideshift gearbox . The later ones had the centreshift gearbox I presume ?
Does anyone know how many were produced with the sideshift and is a sideshift more desireable than the centre shift or vice versa ?

Pic of the plates attached for info .

 

[TimK]

I'd say that matching numbers are more important to some folks than changing out the trans to a center shift. If it's not broke, don't change it.

 

[Healey Nut]

I'd say that matching numbers are more important to some folks than changing out the trans to a center shift. If it's not broke, don't change it.

I intend to keep the side shift ...If its broke it will get fixed .

 

[jcsb]

I always thought the center shift was more desirable. Just my take. I have a side shift tranny on my BN7.

John

 

[Duane_Rhynard]

Healey Nut,

The tri-carb cars started with car number 13751 (March '61) the BT7 cars were side shift until car 15881 (November '62) when the center shift was introduced. The last tri-carb center shift BT7 car was number 19853 (June '62)

I have tri-carb BT7 14391 (German Export), somewhat close to yours. I like the unique shift lever!!

Thanks,
Duane

 

[Healey Nut]

Healey Nut,

The tri-carb cars started with car number 13751 (March '61) the BT7 cars were side shift until car 15881 (November '62) when the center shift was introduced. The last tri-carb center shift BT7 car was number 19853 (June '62)

I have tri-carb BT7 14391 (German Export), somewhat close to yours. I like the unique shift lever!!

Thanks,
Duane

I have never driven a side shift car . My 67 and 64 are both centre shift . Any tips for me re the driveability ?

 

[Duane_Rhynard]

I have never driven a side shift car . My 67 and 64 are both centre shift . Any tips for me re the driveability ?

Healey Nut,

In my experience you just need to shift a little slower on the side shifts, it is the only "issue" I've encountered, although I only have about 20 hours on a center shift, since my '58 BN6 is also side shift.

Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences!

Thanks,
Duane

 

[TimK]

I have no experience with center shift, 32 years with side-shift. Shift slowly, especially into 3rd. Never shift directly into 1st from neutral -- go to 2nd first to avoid grinding gears. Skip 1st (start in 2nd) on level ground.

 

[healeyblue]

I have no experience with center shift, 32 years with side-shift. Shift slowly, especially into 3rd. Never shift directly into 1st from neutral -- go to 2nd first to avoid grinding gears. Skip 1st (start in 2nd) on level ground.

Yes I agree. I don't think first gear is synchronized like the other gears so being completely stopped is a must or putting it in first will result in some grinding.

 

[Healey Nut]

I have no experience with center shift, 32 years with side-shift. Shift slowly, especially into 3rd. Never shift directly into 1st from neutral -- go to 2nd first to avoid grinding gears. Skip 1st (start in 2nd) on level ground.

Centre shift is the same if you are sitting at a light and want to hit first chances are it will grind but if you slip it into 2nd then straight into first its smooth as silk . Must be a Healey thing ?

 

[TimK]

Centre shift is the same if you are sitting at a light and want to hit first chances are it will grind but if you slip it into 2nd then straight into first its smooth as silk . Must be a Healey thing ?

Actually, all transmissions without a syncromesh 1st gear do the same -- early MGB's, Triumph's, etc. But Healey's have enough torque and gearing to start in 2nd on level ground.

 

[bob hughes]

I find that some times getting into first straight away will not work so I always go into second then up to first.

I have driven both side and centre shift in my time and I find that moving around the box is pretty much the same in both systems as far as speed goes - you have to take it easy with both.



Bob

 

[Healey Nut]

Does anyone know how many Tri-Carbs with side shift were produced as opposed to centre shift ?

 

[bighealeysource]

Another note on the 1st gear issue - it is square cut like reverse so don't try to force it in or you'll grind it for sure. Move forward a bit in 2nd and then you will probably be able to smoothly get into 1st or for that fact reverse. Like others have said, I almost always start off in 2nd