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Smittys trans conversion

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healeys4me

Senior Member
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Can others share their experience with the Smtty's transmission conversion to a 5 speed? I am thinking about making the change to a 53 BN1. I know it hurts originality, just want to get others to weigh in on quality of parts, how difficult the job is, etc. Contact me off line if you wish.

Thanks

John
 
John--

Installing the Toyota box was the best upgrade I have ever made to my car in terms of improving driveability--beyond the strong, all-synchro transmission you also wind up with a nice hydraulic clutch.

Installing the transmission and clutch was not particularly difficult--though I did have the benefit of Smitty's and others' help. The more time-consuming task was modifying the interior, which included fabricating and installing a new transmission tunnel, as the BN1 bellhousing is considerably smaller than the smitty's adaptor and you will not be able to use your present tunnel. I purchased the Moss fiberglass tunnel designed for the side-shifter AH (NOT the center-shifter) transmission, glassed up the old hole and fit it to lap over the fixed section of the tunnel, thereby eliminating the short intermediate tunnel unit. I also had to fabricate a new "extension panel" with about 3" more depth to clear the bell-housing. BTW, as long as you have it all apart consider going to a BJ8 diaphragm clutch for extra smoothness.
 
John--

Just noticed that you are from Richmond. I am now stuck in Miami sitting on my boat waiting for Ivan to pass through or around us, but I am hoping to return to MD next week and there is an outside chance that I will be at the Brown's Island show. In any case I live only three hours north of you and would be pleased to get together with you.
 
Michael, hello and thanks for the note. Fist, we all hope Ivan misses the entire state of Florida. I will be at Browns Island next Sunday and will look for you. My BJ8 is BRG and will be hanging with the other Healeys. The BN1 Project also is haveing disk brakes installed, front and back. I know your car has also seen these improvements and it will be great to look at a finished product.

Give me a ring (804-314-9758 M) on Saturday if your in town. We all gather at Wally's garage during the day and work on various british autos.

John
 
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