Sprite Gearbox

[Florentinepogen]

Hello everyone. I am considering purchasing a 1966 Sprite. The seller says it possibly needs the 1st gear assembly replaced in the gearbox. He says there is some noise while in 1st gear, possibly a tooth broken. Goes on to describe it as a knock and once you're out of first everything is fine. I have yet to visit it to take a look since it's several hours away but have seen a video of it idling and it looks/sounds good. How much of an investment might I be looking at, assuming this is exactly what is wrong with it? It's my understanding this is an full engine out process. I would appreciate any advice. I'm handy with just about anything but pulling the engine would be outside my scope of capabilities.

 

[CARSINC]

Replace with a 5 seed transmission. The Ford T9 is probably the best.

 

[Pat MM]

The sprite is one of the easiest car imaginable to remove an engine and gearbox, and you want to do it as an assembly. My brother and I used to remove the engine and transmissions by hand as they are very light compared to most cars.

If first gear is bad, it will need a lay gear and the first gear at the very least. There is a great shop that rebuilds many different kinds of British transmissions and many shops send their customers transmissions there to be rebuilt. A couple of years ago it was 1000 bucks to have a Spridget transmission rebuilt. His website isn’t much, but his contact information is there.

http://quantumechanics.com/

 

[Florentinepogen]

The sprite is one of the easiest car imaginable to remove an engine and gearbox, and you want to do it as an assembly. My brother and I used to remove the engine and transmissions by hand as they are very light compared to most cars.

If first gear is bad, it will need a lay gear and the first gear at the very least. There is a great shop that rebuilds many different kinds of British transmissions and many shops send their customers transmissions there to be rebuilt. A couple of years ago it was 1000 bucks to have a Spridget transmission rebuilt. His website isn’t much, but his contact information is there.

http://quantumechanics.com/

Pat, this is exactly what I was looking for! I appreciate the time you took to respond. Thank you.

 

[Florentinepogen]

Replace with a 5 seed transmission. The Ford T9 is probably the best.

Thanks for the advice. I have heard of people swapping these. What is the advantage?

 

[Bayless]

The short answer: first gear is synchronized and you get an overdrive fifth gear. To some these are advantages. To some they are not important or not worthwhile. Also, the T9 may be the best but it is also the most costly and requires the most modifications to the car body.