Spitfire WTB / price guide - Spitfire OD trans in the NE

[tosoutherncars]

Hi all,

After an unsuccessful scan of ebay... could any of you give me an idea of the availability and/or market price of an overdrive Spit box? I'm contemplating upgrading the Midget.

Thanks,
Duncan

 

[billspit]

First, they don't fit into Midgets without some friendly persuasion with a hammer. That's why they didn't come in the cars as OE.

Used, they are running $500-1000 on ebay. But, I once bought a parts car (Spitfire) from a friend for $250 that had an OD trans. Luckily it has performed flawlessly. A rebuilt trans and OD may cost $2,000 (about $995 each for trans and OD). Shipping is big factor because these things are heavy!

If I were you I would check into the Rivergate -Datsun 5 speed conversion. I've not heard of anybody that has been disappointed with theirs. The Datsun transmission is a lot quieter and more durable that a British
trans.

The lack of an OD is one of the reasons I've never bought a Spridget, because I really do like them.

 

[vagt6]

A Jtype OD will fit into a 1500 powered Midget because the engine is identical to a Spitfire 1500. The OD bolts right up to the 1500 Midget engine with minor modifications (see link, below, with photos of the job). You'll need OD wiring (easy), a shortened propshaft and various small bits that are readily available and not expensive.

J-types are not difficult to find, and you could also use the less expensive D-type OD. You can purchase a used one and rebuild it, or get a professionally rebuilt one (with warranty!) from reliable vendors such as Quantumechanics or Waterloo Drivetrain Specialists for $1,200-$2,000 or so. Google search "Laycock DeNormanville", then come back here and ask opinions about the vendors.

Here's a link to chap's website that shows how he did just this to a 1500 powered Midget recently: https://www.boicey.com/midget/midget_overdrive.html

The Laycock OD won't fit non-1500cc engined Midget/Sprites without significant modification because the engine (1275/1098 etc.) won't mate it. In fact, I'm sure the Rivergate 5 speed would be far more cost-effective in such cases.

So, if you've got a 1500 Midget, go for the OD. The Jtype OD effectively provides a six-speed gearbox with OD in third and fourth gear. It's also very cool to drive and quite reliable if it's overhauled and maintained properly. Not as reliable as a good Datsun 5 speed, but reliable enough for practically anything except racing/consistent thrashing of the car.

If you can do the work yourself, the OD is less expensive to install, also.

Go for it!

 

[tosoutherncars]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the responses! Yes, it's for the 1500 in my signature. I realize it requires a little BFH work on the transmission tunnel, but it would definitely be worth the effort, for highway driving.

It was more the availability and price of the OD transmission that I was wondering about. Sounds like a parts car might be a good solution - I'd have a hard time justifying a $2k rebuilt unit!

Pretty sure I can handle the swap... Haven't had to do *that* much to the Midget yet (elec. ignition, carb swap, front end and rear end rebuilds and some paintwork last summer) but the VW in my signature has definitely grown my mechanical aptitude by leaps and bounds.

 

[IanF]

IIRC, we paid $850 for the trans & J-type for Baldrick. I reused the old clutch (had plenty of meat left), but transfered the throw-out bearing from the old trans to the o/d one.

In the Spit, the mounting plate is the same, but needed a new trans mount. Otherwise, bolted right in.

Be sure to budget some funds to get the drive shaft shortened and balanced. ~$150 at the local speed shop. YMMV.

The OE set-up uses a shift knob mounted switch (expensive). I just wired in a simple swtich that will be mounted under the dash until I can make new dash panels.