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RBL · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 3:42 pm Post subject: Compatable gearbox?

I'm looking a new box for my 1989 1.7 8V sprint (not inboard discs). I've found an 16v 33 (H reg) at a local scrap yard and the tacho says it's only done 53K. I've go to remove it myself and they can'y guarantee it, but for £50 it seems ok.

Does anyone know any reason why this wouldn't be compatable? The 33 has a sensor on the rear engine cover/flywheel housing that mine doesn't have, but other than that it looks the same from what I can see.

Any input would be really helpfull
Thanks, Richard
PS I have checked the gearbox page here for any differences and ratios are the same

Admin · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 10:19 pm Post subject:

Hi

The extra sensor is for the crankshaft position sensor for the 16V ignition / injection system.

The biggest problem you will have is that the sprint uses a machanical speedo and the 33 an electronic speedo. The speedo drives in the gearbox is not easily swapped over

All the best

Keith

Ian M · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 10:20 pm Post subject:

As far as I know all 33/sud gearboxes are outwardly the same so it should go straight on.
Not sure what that sensor on the bellhousing is Im afraid...

RBL · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 10:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys, very helpful.

Fortunately the car I'm buildning takes the speedo drive straight off the front wheel - so no probs there!

There's not likely to be any differences between the mountings or the engine to 'box connection is there?

Keith - As you can see from my previous post ("a few questions"), the gearbox was too expensive to repair - the quote was £417 to replace 3 broken synchros! So hopefully this will work - should be ok at only 53k miles?

Thanks, Richard

Admin · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 10:39 pm Post subject:

Hi

Difficult to know. It is easy to wreck the synchros early in the gearbox life.

By the way the 145/6 gearboxes are very similar but use a cable operated gearshift. This might be easier to locate on a mid engined rwd car.

All the best

Keith

RBL · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 10:44 pm Post subject:

Keith!

That is so helpful! I never knew that.
The gear linkage on these cars is always tricky, as it has to be a long rod system. Some of the US spyder replicas use a cable system though it's a little less defined in it's feel.

I'll look around for one, Thanks
Richard

Gary UK · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 1:59 am Post subject:

My mate has a 'M' reg 33 16v with just over 40K on the clock he has owned it from new, the syncro's on second are shot and it has been apart once due to snapped selector forks. So that sort of mileage doesn't mean the box is fine, sorry. Can you not take the bottom off and have a peek inside before buying (like before you remove it take a look, if it's shot say 'I need to go and get a tool' and don't go back). A low mileage 1.7ie might be better as the car was putting less power through the drive train. I know with my 8v'ers the box's have run fine till I've tuned the car up for more power and then it's started eating the gears.

RBL · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2003 11:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks Gary, If I go for the 16v 'box I'll check inside first. There might have been a 1.7ie at the same breakers, but the drive shaft housing had been pulled a cm or so out of the casing, so best left alone.