Seized 4 speed

[Mike B]

What do you think about the cost of the 5 speed? BTW, plus about $130 in shipping. The 4 speed was from a '73

$500 plus shipping seems high to me for a zx five speed. I'm sure you could find one locally for less. There are always lots of them on craigslist, at least in my area. Since you are in CA, I'm sure it would be relatively easy to find one locally. I think $130 to ship a transmission is about the going rate if it is long distance.

If you get a four speed from a 73 you will have the same fitment issue as a 280z or zx 5 spd. If you want to go with a direct plug and play four speed you would need a Type A, like Arne has (and his is a known good one). If you want a five speed you will have to custom bend a shifter or modify the trans tunnel and console. Your choice.

-Mike

[Weasel73240Z]

I gotta agree, that seems high. I paid $250 for a 79 ZX 5 speed with 55K. And I'm in MA, wheres Z's are impossible to find.

[mbarjbar]

I guess I'll keep looking locally. Craigslist has been pretty thin on 5 speeds in my area. Arne, I would take yours if you were close. Ya know, its funny. You cannot give away a MGB 4 speed. Everyone want to convert to the overdrive, which I did. I have a very good one in my garage.....

Mike

[Arne]

You cannot give away a MGB 4 speed. Everyone want to convert to the overdrive, which I did. I have a very good one in my garage.....

I hear ya. I put overdrive in my B too. But since mine was a '67 with a good three-synchro 'box, I didn't have to much trouble finding a home for it.

You wanna talk about giveaways - the same problem exists with good used L24 engines. No one wants them.

[ChrisZ]

Will this do for you http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=143966

Chris

[mbarjbar]

2 fast, thanks for the lead, and all the way from Denmark...

Arne, glad to hear you have a LBC! Mine is a '71. The late '67's are very desirable.

Another question: In my search for 5 speeds, one seller said that my '70 diff would be incompatible due the gear ratio. What am I missing here or is he just wanting me to buy a different rear end? Mike

[Arne]

My MG is long gone, bought it, restored it, drove it daily for several years, sold it.

Your diff will work just fine. Many people prefer to use a lower ratio (higher numerically) with a 5 speed. The factory 4 speed axle ratio is 3.36:1, other common ratios would be 3.54, 3.70, 3.90 and even 4.11. Some of the 5 speeds do have a bit taller lower gears, which is why people change ratios.

My advice would be to install the 5 speed and drive it first, see what you like. If the low gears feel too tall, then consider a different ratio. But drive it first.

[mbarjbar]

Arne, I hope she has a good home...Thanks for the picture and the advise. I think I am armed with enough knowledge to get it done.

Mike