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MG Midget and Sprite General - MG Midget 1979... Overdrive conversion?

hey guys

just wanting a bit of information on the whole overdrive situation

do i need and overdrive transmission or is there a conversion i can do ?
AJ Farrell

Have a look through the archives.

There is a conversion which uses a Triumph overdrive gearbox. It requires a bit of modification in the transmission tunnel area where the gearbox mountings are, I believe.
Dave O'Neill 2

Overdrive conversion requires tunnel modifications and cross-member removal and replacement. If you are going to that amount of bother, consider the Ford type 9 conversion (see archives). More robust than the British gearbox, but a more expensive proposition. Apparently the type nines are readily available in the UK/EU. On the other hand you can use your original prop shaft (IMHO) when installing the overdrive unit from the Spitfire, that will keep the cost down a bit and keep it "all British". Pic is a type 9 on a 1500 ready to drop in.

Richard Reeves

I have done both, a 1500 overdrive and a type 9 on a 1275.
As a gearbox, the t9 is better but the overdrive unit gives a much more interesting and "period" feel to the car.

But the question is whether the OD is a separate unit. The one to use if you can find it is the J type fitted to the later Spitfires. It bolts to the rear face of the main part of the box which is virtually the same as the standard. The OD and the gear selector extension are different. You would probably only get the OD and gearbox as a single unit anyway.

Do try and get it with the proper gear lever and thumb switch. That is what makes it a joy to drive on fast fasty roads !
Guy

This thread was discussed between 20/10/2011 and 21/10/2011

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