I purchased a 5sp gearbox direct from from Hi Gear in England. The kit comes complete with everything you need for the conversion. The gear box is a Ford Type 9, they were used in the mid eights and found on a few different rear wheel drive vehicles, like the Capri and Merkur. The new gearbox closely matches the original ratios and should be a perfect marriage of old and new.
While I had the paint sprayer set up to paint the engine, I couldn't help but paint the the gearbox as well.
The kit is well thought out and it didn't take to long to get it in the frame.
The 2 holes you see in the frame (just above the drill), are the only alterations needed for the new gearbox. The conversion can easily be converted back to original.
The starter protrudes through a hole in the new bell housing, just like the original.
I drilled and tapped three holes so I could fit the original dust cap for the starter. These caps are fairly rare as most have been lost and I don't think reproductions are being made by anyone. I also tapped in a drain plug on the bottom of the gearbox, since Ford neglected to add one at the factory. Now changing oil will be a little easier.
Here the engine is bolted loosely on the engine mounts while the back is being held up with slings, waiting for the gearbox.
And here, everything's bolted down.
