Jag gearbox with overdrive for S1 2+2.

[PeterCrespin]

The fiver's in the post Simon :-)

Bought another two to bring to the USA - they're desperate over here.

Pete

[Malc]

Thanks for the advice Simon - hoping to fit the box towards the end of September with Angus' help (OK, he's going to do it and I'll get in the way!). The box and overdrive are currently being checked out - one firm doing the box and one the overdrive. Glad it's worthwhile - have spoken to someone who has also done it and he confirms that it makes a lot of difference. Engine should be OK as was rebuilt 6,500 miles ago and goes like a train at the moment. Here's to the project!

[Malc]

Well finally got the overdrive box in - work was done in Angus' workshop (see his website - www.mossjaguar.com - 'In the workshop', 3rd to 10th March). And what a difference it makes! Although I've only done about 100 miles in it so far, revs at 70 drop from 2700 rpm to 2100 rpm, but the acceleration is not affected to any degree due to the torque, and the engine is totally 'unstrained' at that speed and I'm sure is purring with contentment.

Fitting was relatively straightforward, with all the usual joys of an engine out job, with PO's dodgy bolts, rusted nuts etc. While the engine was out, we put Dynamat under the tunnel, put in a high torque starter motor and clutch, new hoses, and changed all the engine and gearbox mountings. There were a few minor alterations needed to the tunnel to make the 'box fit, mainly bashing out the rear of the tunnel on both sides to stop the overdrive solenoid and relocated speedo drive from fouling, and also the top of the tunnel had to be cut between the rear of the gearbox cover and the access plate to the front propshaft bolts (only there on a 2+2) but I'll weld a small plate on the opening which is about an inch wide.

Also took the opportunity to rebuild the front suspension, with new rubbers all round, dampers, new top wishbones with sealed ball joints, sealed lower ball joints and new track rod ends. The suspension was also set to the correct ride height - what a difference a correctly set up car makes! The car was way too low before with really heavy steering but now steering is very responsive and handling much improved.

So I would recommend the mod to anyone with a 2+2 - I picked my 'box up on Ebay for ?400, it was from a 420, and was even the same year as my car. I had the 'box itself checked over by Holman Engineering in West Byfleet and the overdrive by Homefield Garage near Swanley Kent - speak to Jeff in both cases!

Happy to advise if anyone wants, although Angus is better on the technical bits, and who was very patient with his raw apprentice!