What's it like living with a moss box?

[mattpettitt]

Hi all, I'm looking at S1/S2's - there's a lot I love about the S1 3.8 but just how bad is the moss box to actually live with if you're doing a fair amount of driving with it? Is it something you eventually get used to or does it detract from some of the driving experience (or perhaps even add to it)?

The upgrade to a more modern 5-speed syncro would be cost-prohibitive, at least initially and yes, I'll have a test drive but using it for 30 minutes wouldn't be enough to really understand any challenges I think.

Any thoughts?

cheers,

Matt

[Stevemorris]

Hi Matt, I have a 4.2 S1 so mine doesn't have a Moss box, but I have had MKII's with the same box.

First gear has a longer throw. Not an issue but it's the similar position to reverse, some say they have inadvertently selected reverse when looking for first, I never experienced that personally.

They are slightly noisier in the lower ratios, and with no synchro on first selecting it before the car has stopped can be a little tricky. Upside is they are very strong.

Personally, I like the Moss box, it has character. Im not an advocate of switching to 5 speed boxes, I believe cars should be kept as the manufacturer intended, but that's just me!

Steve.

[bitsobrits]

I've had two Moss box cars, and now my current 4.2 car which I converted to a 5 speed a year or so after purchase.

I've no quarrel with a Moss gearbox in an old sport tourer. Yes, you can't downshift into 1rst with a single declutch, yes the change is a relatively slow 1 step, pause, 2 step process. But it fits the machine vintage and the way these cars are generally used these days. That said, the all synchro box was a revelation, and very modern in its feel. A 5 speed with the right gear spacing is to me is the choice, but acknowledge it's not to all tastes and budgets (especially as there isn't much choice these days in vendors).

So my summary would be to find a car that fits your taste and budget, and if it has a Moss box, just enjoy the drive. Even if your 0-60 or 0-100 time is a bit slower due to the gear change, you are still driving an E-type.

[mgcjag]

Plenty of info if you search...and see similar topics below...and here viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19199

[Gfhug]

I’ve not driven a Moss but having learned to drive on a full crash box (no synchro on any gear) once you’re used to it then you almost double declutch by (bad?) habit. Nothing to be afraid of imho and as advised above you’ll appreciate the car for how it was.

Geoff

[dlgis]

It takes a little getting used to, but adds to the fun of driving a classic car. As others have said it’s best to incorporate a momentary delay in the shift. Reverse and first are quite close together and you need to be careful to select the right one to avoid scaring the driver behind. Briefly moving into second before shifting to first can help. The lack of synchro on first is a non issue as the car has plenty of torque to proceed from nearly stationary (or even stationary) in 2nd, and if I’m going that slow I tend to stop and put it in first. And I do like the noise from the Moss box in 1st gear

[DWW]

I had the moss box originally but now converted to a five speed which makes a huge difference and improves the driving experience no end,