Transmission change on a 1970 E-type 2+2

[Jagman Canada]

My 1970 E-type has the original Automatic Box which is on it's last legs. Rather than put money into reconditioning it I would like to put in a Manual Box.
Question is which manual box will require the minimum amount of cutting etc to fit it?
Am I right in thinking that a 4 speed manual from an E-type would simply bolt onto the existing bell-housing?
I read somewhere the manual box out of an older XJ6 would also fit.
Then there is the length of the prop shaft to consider.
There are some 5 speed boxes out there also...?
Can anyone share their experiences I doing this conversion or point me to some reading material which might clarify things in terms of the decision...thanks Ian

[Durango2k]

Get an xj6 + OD box.

Carsten

[iani]

Or an S-type 4sp with Overdrive 'box, this comes with the correct gearbox top cover.

Ian

[Jagman Canada]

Thanks for the response...
Do I need the bell-housing from the box or will the existing one for my Automatic work?...and I'm wondering do we need to pull the engine out to mate the new box to it?
Ian

[iani]

Thanks for the response...
Do I need the bell-housing from the box or will the existing one for my Automatic work?...and I'm wondering do we need to pull the engine out to mate the new box to it?
Ian

Yes, you will need to pull the engine, you will also need the bellhousing & manual flywheel I believe. You might have so slightly relieve the propshaft tunnel just in front of the propshaft flange cover too. Good luck with the change, I think my OD 'box is great.

Ian

[paulsco]

You will also need to fit a spigot bearing in the end of the crankshaft to support the gearbox shaft; there won't already be one there with an automatic.

Paul

[David Oslo]

In addition to the E-type long tail gearbox (or) XJ gearboxes with overdrives (lovely), including the manual bellhousing from same (the auto won't fit), the appropriate top cover (e.g. selectors), the spigot bearing, and the manual flywheel, you will of course have to fit a clutch slave cylinder, clutch hose & lines, clutch master cylinder and add a clutch pedal. By using the long tail E-type box or overdrive box you can use the existing propshaft. Your steel centre tunnel will need some chopping to allow the top cover and gearlever to fit. Measure twice, cut once.

All of this is entirely feasible and has been done by many on the forum, myself included. Just do some appropriate searches and you'll find a goldmine of information.