V12 Getrag 265 bellhousing

[Curtis Bay]

Thanks Simon. I will give this some thought.......

[MLBS3V12]

Suppliers in UK and Germany still work on the Getrag 265 if a rework is requested.
Since I work on my own V12, Ive bought and sold several ones to help le in my restauration.
Not to hard to fing close from 1000€.

[PeterCrespin]

The home made linkage may not be the best, I saw the guy selling linkages at Stoneleigh years ago, but he had sold out and it was my last visit before emigrating. My linkage was made from scrap pieces of metal,

….much cheaper than finding an original manual, remember I was converting from auto. Anyway, I’m really pleased with it and it’s definitely better than auto.

The German linkage is not much better - probably not as good. The forward ball pin snapped off the bridge piece on mine 2/3 way up Prescott Hill, resulting in me being in the wrong gear as I came up to a slippery left hander as it began to rain. Made a mess of the undertray although it was driveable. I'd probably try the Realm Supra kit now but I got my Getrag bits cheap so I was happy enough. People on a budget should remember that going from auto to a four speed is a far greater improvement than going from 4 to 5 speed. So the cheapest upgrade and bang per buck is to fit a normal 4-synchro box instead of the auto.

[vee12eman]

I agree with Pete. I had looked for a four speed manual conversion and I was very keen on a manual/overdrive unit. The bell housing availability was not great at the time and generally, every four speed box for a V12 was more expensive than the unit I ended up with. The challenge of the conversion was as much an attraction as the end result and I’m pleased with what I achieved.

I have no reference to compare my car. I didn’t even drive it as an auto and I haven’t driven another E-type of any description. I appreciate the extra economy and relaxed cruising and I am a better mechanic than a driver, so I may not be the best person to ask. Third and fourth gears seem fun to me, first, probably a bit low, but I’m not a racing driver, so no worries for me.

Regards,