New to forum. Hello! Would appreciate help with dilemma

[stradman]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to forum. A couple of months ago I purchased from the continent, a recently restored(to original-apart from Kenlowe fan) LHD 63' 3.8 OTS e-type and am considering some sympathetic upgrades. I have been reading prior posts regarding upgrades and these have been very helpful indeed. I have been scouring the internet -reading everything I could find- and have spoken to a few specialists in the interim to get opinions as to the most sensible upgrades. As expected opinions vary. I did in fact send my car to a well known specialist for suggestions(big mistake in this instance-a complete rip off merchant- although I wont indulge details or identity at present).
I think I have crystallised with respect to what upgrades I want to pursue, however I do have a question regarding the gearbox. I have the standard Moss box and because it is new from the restoration is Ok I guess although I do tend to get the occasional crunch and beligerent change. Would it be more useful to upgrade to 5 speed box or just fully syncro the existing-if that's possible? Money is not necessarily the issue although do want best value for money so to speak. Many thanks everyone.

[andyp]

I certainly think you can live with a Moss box in good condition. The reason for changing is one of gearing as much as anything else.

If you just go out for the odd blast you might find the existing ratios fine but if you travel any distance at higher speeds the reduced revs a 5th gear brings offers great benefits.

Whatever I certainly wouldn't bother fitting a later all syncro box. If you are going to the trouble of changing fit a new 5 speed unit. Keep the old box on the shelf so that (in theory at least) it can be returned to original.

Andy

[Heuer]

If you are going to use your E-Type then a 5 speed box is a great addition for the reasons Andy pointed out. The Moss box is somewhat recalcitrant and first gear is really only usable to get the car rolling or at parking speeds. Notionally you have a three gear car. The only reason to stick with a Moss box is if you intend to show the car or it is historically important. I notice your car already has wider wheels and rubber so total originality is not an issue for you, hence go for the 5 speed and you will really enjoy the driving experience. As you will have read there are several upgrade options but at the moment the JT5 box is the best although we are waiting to see what the new E-TypeFabs box is like.

CMC are the UK supplier of the JT5 and they can install it for you along with any other changes you feel are needed.

[Car-Nut]

Doesnt Harry do upgrades as well

[Heuer]

Clive

I think CMC are the sole representative for the Mediatronics JT5 box. Harry will be offering the ETF 5 speed very shortly I believe. Derek Watson sells the T5 (basically his own version of the JT5) as a kit for installation by dealers or DIY.

Harry (E-Type UK) most certainly offers upgrades and service: http://etypeuk.com/upgrades.html

[stradman]

Thanks for the all the comments. The thing is funny enough, the more I drive the car, the more I find the Moss box is not entirely bad. Ok it does have its moments, can be a pig sometimes and does ultimately limit the fun of the driving experience, but you can live with it. I suppose however I probably will go for the JT5 gearbox in the end.

But I do have to say, my e-type has really opened my eyes to the fun that these cars can serve up. I have been into italian and german exotica for a while(and still am) and have driven(and own) a number of so called supercars but I have to be honest and say the e-type(even with standard spec as mine is, albeit well sorted) is a really really fun car. When you also think that it is 45 years old it is nothing short of mind blowing! My god can you imagine the people in 1961 being exposed to this-unimaginable.

My e-type was the first one I ever drove-and I bought it right there and then! Although I was attracted to the looks of the car(always have been) and to be honest being used to cars up to 20-25 years old max, I didnt think the car would appeal to me in terms of driving experience. Nonetheless, the heart won, and I sought out the best I could find to at least give me the opportunity to experience these cars as they were made-without as I said having any major expections!. However it has really turned things around on its head for me. Im now really surprised why more people dont buy these cars!

[Car-Nut]

[quote="stradman"]My e-type was the first one I ever drove-and I bought it right there and then! [quote]

Thats exactly what did with a TVR Tuscan I owned a few years back even though people said dont........

Stradman we have a gallery http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8

where you can post some pics of your new toy if you want :)

[mouton]

Stradman,

Congratulations on the car. I have had my Moss box for 34 years now, and I would not trade it for a 5 speed. (That said, I'd happily get another E Type and put in a 5-speed!) The Moss box is unique in that it takes some skill to drive well. With rev matching and double-de-clutching all gears are very usable. I even occasionally downshift to first in competition!

First, the box is so strong that graunching does not mean damage (generally). I have broken off the shift lever shifting badly to second in a MAJOR graunch, and the gears showed no evidence of damage. The box is unbreakable.

Second, as you learn the technique, you'll find it as fast and easy as any transmission, faster than some. Rev matching is the technique, and feathering a little throttle on upshifts and downshifts lets you shift as fast as you like, mostly without graunch. Having the skill can be very rewarding. And should you ever try driving open wheel race cars, you'll already be the master of their dog-clutch unsynchronized transmissions!

Third, it's critical to keep the clutch play correctly adjusted. The service interval here is 2500 miles, and in my experience nobody does this but then they complain about bad shifting. Wear in the master cylinder linkage, particularly the fork to the pedal, can reduce internal throw to the detriment of shifting. Keep all this perfect and you will be happier.

Fourth, US drivers have found that Red Line brand MTL synthetic gear oil greatly improves Moss box shifting, and it's completely compatible with the stock 30 weight engine oil prescribed by the factory. Hope you can get it in the UK.

A 5-speed is another good option if you'd rather not put in that much effort, but it sounds like you are well on the way to membership in the Moss League.

Jerry

[Heuer]

Alex

I think the Moss box, whilst durable, is not worthy of the E-Type's performance and dynamics. As Jerry says, it works and can be fun but on our crowded roads it may become yet another distraction. Jaguar were aware and replaced it as soon as they could. Fortunately it is a reversible upgrade - put in a 5 speed and enjoy the rest of the car's abilities, put the Moss box back if you want originality or re-sale. If you are going to the trouble of replacing the Moss box it might as well be a 5 speed. Even the XK150 had a 5 speed box (four plus overdrive) and the E-Type was seen by many as a step back in automotive development in this area. Unfortunately there was no room to fit the overdrive unit and the need to launch the car precluded the development of a four speed box until the 4.2 was launched.

Have a word with Harry or get in touch with E-Type Fabs to test drive their new 5 speed box (3.8, 4.2 and V12 testers available). Alternatively get one fitted to your car and try it for a while. If you do not like it change it out - there will be a very ready market to buy the new box off you.

[stradman]

Well I have decided to change gearbox after all and will be going for Yoorik's new 5 speed. I have done some research and spoken to Yoorik extensively already. I am confident he has a winner with his box-so I am going for it! Will let everyone know thoughts when I get it changed towards the end of the month.
Regards
Alex

[stradman]

One thing however I would appreciate opinions on is what drive ratio I should go for with my 3.8? Any thoughts people?

[Heuer]

Alex

Depends on what you plan to do with the car. If you are going to do hillclimbs or track days then I would stick to the 3.07 or whatever is fitted to you car (there is a tag on the diff which gives you the ratio, or at least two numbers so you can work it out - see below). If you are going to do runs through Europe then consider a 2.88 diff. I have one of these and it makes for great relaxed touring as I see 100mph at 3,000rpm in fifth. No real downsides and first gear becomes usable rather than just to get you moving. You can get these diffs fairly easily as it was used in the S1 2+2 automatic for the UK or someone like Dana can rebuild yours with the ratio you want. Plenty of torque in the XK engine so makes no real difference in acceleration.

I strongly suggest you only change one thing at a time though. A 5 speed (E-Type Fabs?) gearbox first and you can then see if you need a higher ratio. You need to find out what ratio your current diff is first though. As the car was exported it could be 3.54 which is a bit too low for modern driving conditions.

Axle Ratios tags:

2.88:1 = 43x15
3.07:1 = 43x14
3.31:1 = 43x13
3.54:1 = 46x13

[stradman]

Thanks for the insight David. I will check my own cars ratio first as you say and then go from there.
Alex