Auto box

UK Muppet · Post by **UK Muppet** » Wed Feb 19, 2014 11:17 am

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to fit a more modern auto box to a 69 S2 2+2. I have thought about changing to a MOD box but finding one is not easy. I have an XK8 convertible which has a superb box that can be used manually if required, would one of those fit?

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Wed Feb 19, 2014 12:32 pm

The short answer is no . Your XK8 box is far too modern and you would find it next to impossible to accommodate and wire the multiplicity of ECUs which are needed to make such boxes work properly . It might just be possible to use a ZF 4HP ( I think that's the designation) from the late 1980s but again the controls needed are likely to defeat you . In any event, the BW box provided it is used with the European spec axle ( usually 2.88 on an auto ) gives about 26 mph/1000 rpm and thus an 80 mph cruise is about 3000 rpm . If yours is a much lower geared USA one, then a change of axle is the best solution

UK Muppet · Post by **UK Muppet** » Thu Feb 20, 2014 8:58 am

Thanks for the reply Christopher, I am sure you are correct however I only know of one ECU for the gearbox on the XK8 but I suppose that could be connected to the engine ECU or some other bits of witchcraft. All I know is that its a really smooth box.
At the moment I am just playing around with ideas, I would prefer to acquire an MOD box but its not easy.

steve3.8 · Post by **steve3.8** » Thu Feb 20, 2014 9:26 am

If any the 4hp 22 is the best option , it's something i considered for the Triumph Stag ,from memory i think the 4hp is sourced from the Land Rover Discovery , G Whitehouse Auto's did kits at that time . If the 4hp will fit the E they will know and advise best .

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Thu Feb 20, 2014 2:07 pm

Muppet : I'm not an expert on this but yes, I think you will find that the box ECU both receives and takes signals from the engine ECU ( eg ignition is retarded during some changes etc ) and also from such things as the ABS sensors, speedo sensors and the like. The interconnection of the modern electronics is what makes these cars a nightmare

kgnich · Post by **kgnich** » Thu Feb 20, 2014 5:08 pm

I can't really answer your question but I had my BW8 box on my '69 2+2 rebuilt by G Whitehouse three years ago and at the time they said they could put in a newer box but would need to modify the tunnel. Total cost around ?8K - so I decided it wasn't worth it.

I know it's controversial but I actually quite like the BW8 box with the 2.88 axle. As has been said it is remarkably relaxed at cruising and gives reasonable mpg (25 on a run). The torque from the 4.2 is sufficient to give it reasonable acceleration. OK, so it's maybe not the sports car the E type is supposed to be, but it isn't that bad either. .... and that is from someone who for 30 years has derided anyone who drove an automatic car!

Graham

D COUPE · Post by **D COUPE** » Fri Feb 21, 2014 9:05 am

The ZF4HP22 gearbox can be obtained from the x300 jaguar and are readily available. They have no ECU and on the whole are leak free which is a bonus.

The only down side is the speedo drive.............there isn't one!

GPS speedos are all the rage!

I too was quoted 7k-8k for the conversion. So after I got up I decided to sort it out myself.

I currently have 90% of the parts to do this conversion which is 2015s project.

From the outside there will be no visual difference the only time it will show is on a ramp. The tunnel modification is minimal

DC

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