As i am new to the locost bizz, i hope this question hasn't been asked already,

It seems hard nowadays to find a manual gearbox fitting a RV8, so i would like to know if it's possible to use an auto gearbox as normally fitted to a rover V8 3.5 in a locost type chassis: Is it much bigger, heavier slower than a manual 5 speed?

I do like auto gearboxes anyway, great for cruising, but since weight and size are a great issue on any locost, this could be a problem...


Thanx for any advice

Hi,
I seriously considered this myself but found a manual box just at the right time. If it helps, I paid £140 for a recently reconditioned box but this was very cheap to be honest. I think that £250-300 is not uncommon (LT77 type) and a good bit more for the TVR (R380 I think it's called) type box.

Whatever you do, don't build your transmission tunnel without the box in place. If you do get a manual box then give me a shout and I can help to show you how it can be fitted. My website shows lots of pictures of this so take a look.

My advice is to hunt high and low for a manual gearbox. They are out there! Alternatively, I think you can fit a Ford type 9 gearbox to the Rover engine using an adapter plate. Bear in mind that you will need a flywheel, clutch, clutch slave cylinder and spigot bearing to convert an automatic engine to manual. This can be pricey in itself.

Go on, find a manual gearbox (with the engine) you can do it!

Good luck,
Craig.

I have seen a TR7 V8 for sale. That would have the necessary bits. Rover V8 with correct water pump and manual gearbox, plus a live axle that could be used.

Terry