Hi All

OK so after running our Tiger Supercat for a while with a MZR Duratec and Type 9 box the clutch has started to slip so decided to future proof the box with a more modern alternative.

We've ordered a 5 speed box from a late 2ltr MX-5 Mk3 which I believe should bolt directly to our Duratec MZR engine. Had some quotes on clutches so I believe this will all be quite straightforward.

The area's of concern or the unknown for me are:

Propshaft - I suspect we will require a new one. Does anyone have any advice on this?

Gear lever position - Will we require an extender system like what our type 9 box currently has?

Any advice much appreciated as we really want to crack on so if you know where parts can be bought or info regards making parts it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Paul

Not 100% sure but don't the late model mx5 boxes sit at an angle to the engine?

Actually I do remember reading that somewhere..

UPDATE
The area's of concern or the unknown for me are:

Propshaft - I suspect we will require a new one. Does anyone have any advice on this?

Gear lever position - Will we require an extender system like what our type 9 box currently has?

Gearbox angle - Maybe it's still possible to install with a kink in the lever or do we require an adapter plate/bell housing?

I have an rx8 6 speed box, also came with a 5 speed, and the 6 speed is the same box (bar the bellhousing end) as in the mx5 mk3 and that has the same gear stick position as the type 9 give or take a few mm.


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Thanks for the pic

So is the top one an RX8 5sp box? which apart from the bell housing you believe is the same as the late MX5 one?

Looking at the picture it does look like the box length is a little shorter than the type 9 when the bell housings are taken away which does suggest we will need an extender for the gear lever because our current type 9 has one.

It is a 6 speed box but as the rx8 also came with the 5 speed box I assume the gear sticks are in the same position. There is a bit of perspective in the photo, the boxes are within about 10mm from bellhousing face to stick.

OK thank you for clarifying

The engine will cant over by 10 degrees with a mk3 box. Some of the TB suppliers do tbs with this in mind which is something I would investigate. I believe you'll also need a mx5 clutch and fly assembly.

its the engine that sits over at an angle not the box, gear lever may be further back. Tunnel mods will be required to accomodate both the box width and the bellhousing.
Go for 5 speed not 6 as the 5 is stronger.

Thanks for the reply
Yes we have purchased the 5 sp box.
I was hoping someone would have some idea's on the lever position as this will be one on my main concerns.

On the Westfield. Using an ecoboost (same block as duratec) the engine is ran canted over and the gearbox is upright. Gear lever is a little far forward so uses a cranked lever. The one below was bought from vitesse. But you could probably make tour own.


Grlver

[Edited on 4/6/17 by sdh2903]

That doesn't look so bad, if that's all we have to do then happy days :-) I bet it's not though LOL....

quote:

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Originally posted by Fcck2000
Thanks for the reply
Yes we have purchased the 5 sp box.
I was hoping someone would have some idea's on the lever position as this will be one on my main concerns.

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That's a great bit of knowledge thanks.

So it does look like I need to find or develop a turret extender like this which I believe we have on our current type 9 box.

Bit sad replying to myself LOL… thought I’d resurrect this old thread I started.

Eventually got around to making a start on doing this, just wondered if anyone else has done the conversion?
I now have the old type9 out ready to recon and sell. Certainly needs new bearings as the main shaft has a lot of play.
Bought a 5 speed N7 Mazda gearbox that will be connected to my 2ltr Mazda MZR engine. They are both from a MX-5 so expect they will bolt together no problem.
The work I will have is move the engine forward by 1 inch. This will give clearance around the bell housing and bulkhead. It’s now an engine out job to separate box and engine which isn’t ideal..
I still believe the main issue will be gear lever position. I need to move it 150mm ish towards the driver. The type9 has this installed but I can’t find anyone who makes one for the N7 gearbox… Would have thought someone would be looking at making these by now with the shortage of type9s. Not to mansion the cost of them!

Any pointers guidance much appreciated :-)
I’ll add a few pics of the 2 boxes side by side as they are quite similar in size.

Paul

[Edited on 7/6/21 by Fcck2000]
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gd8z5hzfzk5z14e/IMG_9093.jpg?dl=0[/img

[Edited on 7/6/21 by Fcck2000]

[Edited on 7/6/21 by Fcck2000]

I’ve been looking into this a little and have picked up an N7 box. Although not listed on there site Gbs have developed all sorts of bits for fitting a Duratec to there car including angled sumps. And gear stick remotes. Raceline also do an angled sump for The Mzr combo.

That all sounds really interesting, I’ll give them a call thanks for the info :-)

They show case there products in this vid. If you get any info on the gear remote I would be grateful of any info.

That’s awesome just what I’ve been looking for. Spoke to Ben earlier and said send an email over. As they are only in Nottingham and I’m Leicester, I think I’ll pop over. Does look like they have everything that I need. Glad I waited a few years now :-)
Thanks for the info and vid

Fcck2000 - how did the install go? I’m doing this in my R10 so really intrigued to see how it worked out?