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sierra 4-speed > 5-speed conversion
xico_ze54 - 17/2/13 at 12:03 AM

hi all

to change a ford sierra 4-speed gearbox to a 5-speed 'type 9' what kind of modifications are necessary?

a) mechanical ones (shafts, donuts, etc)?
b) bodywork (moving gearbox support, new holes, etc)?

and what's the name of that 4-speed gearbox? is the type E or type 3 (4)?

thanks in advance

Amadeu

blakep82 - 17/2/13 at 01:10 AM

From what I know of trying to fit a type 9 to my car which was buolt for a 'rocket' type e box, the type 9 is longer (5th gear is basically added on to the end of the 4 speed box) so you'll need a shorter prop
The mounting point is slightly further back

The type 9 is based and developed on the type e box

Its impossible the say what box you've got currently. I think ford only made 2 rwd boxes in cars. The mt75 and the type 9, I'm sure the rest were all 4 speed. Theres about 5 or 6 other 4 speed boxes.

Look on burton powers website, in the tuning guide section, you'll find pictures and info on all ford boxes there, you'll find a photo of your gearbox in there, they're all different, but sometimes the differences take a bit of spotting

[Edited on 17/2/13 by blakep82]

snapper - 17/2/13 at 06:33 AM

If your swapping Type 9 4 speed to 5 speed the 5 speed is longer and the mounting point is further back
They also have 1" 23 spline output shafts
Earlier 4 speed box has 7/8" 20 spline
Clutch plate splines are also different

Paul Turner - 17/2/13 at 09:06 AM

quote:
Originally posted by xico_ze54
hi all

to change a ford sierra 4-speed gearbox to a 5-speed 'type 9' what kind of modifications are necessary?



No simple answer, it depends which 4 speed box it is.

If you have a type E 4 speed its easy, I did it in the day. The type 9 is only 1/4" longer thus providing your prop is not mm perfect length you can reuse it, it also uses the same spline fitting. The type E and type 9 use the same clutch plate spline count as well so no need to spend there. You will need a longer speedo cable and you will need to fabricate a new gearbox mount but other than the obvious gearlever difference that's about it.

If you have a type 3 or type 2 its far more involved. Both will need a modified or replacement prop and a new clutch plate. Speedo cable, gearlever and new mount also needed.

All the 4 speeds are physically smaller than the type 9, in the case of the Type 2 especially so. Check that your tunnel is big enough before starting.

Ford never made a type 9 4 speed but there were a small number of 4 speed boxes fitted to Sierras that came between the type E and type 9. It used a type 9 gearlever (thus the confusion) but that was the only common part. Pretty useless from a modification viewpoint, no gear kits available.

britishtrident - 17/2/13 at 09:17 AM

A lot depends on which 4 speed gearbox you have

Two different 4 speed boxes were used in the Sierra one was the Escort style type2 the other was simply a 4 speed version of the 5 speed box.

The type2 is shorter than the type 9 and has different mounting poins and splines.

The Sierra 5 speed box uses the same mounting points as the 4 speed 2000e and type E gearbox.

xico_ze54 - 17/2/13 at 09:20 AM

I have to say that this running gear with that 4 speed gearbox is from a Ford Sierra 1.6 Station of 1984 and I didn't yet bought it, is why I am trying to see if it works before buy. I already have a "type 9" ready to fit.

if you want add some more info about that matter, I will appreciate.

thanks