Another transmission query- BMW gearbox rv8

DaviesDJ · Post by **DaviesDJ** » Fri Nov 22, 2013 9:20 pm

Hi guys, thanks so much for your input on the last topic - really is food for thought for the landy- but now on to actually relevant issues. I am looking for a T5 gearbox for my 4.9 litre 300 head locost seven project. This is a track only project and aiming for good power. Currently I am looking at a fair bit of cash for a decent unit with a RV8 bell housing. But couldn't help but notice a threat on here about BMW boxes - the Getrag range. Have seen a lot of these on ebay for a lot less (320 gearbox for 130 quid) but...
1) are they strong enough for my application - aiming for big rv8 numbers but in a light car. (Are they as strong as a T5 basically)
2) how much difficulty would there be in terms of modifying an lt or r380 bell housing - to four bolt T 5 configuration.
3) is there a problem in terms of input shaft length . I would probably use a BMW friction plate and a rover pressure plate onto the rover flywheel??
What you reckon guys??

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Mon Nov 25, 2013 10:11 am

I know they are very strong boxes. A few of the drift boys are moving over to them since R154s are very pricey ... and I'm looking at using one for a 4.0 1UZFE conversion for the BGT. Should be fine in sa featherweight Seven. Can't answer the other two though, I was planning on using a custom adapter plate with the BMW bellhousing so maybe you'll have to go that route.

Post by **katanaman** » Mon Nov 25, 2013 5:44 pm

Careful with the Getrag boxes. A lot of them 5th is 1-1 so will leave you short geared unless you change the final drive. They are close ratio with no overdrive. Other than that they can be a very strong box if you use the right one.

To convert a T5 to a rover engine your better starting with an auto bellhousing. You then make an adapter plate of 12mm aluminium between the box and the bell. At least on a TVR or cosworth box this will leave your input shaft at the perfect length. The other advantage is that you can now fir a larger clutch without clearance problems. TVR and cosworth are metric splines so you need to use the correct friction plate. The imperial fits but it isnt correct. Details here although this is the larger one http://v8tuner.co.uk/product.php?id=464 .

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Tue Nov 26, 2013 8:28 pm

I think it depends what BMW box it is. There's 5 an 6 speed versions, think the 5 speed is stronger but not sure on ratios (yet, I need to research it)