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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Input shaft interference with Rover & T5?

I have a '75 3.5L and am now deciding between GM T5 and SD1 transmission options. I have gone thru the archives for pros and cons etc.. A few posts mention an interference between the transmission input shaft and crank when using the T5 with a Buick or Transdapt bellhousing. Is this true for all Rover/T5 combos or only certain years?

Thanks in advance!
Joseph Lagasse

Joe,
I can tell you that with a Transdapt bellhousing, my GM style T5 bolts up to the 215 Olds block like factory. Quite a few hours to open up the tranny tunnel to accept the T5 though; can't speak to the SD1 in that regard.

Joe
Joe Ullman

Thanks Joe,

I've read that the interference is only with the Rover engines and the T5.
Joseph Lagasse

I have a Rover 3.5 (69) on the road with a GM T5 and yes I did have a problem with the fitting. Ended up stripping the threads and putting heli-coils in. What I did was to shim the tranny away from the bellhousing @ 3/16". Works fine. I have heard that the end of the input shaft could be cut off as well

Bruce
Bruce

Thanks Bruce,

I'm leaning more towards he Rover/SD1 combo at this point to avoid having to use adapters or spacers.
Joseph Lagasse

I ran into this problem a few years ago & generated a good bit of E-mail traffic then & after solving the problem. Some must be in the archives.

Basically, the Rover engines at some point after the P6 had a change in the rear of the crank, making it 1/4" or so longer. When I bolted a 4.2 to a Buick bell housing & T-5, the engine was locked by the pressure on the thrust surfaces at the crank(internally). 3 solutions are cut the tranny input shaft, spacer between block & bell housing(my choice) or a spacer between the bell housing & transmission. The last requires precision machining I was not capable of to keep the tranny centered to the crank. A modified crank bush is also required. Spacer & bush are available from D & D if you don't want to fab yourself.

Jim Stuart
Jim Stuart

This thread was discussed between 17/07/2001 and 27/07/2001

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