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MG MGB Technical - '73 model GT auto.

I am about to re-enter the MGB world and have seen a '73 model GT with an auto box. What would it take (apart from a manual box) to make it into a manual. I'm not an auto lover. Is it just pull the auto, find a clutch assy and put it back together or is it just too hard?

Cheers
Tony
Tony Oliver

And a flywheel - not sure if you were including that in the clutch assembly though! Don't know if they have the same diff or not too?

If it's anything there like here, then the automatic will be slightly more expensive, so isn't it cheaper to buy a non-automatic?
rachmacb

Had to go out to check - are you in Queensland?
rachmacb

Thanks for the quick reply. The car is an abandoned restoration. All the rust has been dealt with but as the owner has lost interest it is a good price. It is in a few hundred pieces!

I wasn't thinking of a flywheel as I have no idea how autos connect to the motor, apart from the fact that a torque converter sits in between them. I must admit I thought that the converter was simply bolted to the flywheel instead of the clutch assy.

I am in NSW about an hours drive north of Sydney.

Cheers
Tony
Tony Oliver

Ahhh well, if it's dead cheap ...!!!

I'm doing one at the moment, but it's a V8 conversion so not a big deal as there's alot of other things to do as well!

The other option would be to put another gearbox totally in - 5-speed perhaps - especially if it's hard to source a standard o/d unit there? This seems a good time to look at all of your options before making a decision.

There's a few folk I know in Queensland and would happily put you in touch if that would help.
rachmacb

I think the auto came with a 3.7 diff
B WALKER

You will need a flywheel. On an auto the torque converter replaces the flywheel. Is the prop shaft a different length or fitting?
Mike Howlett

Seems a shame to butcher a rare auto.

As the auto was only available after the prop-shaft was standardised between OD and non-OD, and the axles were all tube/Salisbury, one size apparently fits all.
PaulH Solihull

It does seem a shame. I bought a complete auto set-up from a guy that had converted to manual.
Dave O'Neill 2

Tony, why don't you give the guys at Nepean Classic Cars a ring ? They might have some ideas as to what route to take & point out any pros & cons for your project. Barrie E
B Egerton

Thanks Gents. Seems to be an expensive proposition. If I go ahead and buy it I might just re-build and sell it.

Cheers
Tony
Tony Oliver

Tony, The auto is a dog with fleas! My mum had a camino gold one 71 i think and the auto box takes all the guts out of the motor and is not really that pleasant to drive. They can be hard to sell as auto's for that reason. Many have been converted. IMHO the MGC was the best auto for that reason.
A J Ogilvie

This thread was discussed between 16/05/2011 and 18/05/2011

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