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I know that in the past there have been discussions on this subject adnauseam.
But I am new and need detailed info on the different types and required mods for thier use.
I would like to make the fit without a kit as I have access to a full machine shop and fab area.
My 78 MK IV is scheduled for a face lift this winter and it seemes to be a good time to do this as well.
Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Most commonly sen option is to use the Triumph Spitfire box which is a Midget 1500 box with overdrive (5th) added.
I believe it bolts right up, requiring mods only in the tunnel sheet metal
for gearchange lever and clearance.
The various Jap or Ford 5 speed box kits all seem to be aimed for use with the 1275.
The Triumph 'box will work..
BUT you have to cut the tunnel to ,make room for the OD unit. The gear shifter does not line up with the old one...more cutting. Also the driveshaft in many cases has to be shortened and re-balanced.
Is it worth it?? depends...The extra gear is nice, but the four speed works ok too. The engine is designed (loosely put) to rev happily, and they actually do. What does them in is not revving, but the fact that they are internally balanced poorly and have lousy oiling systems.
My advise (for what little it may be worth), go 4-speed, change the oil frequently, and replace the big end and crank bearings every 50,000 miles or so (not as hard as it sounds). They will run FOREVER!! 'nuff said.
I also thought of using the Frontline Spridget box on my 1500. I e-mailed them and didnt get a resonse for quite a while so I thought I would put it on the MG BBS. You would not believe how many people told me not to do it...
They had used the Frontline conversion, it came with the wrong oil in it, there was no oil in it, it would not shift right out of the box, no help from the company, and on and on.
I therefore checked with a local used parts place (British Miles in PA) bought a used though in good condition box and could not be happier. The box cost me $250 the clutch kit and a few other parts I had about $350 in total for supplies and then your or your installer labor. It is like a new one now, I can even hear the radio at 70mph with the hard top on.. Check the BBS you might want to reconsider...