MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - The car is staying as it is.

I had been considering a 5 speed conversion and have actually bought a Suzuki Jimney box to see what would be required. However the other day was bright and crisp and I took the Sprite for a run along the A81 to Aberfoyle. For those who don't know Scotland it is a long straight road, through gorgeous country side and is practically deserted. The car ran beautifully and with the rebuilt ribcase and 3.9 diff just hummed along at 50 mph. Apart from a little whine in first the original box is quiet and the gears click into place nicely. I thought why bother with a 5 speed. What really covinced me though was when I parked in Aberfoyle several people came over to look at the car. One guy, unlike many time wasters, had actually owned a midget in the 1960s. He was nostalgic about my black crackle dash board, original steering wheel and short gear leaver! If I really need a 5 speed I will buy an old MX5 (and ignore the rust)


Jan T
J Targosz

A lot of people, myself included, fall into the trap of "upgrading" stuff just because they can. But a well screwed together rib case does have a really sweet action and if you aren't doing much motorway blatting or putting out mega power a five speed isn't really needed. The 3.9 diff obviously helps too.

And yes, I am jealous you get to just pop out for a drive round Loch Lomond area!

Cheers,
Malc.
Malcolm

I think most of us agree.

I put in a t9 not for the 5th per se, but bacuse I got fed up with crap rebuilt rib cases, and at the time I was still doing a lot of miles in the Sprite.

Even on motorways I wasn't that bothered by the higher rev's at speed. My engines have always lasted well beyond 100k miles even caning them in 4th at 80's and 90's mph.

I'd not at that time, tried to rebuild my own ribcase gearbox. Having since rebuilt type 9's and other 4 speed boxes (not a ribcase) I now know how easy it is. Had I done back then, I may never have installed a t9.

Now I have I wouldn't bother going back.

But, --- my ribcase, noisey and clunky, sits in my loft. And with the proviso I can buy NEW decent bits for it, not 'best used' gears etc, then I do intend just for the hell of it, to rebuild it. Might even bung it back in just for 'fun', to test it. But then I'd still put my t9 back in.

Or maybe not. --- Maybe I'll get another ribcase in need of a rebuild. Do both. Put one in, keep one spare, and sell my t9 with all the bits.

When I rebuilt my t9 I put in a long 1st gear. Outright purchase, a rebuilt t9 with a long 1st, bell housing, clutch, concentric slave, mounting etc, must be worth a good few spondulicks. Maybe I'll cash in and go back to the 'purity' of 4. 😉.

Saves a bit of weight too. Lol.
anamnesis

This thread was discussed between 13/02/2023 and 14/02/2023

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.