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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Type 9 Kit - Review

Hi everyone,

I normally ask questions and receive information on here because I'm normally a vacuum of knowledge rather than a source of it. But as I'm in the middle of installing a Type 9 gearbox into my '67, I thought I might be able to be of some use to those thinking about it

THE GEARBOX
- many opinions flying about out there regarding how to proceed here. Some swear by reconditioned units and others think most secondhand units will do. My budget only allows for a secondhand unit, so that's what's about to go into my car. We'll see if it holds up but I've heard mainly good things (thanks again, Alan Anstead!)

- quickshift kits, again many opinions out there. Apparently cheaper ones can be badly made and prevent proper engagement of gears at speed, and others can feel heavy etc. I've seen this:

http://www.joeybrown.co.uk/quickshift/quick.html

and will report back on how good it is. Seems to get around most of the manufacturing quality issues people complain about.

-it's likely to be quite expensive. They've been used in kit cars and bangers for the last 10 years so are getting pretty scarce now. Took me a couple of months to find one on eBay (managed to pay £130 for it which is low compared to most out there. Sold as being in excellent condition but again we'll have to see...)


THE INSTALLATION
- after buggering about for months trying to work out how best to source all the parts for the conversion, I decided to buy a kit from The Morris Minor Centre (for £580) which includes everything you need give or take a couple of bolts and washers. Overall, seems pretty comprehensive. Also (no affiliation here), when I've had problems (instructions can be vague, had a gaiter left out of the order by mistake), Mike and John have been amazingly helpful, sending parts out that came the next day and spending lots of time researching answers for my various questions.
- I found the following sites very useful indeed:
- http://www.the-wizardsden.com
-http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/10000?.U7w5Vye9KSM=undefined
- this BBS, particularly archived threads on the subject and Alan Anstead the head of the Kent MG Club, and Lawrence Slater who spent lots of time giving me advice and answering many questions (also I believe Larwence might still have some T9 units lying around so be quick and ping him a message if you're after one!)

I'll put up pictures of the finished installation soon - it's getting bolted in this evening.

To all those considering a Type-9 conversion, I would say do your research and ask lots of questions; the people on here are particularly helpful and it's worth knowing what you're doing before you cut out half the integral strength of the car!!

Hope this helps at least someone.

All the best and thanks again for everyone's help,

Josh
Josh Spooner

Josh
I'm midget & Sprite Club www,masckent.org
We are meeting this Sunday from 1200hrs at the Angel, Addington Green, Kent.
You are welcome to join us, as is anyone else here who fancies a drive, to discuss everything and anything Spridget.
Alan
Alan Anstead

nice review

a lot of the info is in the archives but you've bought it to one thread

old duffer though he is I think you missed out Guy Weller's contributions past and recent

take my advice on that oil selection - the few pounds extra will pay for itself in improved performance and longevity - Castrol Syntrans Multivehicle 75W-90 Fully Synthetic MTF (GL-4) - http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-739-castrol-syntrans-multivehicle-75w-90-fully-synthetic-mtf-replaces-smx-s-75w-85.aspx
Nigel Atkins

Ah, thanks Nigel, for the recommendation. Though maybe not the "old duffer " bit!
Likewise Josh, Nigel knows his stuff about oils and the T9 is particularly susceptible, or responsive, to the right oil selection. Go with Nigel's advice on this.

You make no mention of the available knowledge on gearbox shortened extensions, now commercially available as well as via the DIY method. Some people confuse the benefits with quickshift which is quite a different matter. Nice link to that Dave Andrews DIY quickshift which really clarifies how this is achieved.
Guy Weller

Interesting about the choice of oil. There are enough "annecdotal" reports out there, to suggest tha BGH have it wrong about using Comma oil. Given that they otherwise know there way around a T9 g/box, I'm surprised that they don't recommend a better oil, such as the Castrol.
Lawrence Slater

This thread was discussed between 23/07/2014 and 25/07/2014

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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