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 MGA - Best rear plate for a 5-speed?

I'm getting ready to order a 5-speed which I plan to couple to an early 1800. I have options for the low starter, high starter and 1800 back plates. I'm inclined to go with a high starter back plate since I have a couple of high starter transmissions and 1600 motors if I ever need to swap. Are there any compelling reasons to use one back plate or the other?
Thanks,
GTF
G T Foster

Hmmmmnn, not sure how g. gillian became shown as the person who started this thread. Odd.
GTF
G T Foster

You have to use the engine rear plate that matches the gearbox bellhousing. The Ford T9 gearbox commonly used for 5-speed conversion has a separate bellhousing, and that part may be supplied as a special to match the original MG engine rear plate. Consult with the supplier to be sure you get the right bellhousing to mate with your engine.

For other 5-speeds offered as bolt-in kits, either the bellhousing must match your engine, or there must be a special engine rear plate as adapter. For any other non-kit 5-speed, you may be on your own to machine a special engine rear plate. to suit.
Barney Gaylord

Barney,
I have all three style back plates. Just wonder if there is an advantage to using one style vs another. The tranny supplier offers all three options.
Cheers,
GTF
G T Foster

GTF,
I have a MGA 1500 low starter chassis car and I chose to put a low starter back plate on my 1800 G engine and ordered a low starter bellhousing from HiGear. It all matches up and looks correct.

If you put a high starter on a 1500 car you will have to modify the floorboards, etc. No problem with the 1600 car.

Should you ever want a gear reduction starter I think the high starter choice would be better.

$0.02

Jim


Jim Ferguson

I guess the right question is: is your car a 1500 or a 1600? You then might want to go for the bell-housing that is correct for your car. You can always change the backing-plate.
David Werblow

Thanks Guys,
It is a 1600 car at least as far as the body..:)But keeping it correct? That ship sailed long before I got it. Never-the-less, I love the little guy and look forward to the Reno trip. Just want the drive to be a little less taxing.
Cheers,
Gerry
PS: Jim, didn't I take a ride with you during the Twin Cam event at Seven Springs? Red MGA? You going to Reno?
G T Foster

GTF,

I was at Seven Springs but the MGA was stock 1500 and 4 speed at the time. I changed the engine transmission and differential the next year for Key West and Hot Springs. Yes I will be in the Rallye to Reno this year.

Jim
Jim Ferguson

This thread was discussed between 27/02/2011 and 04/03/2011

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.