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MG MGA - HI-GEAR 5 SPEED


Just finished assembling the kit as supplied by Peter Gamble, and even for a mechanical klutz such as myself- it all went together beautifully. It's still not actually IN the car, but the kit assebles virtually by itself.

The finish of ALL the components is superb and of the highest quality, Peter is to be congratulated for his attention to detail.

The kit is well worth the money and given that I skirted in just as the sterling and Aussie were in my favour, I think I got a bargain.

The only wee quibble is to do with the freight and customs costs/fees etc , Peter uses UPS to Oz, and as such, it is ALWAYS subject to 10% tax, this could be avoided,, along with the customs fee etc if another shipping method was used as UPS and HIGEAR are flagged within the Oz customs system!

If I ever need another, I think I shall time a UK trip and collect as accompanied baggage, the bell housing fits into my partner's huge hardcase and the tailshaft is a lot smaller than a surfboard!
M THOMPSON

soonds good , but what gear box are you using ?
I know what you mean by the cost of importing. I have found that you have to take responsibility of imports yourself. People take the line of least resistance and will stick with the fimiliar, Know ? Sean
S Sherry

Are you are using a Ford Sierra gearbox?
If so, has it a oil drain plug?
If it does not have a drain it is something to think about before you fit it.


Mick
M F Anderson

I have to agree with you the Hi-gear kit is well done. Peter seems to have thought of everything and is quick to offer help over the phone. I have just finished bolting mine to the engine and all has gone well. I would like to see more photos in the instructions, but basically well done.

I couldn't help painting mine to match the motor.


B Suelzle

Re importing (to Oz anyway), I have brought 4 of the Hi-Gear gearboxes & kits into Australia, and have never paid a cent in duties...reason around this is to find someone bringing a container of goods or household furniture, and pack it with their goods. All I've asked Peter Gamble to do is send the gearbox/kit to an address in the UK, and supply a VAT refund form for the exporters to sign.
The next trip will probably be next year, when I take my A over to the UK & Europe again...there's a lot of room in the container after the car has been lashed down!
Gary Lock

I am a 10 year Hi-Gear veteran. Excellent reliability overall. The only problems I have had are:

1. Could not use the original MGA gear stick gaiter because of the excessive lever throw. Overcome by Peter's introduction of the short throw stick that is now standard.

2. Excessive speedo wander due to poor speedo outer and inner cable matching. Best cured by using the right angle drive adapter that uses the original MGA cable.

3. Badly worn bush on the clutch operating lever. Just one of those fair wear and tear issues.

4. Not changed the oil in 10 years. No drain plug. Still thinking what to do about this one.

Steve
Steve Gyles

>4. Not changed the oil in 10 years. No drain plug.
>Still thinking what to do about this one.

Owners of boats with poor/no access to the engine oil drain plug sometimes use a little pump that is made to suck the old oil out through the dipstick hole. Maybe you could find one of those at a marine store.
Del Rawlins

Del

Nah. Sealed for life. It will be ok!!!??

Steve

PS. What was the expected life of a Sierra? Probably less than 10 years.
Steve Gyles

I followed Peter Gamble's advice on creating a drain hole on my Type 9 gearbox by drilling a hole (very carefully!) vertically in the centre of a 1-2 inch circular portion of the bottom of the gearbox casting. It's pretty obvious when you look underneath. Then oil gushes down over your drill/hand, bringing any swarf with it! Tap the hole for a 5/16 UNF short bolt and copper washer, job done. The only reservation I have about the procedure is that the gearbox casting at that point is only a few mm thick so there are not too many threads there to hold the bolt. However, a spot of loctite or equivalent makes it secure. No problems to-date.
Peter was most insistent about the use of Comma Gear Oil SX75W-90, but the GL4 version of it and not the later GL5. Apparently, something to do with the right additives.
Bruce
Bruce Mayo


I've used a restored Sierra gearbox from the guys at Eurospeed Motorsport at Geebung and fitted with an oil drain -

These guys are also recomended- great to deal with and offer gearboxes in all stages etc.

The clean up and refurb was amazing.And they are fast and use very cheap freighting methods as well as padding and wrapping well.

no fat- just a good reliable service.
M THOMPSON

Mark.- I looked at the oz box supplier with his multiple quality options before I bought my standard ratio box from hi-gear. The former were much more expensive even allowing for transport and import and the peter gamble box came beautifully reconned...and with the drain plug as a free extra after request. Lovely guy to deal with...
Neil Ferguson

This thread was discussed on 04/07/2010

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