Ribbed sprite gearbox

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Duncan
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Ribbed sprite gearbox

Post by Duncan »

An apparently early sprite gearbox has popped up locally for sale, and I was wondering after having googled the topic unsuccessfully how many variants of ribbed gearboxes there were...

see: https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listin ... 1543822896

especially in view that I have a Marina 1275 engine, and a 1098 Morris ribbed gearbox (in appropriately, a thousand pieces) planned for my A30

any thoughts? worth persuing? I was working on the theory that the A30 tunnel & floor needed work anyway, so may as well fit a different box while I was at it...
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Re: Ribbed sprite gearbox

Post by gazza82 »

I'll try and post up the A40 & Spridget gearing later ... just need to find my manual ..
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Re: Ribbed sprite gearbox

Post by gazza82 »

Overall gearing (includes diff)

1098cc and 1275cc Spridget: 1st 13.504, 2nd 8.085, 3rd 5.726, Top 4.22, Reverse 17.32
1098cc A35 and A40: 1st 15.27, 2nd 9.169, 3rd 5.95, Top 4.22, Reverse 19.665

I think it means you will need to use the gears more if an A35 or A40 box as it will run out of revs quicker until top gear.
"If you're driving on the edge ... you're leaving too much room!"

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Re: Ribbed sprite gearbox

Post by Chris T »

Duncan, the early AH Sprite gearboxes were smooth case, so this is not original equipment for a 948cc frogeye/bugeye nor a MkII. If it's a genuine Austin Sprite gearbox (rather than an Austin Healey Sprite) then it's from a 1971 1275cc car.
Chris T.
400,000+ A30 miles in 40 years
Austins <=> sustAin
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Re: Ribbed sprite gearbox

Post by gazza82 »

Could even have come out of an A40 MkII, A35 van, or even dare I mention it a MM ..
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Re: Ribbed sprite gearbox

Post by Hurtzberg »

Duncan, I know you guys are handy down in NZ so might not be concerned about this but the off the shelf conversion for a marina here involves modifying a 1098 flywheel and using a 1098 clutch.

So the 1098 ribbed box with mechanical clutch rod might be more of a straight fit than the 1275 .
Andrew

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Duncan
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Re: Ribbed sprite gearbox

Post by Duncan »

thanks guys for all the info, I'll check with the accountant (swmbo) and see if funds are released. :wink:
Don't fancy my chances as I was advised yesterday that my employer is making me redundant next month. :roll: but you never know.

I too had the thought that original Sprite box would have been a smooth case so a ribbed one would have been either a later one, or from something else.

If I do end up getting it, at least it would be useful for identifying what goes where when I eventually get cracking on the A30 build, which in itself may be further away now I'm job-hunting...
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