Thread: Engine and gearbox question

Hi,

In relation to a 1949 S1 80.

Is the current gearbox (the one with the chain to engage diff lock) suitable for a fairley overdrive conversion?

Also, is it possible to put later model series engines and gearboxes in a series 1 without my hassle?

Please excuse my newby questions.

Thanks,
Alex

Chain pull free wheel lock should be the original for a 49. The Fairey (or any other) overdrive will fit (but whether the 1.6l engine will pull it is another matter). All Series 1 engines petrol will pretty much just drop in. While the 2.25 petrol or diesel was the reason that 2" was added to the wheelbase in 1955, I understand that it is possible to shoehorn them into the earlier models, although a later bellhousing will be needed.

What is worth considering though, is that any 80", and particularly one that early, is sufficiently historic to warrant sympathetic restoration rather than modernisation.

John