Gearbox alternatives

[tinymc]

186 in a series3 88, has been in there for many years (Long before I got it) as well as I'm assuming the gearbox, the gearbox which has always been a bit suspect decided today was as good a day as any to retire. Can't get second gear just won't go in, there is no neutral, can still get third and forth, fortunately I was close to home and was able to get there, no real bangs or crunches just one or two thumps up through the gear lever. The questions are, is there another alternative people are using instead of the series box or should I stick with what I've got? If I stay with the series box, has any one got a ready to go one for sale, not really interested in a rebuilder. Any help appreciated, thanks Steve.
Located on the Gold Coast

[JDNSW]

Replacing the box with anything else is going to be a lot more work and expense. As well as connecting the box to the engine, you need to connect it to the transfer case, usually meaning significant modifications to the box, and then if the length is not exactly the same as the Rover box, new prop shafts will be needed. And there are likely to be other complications, such as the position of the gear lever requiring new floor panels etc.

However, worth noting that some Holden adapters are made with insufficient accuracy and have the gearbox misaligned. This will result ultimately in serious failures in the gearbox, and I wonder if this is your problem. If it is, it is essential to check the alignment when installing the new box, and modifying the adapter as necessary.

It should be possible to find a S3 box in good condition.

John

[mick88]

A series box will stand up to increased power with engine upgrades and go almost forever, provided it has oil in it, and it is used, but not abused.
On this site a somewhere there is a thread about an 88" with a Rover V8 bolted to a series gearbox and it has been in the vehicle for many years.
I would just go with another series box unless you intend to give it a hard time. As John said, check alignment before installing the next box.
The Nissan Cabstar conversion is another possibility, however they require modifications.

If you don't have neutral and cannot get second gear, it might pay to check the linkage and selector mechanism before you pull the box out.

Cheers, Mick.

[tinymc]

Thanks John and Mick, I think I'll stay with the series box, as suggested the added costs will make it far to expensive to justify, I was looking at way to maybe pickup a extra gear and possibly at bit more of a user friendly gearbox. In regards to alignment, I think it's right as the conversion was done at least ten years ago that I know of, and was done using cast engine mounts (not home made jobs) and the adapter plate was part of the kit, but that will be checked again when the box is removed and a replacement is reinstalled. The condition of the car when I got it clearly showed how it had been treated and maintained and I think that has a lot to do with now failure in the box, but as suggested the selectors will be checked before I get to carried away just to confirm things, but I'm only delaying the inevitable as the clutch is a bit ordinary as well, might as well just get in and do it.
thanks for your comments and suggestions
Steve

[JDNSW]

I should clarify, the inaccurately made adapters I was referring to were commercial ones, part of kits, not home jobs. Being part of a kit does not mean it is necessarily well made.

John

[russellrovers]

186 in a series3 88, has been in there for many years (Long before I got it) as well as I'm assuming the gearbox, the gearbox which has always been a bit suspect decided today was as good a day as any to retire. Can't get second gear just won't go in, there is no neutral, can still get third and forth, fortunately I was close to home and was able to get there, no real bangs or crunches just one or two thumps up through the gear lever. The questions are, is there another alternative people are using instead of the series box or should I stick with what I've got? If I stay with the series box, has any one got a ready to go one for sale, not really interested in a rebuilder. Any help appreciated, thanks Steve.
Located on the Gold Coast

hi steve come over and have a look here for gear boxs jim

[Homestar]

I should clarify, the inaccurately made adapters I was referring to were commercial ones, part of kits, not home jobs. Being part of a kit does not mean it is necessarily well made.

John

Spot on - this happened to me may years ago when converting a IIa to a Holden motor. The kit was a well known type with a cast adaptor ring for the box to bolt up to - the first box failed in a few months, followed by a second box 6 months after that. Once someone twigged to the issue, it was found to be the adaptor which was out by a fair bit. The manufacturer said we just got a bad one and to their credit replaced it, but of course didn't go as far as replacing a gearbox or 2 we'd stuffed. Wish the internet was around then and smart people like yourself could have saved me much trouble to start with.

[isuzurover]

I have seen a holden powered landie with a toyota gearbox and t-case, but I agree with JDNSW that the easiest and simplest option would be to rebuild the box.

[tinymc]

update. Selector rods were jammed and I was able to free them externally, without taking the top of the box, however, I am still unable to get it into 2nd it just refuses to go in, I'll take the top of next and have a look there, but after degreasing the gearbox and surrounding area I'm amazed at the many different colours of sealer that has been used on it, suggesting that I may not be the first person of possibly many to have a peek inside, who knows want I'm going to find.

[Lionelgee]

G'day Tiny,

Just above where your message appears there is a Sticky Link that goes by the name of "Before fitting Holden Engine Check Alignment First" .... It is well worth a read.

BEFORE FITTING A HOLDEN ENGINE CHECK ALIGMENT FIRST

Kind Regards
Lionel