ZF 4 Speed conversion

[TR5convalescent]

Since I bought my Stag 3 years ago the BW 35 had become more and more erratic. It would reverse off the drive very quickly and then sit in the middle of the road refusing to move forward and then suddenly take off with a screech of tyres and the sound of UJs being pulled apart. In the garage it would then leak epic quantities of ATF despite changing all gaskets, seals and breather tubes.

So I bit the bullet and sprang the needful, for Clive Tate to do one of his famous conversions. It has transformed the car into a refined, polished, fast cruiser. A few weeks after he returned it the speedo stopped. Clive said this was an issue with the drive in the box and that he was testing replacements and would be in touch when these were satisfactory. True to his word he called me a few weeks later to arrange a time and subsequently fitted the new gearbox drive and a new cable angle drive as mine had broken for which he refused any payment.

This week circumstances forced me to take the Stag on a visit to Devon and back over two days. Nearly 500 miles at between 50 and 85 through biblical rain. I had not been looking forward to this but the car performed faultlessly. It was fast and comfortable, warm and dry and it did 31 miles to the gallon.

I am now going to sell the old Merc, keeping the money as a sinking fund and use the Stag as my business car. As for Clive - top man and outstanding service. No connection, I am just a very happy customer"

[kev100]

Nearly 500 miles at between 50 and 85 through biblical rain. "

I think you mean between 50 and 70 dont you ....

A new gearbox is a definite on my to do list, good to hear how well yours performs.

[grumpy2]

Something I'm interested in also. Thanks for the report. I've sent a pm.

[Jeff]

Clive re built my engine many years ago, shame I didn't have the money to have had the box done at the same time.

[TR5convalescent]

I think you mean between 50 and 70 dont you ....

A new gearbox is a definite on my to do list, good to hear how well yours performs.

Yes of course, as you say 50-70. ���� cough, cough!

[Johnh]

Yes of course, as you say 50-70. ���� cough, cough!

Great to hear your views, I have just had the diff replaced and gone for CV drive shafts and this has already made a difference to the comfort of gear changes but now I have to arrange with Clive to do the business with the gearbox.

I have already agreed to do it, just waiting to have the first part done.

I am so looking forward to the great improvement in economy and comfort of the reduced revs.

John H.

[KOY 23]

You will love it.

[GDPR]

If you are minded, you could also do as myself and some others have and fit a diff with a 3.45:1 cwp, as opposed to the 3.7.

It ups the overall gearing in 4th lockup to 30mph/1000 rpm, and makes it even more relaxed. From a personal point of view it has had minimal impact on acceleration, or put another way, it still scares the poo out of some moderns..

[DJT]

If you are minded, you could also do as myself and some others have and fit a diff with a 3.45:1 cwp, as opposed to the 3.7.

It ups the overall gearing in 4th lockup to 30mph/1000 rpm, and makes it even more relaxed. From a personal point of view it has had minimal impact on acceleration, or put another way, it still scares the poo out of some moderns..

Yep! 3,000 rpm is a nice cruising speed.............. allegedly!

[grumpy2]

kryten, is that with the ZF 4 speed conversion or the normal BW box? and what is the 3,45 diff from?

thanks

Gary

[GDPR]

Yes Gary, that is with the ZF 4HP22 conversion by Clive, with the diff unit from a 2.5pi estate, which shares identical mountings to the Stag, although there are companies that will build the 3.45 CW&P into the Stag casing

And in answer to Dave, 3000rpm is grand, but 4000 is much better (suggest a front spoiler for steering stability as well as cooling) as I found out on the A26 in France whilst rushing late for a Tunnel connection a couple of summers ago

[DJT]

And in answer to Dave, 3000rpm is grand, but 4000 is much better (suggest a front spoiler for steering stability as well as cooling) as I found out on the A26 in France whilst rushing late for a Tunnel connection a couple of summers ago

Respect as usual, Russ. I've not had the bottle to try 4K yet..........

[GDPR]

Slightly brown trousery Dave - the Stag is not that aerodynamic so stability suffers when you get up there, even with the TR6 spoiler. I had a bad carb issue on the way back to the tunnel and spent 45 minutes by the side of the motorway with the carbs upside down stopping a needle valve messing about, and as the road conditions were good, virtually no traffic, decided to try and make up some time... I made my crossing

[DJT]

Slightly brown trousery Dave - the Stag is not that aerodynamic so stability suffers when you get up there, even with the TR6 spoiler. I had a bad carb issue on the way back to the tunnel and spent 45 minutes by the side of the motorway with the carbs upside down stopping a needle valve messing about, and as the road conditions were good, virtually no traffic, decided to try and make up some time... I made my crossing

So you wouldn't be keen on testing it at higher revs then.......?

[GDPR]

Higher revs? Absolutely - but in '3' not 'D'.

Brave, yes - suicidal? Nah

I think given time it could have got a few miles an hour higher, but it is a 'cooking' TV8 and not Neil's 246bhp beasty or a fire breathing 5.0 TVR motor