Autobox Copnversion

[leaningchimney]

Hi, everyone, I'm new to the forum and don't even have a Stag … yet. I notice there's been previous discussion about auto vs manual o/d. I've always had manual cars and was looking for a Stag with man o/d but I've been rethinking this lately and wondering if as its more of a tourer than an out and out sports car it might be nicer touring with an autobox especially if I intend to do a bit of towing with our classic caravan? What I don't think I could live with though is the old borg warner 3sp slush box. I have driven cars with those and apart from poor fuel economy they do seem to be a very sluggish change. My current thinking is to maybe get an auto Stag and upgrade it to the ZF 4 speed which seems to be a fairly common upgrade? Does anyone have any views on this and in particular the best autobox upgrade and who to get it done by?

Many thanks for any thoughts

[mjheathcote]

The 4 speed ZF auto is very good, however there is only one source for having this done, I understand one option using a reconditioned box, and a waiting list, and rather expensive greater than £4K I understand.
There is the possibility in the future for a modern NEW 5 speed manual gearbox using the same box as fitted to the Mazda MX-5 and modern Morgans, but early days yet and not guaranteed.
It is basically this https://www.vitesse-ltd.com/products...conversion-kit that they are looking to develop for the TR5/6 and hopefully the Stag too.

[TR5convalescent]

It is expensive but the ZF auto is a fit and forget option and it completely transforms the car into a relaxing fast cruiser. Earlier this summer I had an 8 hour sitting in the car with over 4 hours in 30deg temperatures in traffic jams. It was no worse than doing the same in a modern apart from no air con.

[DJT]

Welcome.

The ZF 4HP22 does transform the Stag. It was developed by Clive Tate and Russell Lewis of the SOC and you can get it done through, I believe, Faversham Classics, EJ Ward, or by Clive Tate himself. Cost is around £3,700, for which you get a fully reconditioned ‘box and torque converter, bespoke bell housing, new propshaft, bespoke g/box mounting, speedo drive, etc. It is possible to DIY, but it isn’t straightforward. BTDT.

[Phil S]

l think you may only get it fitted by Clive now..but it's a must if you have an auto in mine.
changed my stag completely well worth the cost.
Phil

[RobinLegin]

I’v Already spent way above the value of the car. Management is no looking at spend to date which includes refurbishing the BW65 box, a new diff, engine rebuild, new upholstery, new body panels, resprayed and so on. I won’ t say more in case she reads this post over my shoulder! The fuel savings would take a while to cover the cost of the Tate ZF conversion.
I was wondering about installing an overdrive. My Pa had a big Wolesley automatic with overdrive and it did make for comfortable cruising. Anyone any suggestions as to a suitable overdrive unit?

[sujitroy]

I seems to recall Over Drive Spares seem to have an OD kit. but not sure if you have enough room at the end of the tunnel to fit it at the end of ur automatic transmission

[leaningchimney]

Thanks everyone, looks like the Clive Tate conversion is the way to go if I decide to go for an auto. I'm guessing that auto stags fetch a little less than man o/d cars so maybe that makes up for the conversion cost although I suspect the man o/d cars will always be worth more if sold on than even a ZF autobox converted car?. For me though I think it's about getting the most enjoyment out of the car whiel you have it, so I'm going to have to think really hard about whether I want to switch my allegiance to an auto box drive! Difficult choice.....