Alternative Auto Gearbox advice wanted

[Alacrity]

All stags are fitted with a gearbox that is more than good enough for the job as long as it is in good working order rebuilt etc so why spend thousands unless it’s a daily driver
Rich

I don't think that many people would consider driving a BW35/65 as adding to their driving experience, rather the opposite, however a ZF 4 speed conversion will definitely add to the experience IMO. But, I agree, it comes at a price.

[Swifty75]

I quite like my BW35! Very different to drive than my daily driver 8 speed auto. A different experience as the new car feels like you’re not really driving. I think if it is a driving experience someone is looking for then it probably has to be a manual! Although the older I get the more I like an auto!

[Goldstar]

Each o theiur own say I, it would be a dull old world if we all liked the same stuff

[mjheathcote]

I'm sure the ZF is a good gearbox and conversion, however the BW35/65 when in good order and set up properly isn't a bad gearbox either.
I don't get bangs and thuds as it changes gear, it is very smooth, and I can nicely regulate its operation by my right foot.
Yes without the 4th gear of the ZF, it is high revving, but unless you are doing regular long touring journeys and the mpg concerns you, the advantage is that it is always in the power band and very responsive ready to go.
So for me, the expence isn't worth it, and if I was looking for more mpg or involvement it would be an alternative manual gearbox.

[rwdstag]

For me having got a rebuilt type 65 it is a no brainier
i tend to plod along at 50 to 60 and the gearbox suits perfectly
i agree if you hammer along at 80 all things get busy
but I don’t and as previous post I think it is a fabulous match
also no bangs and crashes as all ujs replaced
just a thought

[tvrgeek]

I think that covers the issue completely. Around here, the highways are posted 70 MPH, and traffic usually pushes closer to 80. Driving 55 to 60 when trucks go by 20 MPH faster is flat stressful ans well as unsafe. Did a 5-speed in my MG last winter and the difference is dramatic in the ability to get around. If around town, mountain roads, or if locations with lower limits, the BW is probably OK. Getting min on the road as built first, but have grave concerns with it. I am hoping my engine is good and facing a trans, ZF, 400r or maybe Asain, would be in order. If the engine is not solid, sorry, but yet another V6 or turbo 4 will be in the books.

If a kit is no longer available, maybe someone woudl publish a list of parts and even a CAD for the plate. We could then take it to our local CNC shop.

[richardthestag]

for the mileage* I do in my stag BW35 would be my preference (max 3k pa)

My own stag was BW35 right up until the point the pump started getting noisy, I fitted a Stag Man J-Type o/d but it is a completely different animal now. I like it but for very different reasons.

BW35 is perfectly suited for me to the Triumph V8 and the exhaust note sounds

Having heard the exhaust note from the stag v8 ZF being driven I conclude that it just doesn't sound like a stag maybe because I am a long term Staggerererer

Before you go to enormous expense to fit one I am sure there will be a fellow member near you who will let you ride shotgun and make up your own conclusions.

Your car, your choice

[Jeff]

I've not heard one negative comment from anyone who has a 4 speed ZF fitted and there are a lot!

[Jeff]

I think that covers the issue completely. Around here, the highways are posted 70 MPH, and traffic usually pushes closer to 80. Driving 55 to 60 when trucks go by 20 MPH faster is flat stressful ans well as unsafe. Did a 5-speed in my MG last winter and the difference is dramatic in the ability to get around. If around town, mountain roads, or if locations with lower limits, the BW is probably OK. Getting min on the road as built first, but have grave concerns with it. I am hoping my engine is good and facing a trans, ZF, 400r or maybe Asain, would be in order. If the engine is not solid, sorry, but yet another V6 or turbo 4 will be in the books.

If a kit is no longer available, maybe someone woudl publish a list of parts and even a CAD for the plate. We could then take it to our local CNC shop.

DJT has a list.

[Goldstar]

I've not heard one negative comment from anyone who has a 4 speed ZF fitted and there are a lot!

As old(er) autos go I quite like it in my car but its still an auto and I prefer my manual stag so I am going to sell it and focus on the manual car

[Seaking]

Just gave away a fully rebuilt bw35 never used with a receipt for £850 for the rebuild.
Credit to Alan Thomas who first posted his version that I used and passed on to DJT.

[alan_thomas]

I am fairly sure I have a spare adaptor plate machined up it anyone needs one, I made a couple and don't think I will use the spare. Made from 10mm 6082T6 alloy shown here bolted to a BW35 bellhousing from the inside (note cutouts in bellhousing to accept Csk bolt heads and from the box side showing 5/16 UNC ? Csk bolts holding adaptor plate to Bellhousing. - Alan

IMG_2784.JPGIMG_2785.JPG

[DJT]

That’s the one I used

[tvrgeek]

My plan is for it to be my daily driver, plus the cruiser for getting to the mountains and shows. Extended 70 MPH highway cruising. I was thinking the Toyota Asain trans as they are physically small. 400R would be dime a dozen. Doing stock until I can really understand the condition of the engine. We can get aftermarket controllers for the 400RE, which could be a big deal.

If I have to, lots of ideas.
2L Mazda out of a MX5 looks like a nice swap. More room than a 3.1 V6 or big 5L V8. 180 HP, 150 Ft Lbs and that's full emissions. Going crazy an old idea I had was a Mercury/Ford 4L I4. Turns out they are commonly used in cars for drag racing and bolt to standard Ford bell housings ( I think) AOD.

[alan_thomas]

Sorry to drag this one up to the top again but I am just about to fit my 2nd ZF conversion into my Red stag, the 1st went into my white Stag a few years back. I thought I would post a picture whilst it is still accessible. First thing to notice is it looks like a brand new box its actually one I bought cheaply off Ebay then it and the Torque converter has been fully refurbished by Andy Morgan (Andy's excellent services were the subject of a post earlier this month by Glenn)

IMG_2971[1].JPG

The above pic shows the BW35 Bellhousing connected to the ZF box with the 10mm thick alloy adaptor plate, it looks thinner because it is machined to fit inside the recess of the bellhousing. This conversion was made much easier by using a Rangerover/Landrover inhibitor SW which can by wired directly into the Stag wiring, it comes with a RIST connector already fitted but the loom side connecter can be readily purchased. New hoses were made up to connect straight onto the existing steel cooler pipes.

IMG_2972[1].JPG
The output end is made easy by using the BMW tailhousing which only requires minor adaption to the Stag's rear support bracket, however you must use the output flange from a Jag or similar, they simply swop over. Because the overall length of the conversion was 15mm shorter than the original BW65 I turned up a 15mm alloy spacer with a flange one side and a recess the other to ensure the prop was centralised. Into this I drilled, tapped then counterbored 4 holes at 90deg apart and fitted steel screws to provide the pickup for the electronic speedo as these boxes have no mech speedo drive, the LDV van box has but the ratio is all wrong.

Of course there are other things you need to do like correctly space the TC from the Stag flexiplate and drill the flexiplate to accept the ZF TC, connect up the linkage. Don't think it's an easy, straightforward job,. I am lucky I have a lathe and a mill but if I had the money I would have probably fitted a Tate & Lyle conversion, but I don't so this was all done for under a quarter of the price.

Looking forward to smooth changes and more relaxed cruising - Alan