Roadster gearbox change

[russell49]

Having purchased a roadster a few months ago I am thinking of changing the existing 4 speed gearbox for a 5 speed and have been told that a Sherpa van one will fit. Can anyone confirm that this is the case please.

[dcunn]

Each Marlin car is unique, please advise on which model you have and it's current engine/box combination
- then perhaps your question could more easily be answered

[russell49]

Thanks for reply. The marlin has a 1.7 unit from a Morris ital and is mated up to a four speed box presumeably from the same car. The original donor car is 1979 registration.

[A_Hogg]

YKC at one time did offer a 5 speed conversion to mate with a MG Maestro engine using various parts from a Leyland Sherpa or Freight Rover but can't remember the details. Your best bet is to message Steve Himsworth through the Facebook Marlin enthusiasts site . He was the guy behind YKC

[C_Bogue]

Ford type 9 fits, not something that I have done personally but there are plenty on here that will probably get back to you with more details! Originally, I swapped the Marina 4 speed box for a triumph 1850, that came with overdrive! Quite straightforward to do, as first motion shafts were the same, so all I had to do was swap the bellhousing, shorten the propshaft and connect the wiring from the overdrive solenoid. Worked a treat and had the desired effect of lowering the rpm at higher speeds. Later on, I swapped the whole engine and gearbox. Fitted a Fiat twin cam with five speed gearbox.!

[lil_red_roadster]

A 1.7/2.0 Sherpa 5-speed (LT77) 'box would be a reasonably straightforward fit if you already have an O series engine (you'll need to use Sherpa backplate/bellhousing/starter/clutch). However, tunnel mods required to accommodate the Sherpa gearbox and ratios are not ideal for a car. The LT77 used in the 2.0 SD1 or TR7 5-speed are better bets ratio-wise but same applies re size/weight. Prop-shaft will also need adapting and I'd recommend a new full-width x-member to take the additional weight. LT77 are getting rarer & rebuild costs (if you can find anyone willing to work on them) not insignificant...mind you, that seems to be true of everything these days!

[russell49]

Thankyou all for that info. That is a big help.cheers