MG Car Repair: 65 mgb transmission upgrade, overdrive gearbox, mgb roadster

Question
I have a 1965 MGB Roadster that has the standard 4 speed transmission.  I am rebuilding this car for a driver and I am not conserned about being original.  I met a guy that has a newly rebuild Ford Type 9 five speed transmission that he had shipped to him from the UK and then wound up not using it on his project. Would that be a good 5 speed upgrade option for my car? and also... if so,,, are there any conversion kits you recommend?  issues with instillation conserns??? If this is not the right trans the what would be?  Gregg

Answer
Hi Gregg,
I have no experience with the Ford gearbox but I know why you are wanting to upgrade the MGB gearbox. Most drivers of the early MGBs want higher gearing so they can drive on expressways without turning the engine at 4500 RPM and most want a syncro on low gear. You might try John's Cars in TX for a conversion kit. They use to have several different kits for MGs.

Many MG owners searched for an overdrive gearbox which is an easy conversion which gets you the overdrive unit but still no syncro low. I have installed later model MGB gearboxes with overdrives which had the syncro low gear but it is not an easy conversion due to the starter system and the width of the gearbox tunnel that needs a little modifying.

Keep in mind that your differential is a higher gear ratio than the OD models had. But I found that unless you live in mountainous country it is a better highway cruiser that way. The MGB engine has a good torque curve that makes it pull strong around 3500 RPM and most OD units and most 5 speed boxes gives you a good cruise speed.

Look up John's Cars on the net to see what kits they have.
Howard