Gearbox for zephyr engine

[Flakey]

Hi.
Would anybody know of a gearbox for sale for my aceca with a zephyr engine.
Many thanks
Fintan

[dkp_cobra]

I have a Zephyr 3-gear gearbox for free but I think this is not what you are looking for  ;)

[Flakey]

Thanks for the offer.
I need to try and find out which gearbox Ac used behind the zephyr engine.
I'm sure somebody knows.  Anyone  ??
Thanks
Fintan

[Robin A Woolmer]

I would expect a Ford type 9 will suit which is a five gear box, they did four gear boxes earlier, your best bet is to contact Burton Power who specialise in Ford parts, these boxes are getting scarce now as they were used in many specials.
You will need to make sure you have the correct bell housing for it!
Robin

[Robin A Woolmer]

Note the type 9 gearbox has a long remote, so you are likely to need a very short gearstick remote as you have a long six cylinder engine!
Might be worth checking with other ford engine owners as to what gearbox was used?
Robin

[dkp_cobra]

Fintan,
if your really want to go the Zephyr / Ford Type 9 way please have a look at my short thread (https://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1515.0) about my Aceca restoration because I went this way already.

Peter

[pjbowman]

Question - wouldn't the 3-speed box be the period correct box? Later 5 speed of course is an upgrade, owners choice!

[James Eastwood]

From my own research;

The Type 9 Ford 5-speed box will bolt up to the Zephyr iron bell housing, but it does leave you with the problem of the gear shifter too far rearwards. See dpk_cobra pics.

The Rinsey Mills book says the Ford engines used the Moss gearbox, with an over-drive and an alluminium bell housing. I can't find any Ford Zephyr ally bell hosuings offered anywhere, so this must be quite rare. But the gear shift is in the right position, and Moss gear boxes aren't too diffecult to find as they were used on many Jaguars. You might be able to do something clever with an iron Zephyr bell housing.

Ford made two versions of the Zephyr/Zodiac/Consul 4-speed box;

1) Zephyr Six (213E, 214E) ratios are 3.16, 2.21, 1.41, 1:1, R3.3
2) Zephyr Four (211E, 212E) ratios are 4.41, 2.35, 1.50, 1:1, R 4.67 – V low 1st gear not suitable for Ace. I believe these may also be Transit ratios.

I have seen these with over-drives, in fact there has been one on eBay advertsied for a long time, although it's a 211E and the seller would like £1,500.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373629826099?hash=item56fe12b433:g:-9gAAOSw0mdg2K0o

I've also thought an MGB 4 syncro gearbox with overdrive would be a good period option. They used these with the 1.8L and also the 3.5L V8 engines, it's a 1100kg car, so the box should be strong enough. The MG box has an integrated bell housing and is all alluminium, but I have no idea whether it would need an adaptor plate to mate up to the Ford engine and whether the depth of the bell housing would be compatible.

MGB ratios vary but popular is 3.44, 2.17, 1.38, 1:1, OD 0.82

Ace Bristol engines use the Bristol gear box - BWCR 12 which I believe is; 2.92, 1.82, 1.29, 1:1 - For reference.

Regards James

[taffe9]

Hi, I have used a Jaguar moss box with the Zephyr engine but you need to make a new front cover for the gear box to suit the bell housing, see attached picture. At least you will have the gear stick in the right place & not end up with a stick which has a stupid shape. Whether or not you add overdrive is your choice.
Hope this helps.
Regards