V8 and 5 speed into MQ SWB

[yogi17]

In the next few months I'm planning on fitting into my MQ swb
I've been collecting my bits for some time now
I have myself a healthy 308, a dellow adaptor ( about 50mm thick ) and
also managed to score a 5 speed and transfer from mq wagon

My question is in regards to fitting the 5 speed gearbox into my shorty
where the 4 speed curently resides

I have read on a number of posts that V8patrol recommends using the
5 speed box with the 4 speed mounts to push the V8 package 115mm
further forward to give sufficent room for the rocker covers

The problem I see with this is that the gearshift and transfer shift levers
will also be moved forward the same amount. How do I get around this.

I suspect that bending the levers into a dogleg shape might work,
Has anyone else got a solution

[V8Patrol]

I have read on a number of posts that V8patrol recommends using the
5 speed box with the 4 speed mounts to push the V8 package 115mm
further forward to give sufficent room for the rocker covers

depends on what the current engine is .... SD33 or L28 ???

If its an SD33 then you fit the 5spd to the std gearbox mounts thus pushing the engine foward to clear the firewall.

If its an L28 you use the engine mounts on the chassis to pick up the V8 block and make up a set of new gearbox mounts.





If you insist on using the engine mouts for the V8 in a SD33 chassis setup then you WILL have to move parts of the firewall back 40mm to clear the rocker covers/heads ...... that 40mm WILL also effect the heater box significantly.

[yogi17]

My current drivetrain is sd33 and 4 speed
I intend to use the 5 speed gearbox with the 4 speed mounts and
driveshafts, therefore pushing the whole lot forward
I don't see eninge mounts as a problem yet as i'll just fabricate them as needed

My burning question is in regard to the new proposed position of the
gearshift and transfer levers
This vehicle is a daily driver so I don't want to loose the heater
I curently also have a 40mm body lift

Any ideas on how to get around the gearshift dilemna ???

[nerida67]

where the gear shift go there is a plate that screws to the floor
take that of while doin conversion ,when conversion done then modify it to suit your application whichever way it goes
thats the bit the levers will hit,so thats the bit id modify last
theres heaps of meat on it to trim up to allow for stick clearance
if you stuff this piece up(take your time and you wont)u should be able to get one anywhere(anyone who plays with mq/ks will have one lying around,ive got a couple in the shed)
some people heat the sticks up (not safe)or modify bits and pieces
as i said just take the plate of and deal with it last

[nerida67]

yogi17,
why 5 speed ???
my mq sd33 non turbo will sit on 110kmh + all day long ,gets good economy and will pull my 2 tonne trailer all day
motor has done 475,000 and never had the head off,im the 2nd owner so i know cars history
id be looking at changing diff ratios to get more legs on highway rather than swapping to a 5 speed

[V8Patrol]

Any ideas on how to get around the gearshift dilemna ???

yeah the SD33 does create a few issues with the shifter setup when doing the 4 - 5 spd conversion....

you cant swap the top covers over as you allready have the shifter set as far back as posiable in both box types....... but ......

& I've only done this on 2 occasions and it does work......

sling the engine and gearbox into position as a single unit ( bolted together) and make up new mounts for both engine and gearbox


Set it up so the gearshift is in a usable position without major mods ( a slight bend is required but not too dramatic ), make up some extension plates for the g/box, and make new enginemounts.

You'll need to work on the idea of the shifter being 40mm further foward than it currently is, this will give you firewall clearance and keep the shifter very close to stock

Kingy

[yogi17]

Thanks Kingy, I think ? ! ?

Sounds like I'll be up for making 2 new driveshafts if done this way ?

[V8Patrol]

as soon as you move the transfercase's position........ your up for new shafts



& I stuffed up ......

you'll gain some movement on the gearshifter by swapping the top cover over to the L28 one.
The hi/low shifter is a whole new problem tho, & yes you have to alter the shifter here ( oxy and 2 bends will fix the aligment).

Kingy