legerra gearbox

[James paton]

im looking at possible options for a 5 speed box to fit in my leggera over the winter i could go for the type 9 box but they are getting pricey these days and i would have to change/do some chassis mods to get it in there .so i was thinkin mx5 or rx8 i believe these are both rwd boxes but im not sure of size in comparison to the type 9  also the prop could be an issue if they are different splines .any one with experience on this ??? your advice would be appreciated 

[Adrian Southgate]

Dave's car is currently in my yard on the trailer, getting under it for pictures would be awkward but if you need anything...

[James paton]

got the conversion plate today another step closer to starting i have had a look at dave price blog on the rx8 box and will try contacting him for more information , i have a good idea on how im going to mod the chassis to take the box

[Steve Kerswell]

I'm sure I have heard that the 5 speed box is a stronger variant. Anyway good luck, keep us informed, and lots of pictures

[James paton]

well i now have the rx8 gearbox and hope to start the conversion very soon its the 5 speed as it came at the right price for no other reason there is som chassis mods to be carried out but will take photos of the work as its being carried out for any one else who may want to try this conversion 

[Steve Kerswell]

Hi James, I did the Pinto to MT75 conversion. From a 1300 crossflow. So yes a lot had to be done. New engine mounts. New gearbox crossmember and rubber mount. Plus the prop needed a lot of thinking about. Dave Price has been using a RX8 box, look up his build. You could get mean and use the engine and box from an RX8 !! Some think they are poor engines but its the person who looks after them who is at fault in my eyes. Good luck with your build, keep us informed.

[James paton]

cheers steve  im told you have done this conversion was there much to change on the frame or the tub ?? the box looks a bit rounder at the gearstick end 

[Steve Kerswell]

Hi James, there is a guy called Lee Butcher who makes a very comprehensive kit to join the box to the engine and using the cable clutch. A friend has used him and got good service, at a good price. He is trading on Facebook now

[James paton]

i will be changing the box over the winter months but will keep you guys posted just trying to gather info at the moment seem fairly straight forward though

[James Doulton]

I would be interested to see how you get on with the 6 speed because it sounds like a good conversion. There was some talk on here a few months back suggesting that the MX-5 5 speed might be better on the basis of the ratios being a bit better. I think that the 5 speed might also be more plentiful and cheaper. I think it was that the top ratio is slightly taller in the 5 speed and first is rather too low in the 6 speed - Dutton's don't usually want a lower first gear. I guess that either would be good, and 6 sounds better than 5 but I don't know how much difference it makes.

For Reference the ratios are:

5 Speed: 3.136, 1.888, 1.33, 1, 0.814

6 Speed: 3.76, 2.269, 1.646, 1.187, 1, 0.843

[James paton]

 yep the 6 speed sounds like a better choice daryl  was at a show today and was speaking to a guy who had a 6 speed in his escort  so have a bit better understanding on how its done