[TR] Transmission Conversions

[MMoore8425 at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/2/2008 3:56:54 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
supertr6 at earthlink.net writes:

David/Bob/etc,

I am curious what the big attraction is to going  to the Nissan/Toyota 5 
speed conversion?  I have the standard 4 speed  with overdrive and don't 
have a problem cruising on the highway at a  reasonable RPM in 
4th/overdrive.  My transmission doesn't have a  problem shifting gears 
and is very smooth.  It is also drum tight and  doesn't leak.  (Granted, 
it was rebuilt by British Sports Car Works  about 10 years ago)  So, why 
the conversions?  Did you guys not  want to add overdrive or couldn't 
find one?  Is the gearing better in  the new diffs compared to the  old?

Thanks,

Joe



Joe,
I can tell you my perspective, as a friend of Herman's and having  witnessed 
the evolution of this conversion kit. I'llytell you at the outset, he  is a 
perfectionist.
 
Herman originally had a cottage business rebuilding overdrives and  
transmissions to help support his hobby.
He was dealing with many transmissions which were terrifically worn and he  
was simultaneously facing a shortage of parts. When he did get the parts, they  
were frequently craptastic. He made bushinsg, he made sleeves. He fixed old  
parts where possible.
 
At the same time, Herman was active in the Triumph Community driving  
frequently cross country putting lots of miles every year on his  car. Looking for 
reliability, he tried out the first Toyota conversion and  was pleased. He could 
see that here was a way for fellow TR owners to have a  reliable easy 
shifting gearbox with manual overdrive in 5th gear,  taking  advantage of model 
technology.
 
This conversion has been his main business now for several years as he has  
shipped several; hundred out. I still have my OD TR gearbox as do you. I do not 
 drive days at a time at 80 mph or I would have the Toyota tranny in it in a  
heartbeat.
Also, for someone who has a sick OD, they could replace it with a 5 speed  
and save the OD tranny for a future buyer who wanted an "original" car.
For someone who has no OD, this is an especially good fix.
Best, Mike Moore 



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