Herald Student Shenanigans

[hopefulherald]

Hi,
I'm a student who's bought a Herald 13/60 estate. It currently has a MG Midgets 1500 in as the original 1300 had worn big ends. Having decided I want to fit an overdrive unit, I started looking around for a fairly cheap place to get one.

I found an MGB gearbox with overdrive already attached for £100 before shipping.

So obvious questions:

1) Does anyone know if it would fit and if I'd have to change anything?
2) Is this a good idea?

I know the standard thing is to fit something like a spitfire o/d box but they do seem to be triple the price... (student )

Any opinion welcome! I'm just starting and (obviously) need guidance!

[eternaloptimist]

Forget it - look for a Spit box and overdrive - it will fit - you'll have a world of pain with the MG box. The 1500 engine out of the Midget is a Triumph engine - same block as the 1300. It really doesn't like to rev, so an overdrive box is a good idea.

[composimmonite]

Grab hold of the 1500 bottom pulley and see if you can lever it backwards or forwards. If any movement then it means it's suffering from the common problem of worn thrust washers and they should be changed asap otherwise there is a risk of crank or block damage.
Consider rebuilding the original 1300 at some time or other as it's supposed to be a far sweeter engine than the 1500.

[ChasR]

Indeed. The reason why Spitfire 'boxes are far more expensive is because not all Spitfires and Heralds came with overdrives, whereas MGBs did (as did most Dolomites for the best part). Supply and demand and all that .

However, I'd agree with the above. I would either get a good Spitfire 'box and overdrive (from what I can tell the single rail is a sweeter 'box but the 3 rail is a stronger item). The MGB is possibly a larger box and you will at the very least need to think about remaking mounting points, possibly modifying the car's gearbox tunnel and chassis as well as getting a custom propshaft (the MGB uses a completely different propshaft). Some of those items will in combination wipe out the savings of getting a 'B box to fit and you would still have the hassle factor.

The other choice would be to gather information about converting yours to a 5 speed but I doubt that would be cheap either since you would require custom mounts, an adaptor plate to make the 'box fit in addition to another prop and speedo wire conversions etc.

Do you still have the 1300 engine? An overdrive on the 1500 engine will make for a pleasant difference. Whereabouts are you based?

[hopefulherald]

Thanks for the replies. Seems like I'll just have to save up after all.

I no longer have the 1300 as it was taken and replaced with the 1500, I suppose so the garage could rebuild and sell it on.

ChasR - Currently in Guildford, Surrey. Why? Do you know someone with a box? And yes 5 speed seems to be over a grand for it to be fitted (I looked at www.jigsawracingservices.co.uk/fivespeed.htm and some others that seem to be that benchmark)

Again, thanks for all the advice

[ferny]

If you get yourself to the Potters Inn in Mytchett on the second Monday of the month you'll get loads of info and experience. Ask for Richard.

www.pottersinn.co.uk/contact/getting_here.php

[eternaloptimist]

Oct 26, 2014 7:44:52 GMT composimmonite said:

Consider rebuilding the original 1300 at some time or other as it's supposed to be a far sweeter engine than the 1500.

True, but only if it's an early small crank version. GA code IIRC. I was tipped off about this when I was shopping for a bigger engine for my Standard Ten.

[eternaloptimist]

Oct 26, 2014 9:40:08 GMT hopefulherald said:

Currently in Guildford, Surrey.

Might be worth getting in touch with Spitbitz at Finchampstead near Wokingham, Berks. I've had a few bits of him, reasonably priced.

[hopefulherald]

Oct 26, 2014 10:07:52 GMT ferny said:

If you get yourself to the Potters Inn in Mytchett on the second Monday of the month you'll get loads of info and experience. Ask for Richard.

www.pottersinn.co.uk/contact/getting_here.php

Herald club? Is that an all day thing? or evenings? I'm currently busy Mondays, but if it's in the evening I could do it.

[ferny]

It's a local Triumph group - nice bunch of people there with a lot of knowledge. Goes on from about 8pm.
club.triumph.org.uk/theclub/localgroups?showgroup=1040471665-8185.0

If you're planning on going either drop a message on that forum giving them a heads up or drop me a message and I'll pass it on. That way they'll know to expect a new face and you won't be sitting in the corner wondering if they're the people you're looking for.