ok this is my 2nd mini and the trans just sucks its hard to shift hard to get into gear ect. so what's the best idea rebuild or just buy a new one. and when looking at them i see rod change is their another type? also how do i know what type of trans i have.

 

The rod change transmission is the new(est?) style of transmission. It has a shifter quadrant to which the gear shift mounts. The rod change transmission has two rods connecting the shifter quadrant to the transmission.

The next older style of transmission is a remote shift, which is most easily identified by the square cast aluminum piece that connects the gear shift to the transmission. My 1973 MKIII Austin Mini 1000 (Austin American) had this type of transmission.

The next older style is the magic wand. I personally don't know how to identify that type of transmission, but I'm sure someone here does.

A quick look under your Mini where the shifter connects to the transmission will help you identify your transmission. I don't know if you can even get a 'new' transmission any more, but you can certainly buy rebuilt transmissions from the many classic Mini parts suppliers in the US.

Hope it helps,
Jeff

 

Yes you can still purchase a new fully rebuilt G/box............from £350 to £2000. depending on what your needs are............

http://www.guess-works.com/

this man knows everything about mini G/boxes............

 

New fully rebuilt? Isn't that an oxy-moron?

 

sorry I meant a fully rebuilt as new.................all new gears, bearings,thrusts ect ect............

 

well it looks like i have a remote shift trans and you have to cross your fingers each time it goes into gear and if not good luck finding any ok my guess is i can use any trans? and of the three what is the best? my guess is rod change

btw thanks for the help so far

 

'Best' is always subjective, but I think you'll find that the general consensus is the rod change is the most swapped-in transmission, as parts for older transmission types are getting harder and harder to find. Parts for the rod change are plentiful.

The way the axle shafts mount to the transmission is different between the remote shift and rod change. The remote shift has u-joint style connections and the rod change has CV joints. Due to this, I would assume you would also have to swap axles. Similarly the gear shift gaiter is different so that would also have to be swapped.

FWIW I had a remote shift on my '73 MKIII and it was in _very_ worn condition. I recruited Heritage Garage to rebuild my 1275 and remote shift. Graham (at Heritage) said my remote shift was so worn out that he couldn't use any of the parts, so he rebuilt a rod change and swapped it in. I am very happy with the results. I have a KAD quick shift kit that really finishes the package. It's a whole different driving experience now.

Good luck,
Jeff

 

can you tell me or pm me what the trans cost? because i know mine is gone or about gone

 

Not sure I can give you the price. The trans work was a small part of the total work I had Heritage do, and the work order didn't have a single line item of 'transmission replacement' since there was a lot of labor associated with the job that wasn't broken down into line items. I would call both Seven Enterprises and Heritage Garage to get a rough quote on a replacement rod change.

If you do the labor yourself, make sure you part out the old transmission. Even though it's worn out there's still some NLA (no longer available) parts that you can get some money for.

Good luck! Sorry I can't help you more.
Jeff