First it was the Celica or the Corolla conversion, pioneered, I’m told, here in Australia and ultimately formed the basis of another well known conversion kit from Frontline, using a Ford T9 gearbox (from a Sierra I believe). Over in the Land of the Free, a mob called ‘Rivergate’ did the same thing with a 5 speed box from a Datto (not sure which one, probably the 120y or similar).

The issue with all of the conversions has be availability of the gearboxes; the ubiquitous Toyota T50 has found itself behind everything from a Sprite or Midget through to a Clubbie or a Cortina or even small block V8. And as the donor cars are no longer made, the supply has dwindled toa trickle or members who are hording two or three spares ‘just in case’ … you know who you are … !

In the UK Barrett Engineering (https://barrattengineering.co.uk/) has developed a new conversion kit for our cars using the 5 cog from none other than a Suzuki Sierra/Jimny. The Jimny has been around since about 1970 in one form or other and has been called various things in various countries, including the Sierra here in the 1990s/early 2000s and the Jimny so, in theory at least, there is a relatively good supply of the gearbox from wreckers or brand new. The box has several advantages too, in particular that it doesn’t need to have the 2nd cross member removed as in the case of the T50 and the T-9 conversion.

We already have club member, Geoff Glasson, who has ordered a conversion kit for his Mk1 (and I’m hoping that he might be able bring it in to a meeting soon for a ‘show and tell’ session); Peter (the Plumber) and Chris (the Car Dealer) are both interested in the kit and have recently contacted Barrett to enquire as to a ‘bulk deal’ and if they can fill a pallet (5 or 6 kits) there is a decent discount to be had. Peter has already sourced several gearboxes and is well on the way to having 5 or 6 boxes available so their plan is a bring in the kit without a gearbox.

From Peter and Chris:

The kit comes with engine backplate, billet flywheel, starter motor, tail shaft, gearshift to suit sprite/midget hole location. Price is GBP2400 on their website, we have arranged a price of GPB2000 pounds plus approximately 450 freight to Adelaide Port (not including duties). 5 kits will fit on a pallet (with a gearbox) or 6 kits without, therefore the freight price can be shared. Chris regularly drives to Melbourne for work so can delivery to there and delivery of kits to other locations can be arranged.

Even including freight from Adelaide to anywhere in Australia, this is going to be cheaper that an individual importing it themselves, particularly as the guys have chased up gearboxes.

The kit will fit any rear wheel drive A Series car – Morry Minor, Marina, Sprite, Midget, A30/35, A40 Farina.

If you are interested please, have a look at the website and then let Peter (0418 823 545) or Chris (0411 867 118) know as they keen to make this happen.

NB: Peter and Chris need to know which engine you are fitting this to as the kit comes specific to an engine type. IE, they need to know if you are putting it behind a 948, 1098 or a 1275.

NBB: A question has been asked about ratios. Please see the comparison table of the popular conversions below: