Jim,

Thanks a lot! I will contact the owner to try to get some hints as to how the conversion was maade. Also, I still haven't completely given up other gearbox options - I am in contact with a reputable firm here in Sweden thinking about other possible solutions.

Regards

Dag

There's one for sale in USA. It looks to be a Borg Warner 35 conversion.

www.mgexp.com/registry/31067?utm_medium=...tm_source=newsletter

Dear Trevor,

Again thanks for your kind and helpful mail.

I had some minutes yesterday evening and found the guy you mentioned - thanks!

I also looked on the Internet for automatic gearboxes with OD like the one you described for the Singer, but did not find anything - perhaps, as you say, the best option is to try to source a BW35, perhaps from a Mk III Magnette, and take it from there. (I have also contacted local experts, who are looking into other options, i.a. an AW71 (user in many Volvos), but I am uncertain as to their verdict.)

Again, many thanks for your help.

Kind regards

Dag

Hi Dag

The MG experience forum , if you look under Magnettes to trade etc on the second page is a guy called James Schulte who has an auto drop him an email he should be able to help.

Perhaps the easiest way to up your rear end ratio is to to fit a MGB V8 GT axle (3.07;1) to the Magnette , needs a bit of engineering as the track is narrower by 40mm approximately so special spacers or wider wheels will need to fitted. The other problem would be the relocation of the spring pads on the axle to accept the Magnette spring width.
Final problem is the speedo, this will read incorrectly after the axle change

Good luck
Trevor

Dear Trevor,

Many thanks for your again kind and informative reply. My wife Maria and I are very grateful for your help.

I will continue to look into this - your suggestions about the OD seemed especially interesting, as the possibility of changing the bands of the BW35. An hour or two yesterday searching the M.G. Experience did not result in my finding any informatioon on the American transplats. I will try again later when I next have some time.

About the 3.9 axle, I am sure you are right that it is OK for "normal motoring". However, we are hoping to use the car for longer trips, too, so it would be nice to get down the rpm count per km/hour. Are there other, more long-legged options, do you Think.

Kind regards

Dag

Hello Dag

There is no reason not to use the original engine but what you will need is the torque converter and ancillary equipment which is why I suggested the Farina assembly. A lot of cars used the BW 35 as you say, but each manufacturer fitted a different bellhousing and I suspect altered the control systems to suit their model. The Hillmans and Sunbeams had auto BW35s

The MGB which had automatic had a 5 brg engine also so unless you are changing the whole thing, the engineering prospects become rather involved.

Anything is possible given time and more importantly money, but I feel a Farina Auto engine and box are the most sensible option, if you can find one. You will probably need the propshaft as well.The torque converter etc should bolt onto the back end of your engine, change the wiring and alter the manifold. The gearbox tunnel may need a degree of surgery, a large hammer may do the job.

If you look on MG Experience Forum you will find a few American owners have done the transplant, these guys are very helpful and provide a huge amount of information

The internals of the BW 35 are readily available so changing the bands should be possible.

Some autos even had an overdrive fitted, a friend of mine runs a Series Singer Gazelle Auto but has an overdrive as well. That is an interesting car in itself, when the overdrive is engaged/disengaged the torque converter slips slightly, so it may not be such a great idea perhaps.

I would suggest that the 3.9 axle should be OK for normal motoring

Kind regards
Trevor