If you decide to build a regular box, I would be interested in buying your leftover 3-synchro SC bits, depending on age on condition.

Sorry...wrong word... obviously they're different 

What I meant was "interchangeable"..

Cheers..

[edit] I am talking B form gears here..

As said above, 1st motion shaft and laygear are specific to Cooper & S with the 3 synchro box. Tooth counts are different.

There is also a different 3rd gear in a Cooper & S box- it has 24T, the others are 23T. And, these are getting rarer... or are unobtainium already.

So, following on from that.... are (standard - non close ratio - 3 syn) "S" layshafts/input gears different from the "ordinary" equivalents???

Years ago my Guru (ex BMC apprentice) advised me that rather than buy new gearbox bits, I should look for the newest/lowest spec Mini I could find to rob for the appropriate bits. 

Is this advice still relevant?

Cheers, Ian

"I'm no expert ..but AFAIK the only item that makes a gearbox"close ratio" is the laygear.  So, if you don't want a close ratio setup (although having had one for 20 years I can't see why not) you will just need to find an "ordinary" 3 syn laygear.  Whether you need new 1st, 2nd etc gears will depend on the condition of the gears themselves...."

....ALMOST!  Even with the 4-synchro, it's the combination of the laygear and input gear or first motion shaft that changes the rpm drop between gears. Usually one extra tooth on the input gear and the required change in diameter or tooth count on the laygear makes a 'close ratio'.  The problem with the 3-synchro is the only readily available laygear is the 22G1100, and the corresponding 1st gear 22G1119, so gathering a gear here and a shaft there seldom results in a workable combination!  The Sprite 'ribcase' laygear is the exact same 22G1100, and the same 1st, so it's the standard ratio... a much better choice anyway if you want to run a 3.1 final drive.

OK,  I have a SC close ratio set, but it is not complete.  I have the laygear a 22, 24 and 28 gears. Plus I have new synchros and most bearings.  Some individuals have indicated that a 3:1 crown and pinion would not be a good setup with a SC gearset.  So, I could go either way, SC set or I could piece together the original setup. 

I have a box ful of three synchro parts including the cluster and I think the lay gear, will have to check on  that. The whole box can be yours for a song.  Just trying to clean my garage. My email is in my profile

I'm no expert ..but AFAIK the only item that makes a gearbox"close ratio" is the laygear.  So, if you don't want a close ratio setup (although having had one for 20 years I can't see why not) you will just need to find an "ordinary" 3 syn laygear.  Whether you need new 1st, 2nd etc gears will depend on the condition of the gears themselves....

Cheers, Ian

Changed to SC gears, I have these 3-synchro Cooper S parts that I'm unlikely to use. They would be heavy to ship.

[URL=//s129.photobucket.com/user/LarryLebel/media/gears_zpse2878783.jpg.html][/URL]

I would do $100 on the laygear, laygear shaft and bearings; $50 each for 1,2 and 3 and 4 (first motion shaft). I'll throw in the balk rings. I have a brand new first motion shaft at $100 if you prefer. There's no noticeable play in the first gear end of the laygear. Let me know. The other items are also available, primary gears (2), idler gear and nose gear. I have closeup pictures I could email. Don't listen to Mur.

If you've got that many gears to replace, you could always put non S-ratio gearset into your S case, no?

I'm using a pretty-hammered S-ratio 3-syncro gearset in one of the LeMons cars. no teeth on 1st gear layshaft to speak of. We dont really use first anyways...

[if anyone else out there has a no-first gear S-ratio laygear but the bearing surface is good, I'd happily give it a home in another lemons tranny]

I would find a four synchro remote box, a regular one, and rebuild it. I would fit pot joint type outputs as yoke outputs and hardy spicer types don't impress me at all. I would drill tap and otherwise do the work to fit a breather on the transfer gear housing, though it will make space tight over there. Take all of your assorted 3 synchro stuff and package it up neatly and store it beside your beer fridge. A road trip capable, reliable, always fun to drive mini should be your goal.

The major mini parts suppliers and engine builders don't even blush when they install rod change boxes and A+ based single carb 1380s into MK I and II cars. 

I am in the process of restoring my 1968 Morris Cooper S.  I have decided to not go with the close ratio straight cut setup for the gearbox.  Instead, I'm trying to piece together some new or good condition used 3 syncro gears.  I need first, second and fourth and a laygear as well.  The synchro cones are kind worn or chipped on the side of those gears.  Anybody have any 3 synchro gear they want to sell or trade?  Also, can I convert my three synchro box to a four synchro box????  I do have a 3.1 ratio final drive to use.  Thanks in advance!