Shortest possible gearbox for the RV8

sven · Post by **sven** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 7:06 pm

Hi alll

I am new to this forum, and are planning to shoehorn a Rv8 into a suzuki SJ413 off-roader.

I have a 3,9 V8 and have started assembling a Volvo gearbox with a custom bellhousing., Here I have a little issue... Altough this becomes a short nice package, the clutch disc is a bit small under the rover pressureplate.

Have anyone here had the issue of needing a super short gearbox for their conversion? I really would appreciate some inputs on how to get around this problem.

Thank you

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 7:45 pm

Hi
can't you just fit a bigger clutch disc to match the rover pressure plate? helix clutches or many other custom clutch makers will do you a rover diameter clutch disc with the Volvo splines to fit the input shaft?? it that won't work get a tilton multi plate 7 1/4 race clutch with the right splines on the discs, but that would be a tad overkill.
otherwise the shortest thing I know of is a shorty powerglide http://www.coanracing.com/Catalog.asp?CatClass=01TR 18" bell housing face to the end of the tail shaft, it is a 2 speed auto though.
best regards
Mike

ChrisJC · Post by **ChrisJC** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 9:28 pm

If I am correct, on the SJ, the transfer box is 'remote', so a normal rear-wheel-drive transmission is what you want.

Have a look at the 4 speed transmissions from a Rover P5B or P6B. I don't know for sure, but I expect they are pretty short.

Chris.

sven · Post by **sven** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 9:55 pm

The SJ transfer is "remote, yes, thats why I need a short transmission:)

Thanks for both tips:) I will look into both getting a custom clutch done and the P5 and 6 boxes:)

any other tips would still be appreciated:)

DaveEFI · Post by **DaveEFI** » Wed Jul 29, 2015 11:10 pm

ChrisJC wrote:If I am correct, on the SJ, the transfer box is 'remote', so a normal rear-wheel-drive transmission is what you want.

Have a look at the 4 speed transmissions from a Rover P5B or P6B. I don't know for sure, but I expect they are pretty short.

Chris.

Only the P6 3500S had a 4 speed manual. And it's a pretty nasty box.

unstable load · Post by **unstable load** » Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:05 am

The Suz is a pretty light vehicle, I'd think that clutch is more then up to the task.
If you aren't happy with it, I am sure you can have the centre section of the clutch de-riveted and swapped over to a plate of your choice.

ChrisJC · Post by **ChrisJC** » Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:04 pm

DaveEFI wrote:
ChrisJC wrote:If I am correct, on the SJ, the transfer box is 'remote', so a normal rear-wheel-drive transmission is what you want.

Have a look at the 4 speed transmissions from a Rover P5B or P6B. I don't know for sure, but I expect they are pretty short.

Chris.
Only the P6 3500S had a 4 speed manual. And it's a pretty nasty box.

Indeed, but, I suspect it is the shortest box available, and having seen the rest of the drivetrain on a 'Zook', I doubt if it will be the weakest link....... Having spent a lifetime with Land Rover products, the Suzuki bits look like the sort of thing you would find in a Meccano set!

Chris.

sowen · Post by **sowen** » Fri Jul 31, 2015 8:42 am

Do you really need to keep the SJ transfer box? A Land Rover series 2/3 gearbox/transfer box with V8 adapter ring is relatively short and can handle V8 power if driven carefully.