Changing out trans on 2.0 Ford (Alpinto)

[suvacrew]

New to Sunbeam Alpine, but an old hand with UK cars ala 1969 XKE Series II (completely stock with the bills to prove it!).

I just received a 65 Alpine, rust free, completely reconditioned (not restored as running gear is not Sunbeam), Neg Ground etc....body as straight as can be. Had the jack-up test done and no flexing on door seams.

But it has a 2.0 Ford engine allegedly from an Escort MKII (I suspect it's actually from a Pinto), a C4 Auto (that should become a boat anchor in SF Bay) with a Ford Rear end which is wider, thus flared panels. Clutch pedal gone and parking brake amiss. Car runs great, plenty of power to traverse the foothills, but lacks that stick shifting which scares off my daughters from driving it and reduces the fun factor for cruising Napa.

Question: Does anyone know which ford trans would work? Or from the standpoint of future value, would it be suggested to play the V6 game with a T5?

Any and all responses is appreciated,
Cheers,
May NZ take the Rugby World Cup if we can't chug from the America's Cup.

 

[RootesRacer]

Question: Does anyone know which ford trans would work? Or from the standpoint of future value, would it be suggested to play the V6 game with a T5?

If you have a good runner I would not go the V6 route, the 2.0 is a good motor with plenty of quality aftermarket parts available.

Ford made several 4 speeds that will fit, the pinto 4 speed, with integral shifter, the capri 4 speed with an external shifter. I'd stay away from the capri trans only becuase the external shifters are not so accurate and feel loose/sloppy.

You would want to make sure that you get the right application for the 2.0 becuase they have 1.6, 2.0, 2.3 and 2.8 transmissions that will look like what you want, but will have the wrong bellhousing or input shaft length.

You may also consider the merkur XR4Ti type 9 5 speed, which since it was for the 2.3 ford, should adapt readily to a 2.0 4 speed bellhousing.
The Type 9 is a direct descendant of both the Pinto and Capri 4 speeds, so fit is pretty close.

 

[Bill Blue]

If you choose to use a later 5 speed transmission, there are two differences between the transmission hookup for the "Lima" 2.3 and the "Pinto" 2.0. First is the diameter of the locating dowels. Stepped dowels will have to be used, probably made. This is pretty simple, I will make them for you (free!) if you will send me the dimensions. I made a set, but did not record the diameters. You might be able to get a Type 9 from "over there" that is for the 2.0.

The second difference is the location of the upper bolt holes in the bellhousing, so only four of the 6 holes line up. Seems most decide that four is enough. I think you could have a couple of lumps of aluminum welded into the 2.3 bellhousing and drill to fit the Pinto block. The 2.3's used in non-truck applications use the T5 transmissions and there are plenty of them available. The other available tranny is from the Ranger, available in either 4 or 5 speed. If you decide on the Ranger, use a M5OD from 88 on. It is a better trans with much better ratios than the early ones.

Input shaft length and the clutch discs are the same. The Pinto uses a different pressure plate, but the only difference is in the hole pattern. Dual pattern pressure plates are available.

I have installed a turbocharged 2.0 in my Alpine, so have been over this road pretty thoroughly. BTW, check the motor mounts for steering arm clearance on hard right turns, especially if the installation uses the Pinto mid-block engine mounts.

Bill
Oh, and you'll probably have to get another set of gears for the rear end. They are probably something like 2.73, if they came out of the automatic car. Kinda tall for a manual. Can you tell what kind of axle you have?

 

[suvacrew]

Thanks to both of you for the responses.
I will retain the 2.0 and will debate the option of a T-5 vs Type 9 (N). I want to achieve a fit with a limited amount of torching/cutting.
Bill and Rootesracer I may have some off-line questions and will tag your e-mails or post again. Ok? Thanks

Clearly the Sunbeam crowd is more grounded than my snotty Jag brethren.
Cheers,
Don

 

[Bill Blue]

Sure, I'll try to help as much as possible.

The tunnel usually has to be widened for the T5, but automatics are pretty wide, so I'd guess no more mods would be required for the T5. If you decide to use the T5, the tranny mount used for the V6 conversion should work. That would just about make the T5 a bolt in.

Bill

 

[George Coleman]

If you need a Type 9 gearbox I have one that will have to be rebuilt but it is real cheap.