Oil Leak

Well, I have finally given up trying to stop an oil leak through one of the forward sump bolts. After many hours underneath trying to insert heli coils I have decided the only way to do it properly is to take the engine out. What else would be worthwhile doing if I go down this route? A 5 speed gearbox perhaps?

Yes I can recommend a 5 speeder. I had a Midget a few years ago fitted with a Toyota box which had the benefit of not needing the transmission tunnel cut & also left the gear lever in the same position as before. Ratios were very close to original Midget ones but with a syncromesh 1st & an 'overdrive' 5th -- I liked it!

I had the idea of doing the same to my present Midget & sourced a Toyota box ( they are scarce now) but Frontline no longer do the modified back plate etc & the only other source I can find is from the Antipodes & the shipping cost is prohibitive!

The Ford type 9 is the now more usual alternative but again getting scarce ( not very many Sierras in scrapyards now) and I think you can now get a modification which allows the gearlever to remain in the same position rather than further back

Anyone got a suitable back plate for a Toyota box...........

Didn't realise that Frontline nolonger do the adapter plate etc. I contacted them recently and they sent me details with no mention that they were nolonger available. Worth a phone call I think?

Sorry I may have misled you. They no longer do the parts for the Toyota box but parts for the Ford box should be ok.

I've also just realised that you have a 1500 Midget. Why not fit an overdrive unit to that & give yourself 6 speeds?