NG-3 trans install

[Runningwild]

Need a little info before I proceed with this $$ modification. The car is a very early 68 S2 with Renault power and 336 gearbox. Will the NG-3 box bolt directly to the Renault 336 bell housing. I know some parts have to be taken off the 336 box and installed on the NG3 box. My main concern is that I already have the adaptor plate to mate the Miata engine to the 336 bell housing. If the new box bolts directly I should be ok.   Right.  I hope.  Any words of wisdom. You guys have gotten me over all the problems so far.  Thanks.   Tom.   (The 1.8 miata motor has to use a 1.6 clutch to fit)

[BDA]

The NG3 will bolt up to your bell housing. You may have to make alterations to the rear 'hoop'. If you get your NG3 from Richard at Banks, he may have a mounting kit for your frame (I had to get another hoop welded on my frame for my NG3), otherwise, you're on your own, of course. Richard also sells an updated spigot bearing that you should get. Here is a website that might be useful (http://www.greytower.com/jon/lotus/europa/gearbox/gearbox.html).

What are you planning to do for your shift linkage? Richard also sells a kit but you can probably adapt the linkage you already have. There are also those who have developed cable linkage designs. Obviously, they require more fabrication. Plans can be found on the yahoo group.

Good luck!

[Runningwild]

Thanks. I'm working with Barry Spencer Motorsports in Calf.  Going ( I hope ) with the cable shifter.  I'll get the mounting kit from banks along with their twin link rear suspension kit.  I plan on using the corvair rear stub axel and bearing.  Hopefully all will work ok with the Miata motor.  Thanks

[BDA]

That sounds like a good plan. Keep in mind that you MIGHT have to replace or at least modify the rear hoop.

[andy harwood]

I'll be going the NG3 route soon myself. Have one coming from Richard/Banks.
The twin link suspension sounds interesting, I've been scouring the web looking at others approach to converting.

Runningwild - you are going to fab your cable shifter? just wondering if perchance someone has made some kits. Did you price the billet stub axles that Banks' sells? They look so nice.

BDA - I know Bank's has a mounting kit for the NG3 to TC frame. I've heard that it *may* be necessary to use a rather large hammer to move the rear loop back a bit. Was there a drastic fitting issue you encountered with your conversion? Just want to be prepared.

andyh

[BDA]

I got my NG3 back in the late '90s so I don't know how he sells them now, but I started out with a 5-speed (365) and that hoop didn't look like it was going to work at all so when I mentioned it to Richard, he sent me a new hoop that either was or was similar to the hoop for a 336 without the mounting ears. I don't remember if he took one off an old frame, was a bit he normally supplied, or he made it for me. Richard supplied the tranny mounts and I had to have the hoop drilled so that tubes could be welded for bolts to go through the hoop to the mounts. It's pretty simple but I'm having a hard time describing it. I can post a picture if you want. My body was off but I suppose it could be done the the body on, but it would probably be a bit harder.

I like his twin link rear suspension, too. As I remember, it was a bolt on job, but I might have gotten uprights from him at some point (that was SO long ago!). Everything he makes is great! He'll send you everything you need! He's a super guy to work with. You should check with him about what's required to fit all that stuff now. It may have changed and my memory is sometimes a little fuzzy!

[andy harwood]

BDA,
Thanks for the info. He does have a mounting kit available. He didn't mention anything about modifying the hoop though.
I did speak with him this morning, checking if my bellhousing had arrived. I will be asking about his twin link kit next conversation.
Asked about his billet stub axles, but he is sourcing a new supplier and doesn't have a final price. His look like the set LotusJPS  posted that he had made up. Very nice!

[BDA]

I'd like to have his stub axles when he's ready to sell them (though I probably couldn't afford them being retired and all). I had heard that the TC stub axles weren't a problem, but Lotusjps put a lie to that! Maybe it's the bearings that have a reasonable service life. In any case, it's a bit disconcerting that they didn't heat treat the half shafts. I don't even autocross mine so I'm not too worried about them.

[Runningwild]

DBA. Any pictures would be great. Didn't realize Banks had the stub axels. By the time I'm ready I'm sure he will have sourced a new supplier.
Andy. I'll know more tomorrow about the cable shifter. I want a completed unit- fabing enough stuff, don't need any more to do.

[BDA]

Here are some pictures... If you choose to use the 'traditional' shift linkage as I have, note that the bend in the end link is too deep. It makes the shift pattern very narrow. That is something I may take care of some time but for now, I've gotten used to it as long as I don't try to downshift two quickly!