MGB & GT Forum

Greetings all from sunny southern Florida. l. A few weeks ago I purchased my second BGT, the first one being long gone but a happy memory. On my journey home with my new purchase I discovered that downshifting into 3rd was an issue, having to match rpms to get the gears to cooperate. (crunch, crunch) Upshifting into 3rd is also a problem, but not as pronounced. I'm no stranger to shifting transmissions with no syncros but this just wont do long term.
I have mechanical experience and thanks to the loads of helpful info on this site I have learned that I have a "new" style transmission in my 67, with rectangular side cover and stamped 10/20/68 on the bellhousing. Please correct me if I am mistaken. I've read about 5 speed conversions, priced overdrive transmissions (yikes) and considered looking for a period correct 4 speed. I don't have any intentions of taking the B on long trips and will only drive it locally and under 70 mph. So what do you think , should I try to source a used non OD 4 speed, look for a 5 speed, order a 3rd gear syncro and take this one apart, or join the masses and hope to find an OD tranny someday?

I had a similar issue with 2nd gear. The synchronizer brass ring was worn. I rebuilt many of these transmissions back in the day, I found a good transmission locally and decided to exchange rather than rebuild. If I’m not mistaken, some of the synchronizers are getting really hard to find. I did not want to go to the expense of buying an overdrive and a driveshaft . And a five speed swap was out of the question financially.

I don’t plan to drive my car at speeds over 70 either.

Cracked third gear baulk ring. It's almost always third gear.

There's no "yikes" about the cost of an overdrive gearbox. There's a guy in the Philly 'burbs who can sell you a fully- and freshly-rebuilt overdrive gearbox for less than half the cost of a 5 speed...

Dick

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Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
(Often wrong, but always certain)

I had the same issue with my 1969 B. I just got in the habit of double clutching going into 3rd gear, up or down. Worked for me for the last 15 years!

Ditto

I do it all the time without thinking about it.

Old habits.....