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discomog



Member Since: 09 May 2015
Location: Notts/Lincs Border
Posts: 2529

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Auto gearbox recommendations
Apologies if I've got this wrong but couldn't decide if I should put this post in V8 or Off Topic. A friend of mine has just bought a 1978 Morgan Plus 8 for total renovation, fitted with 3.5 carb engine. During the restoration he wants to convert to auto gearbox. There aren't that many Morgans converted to auto box but of course there are lots of Defenders and therefore a lot more experience.

He would like the names of suppliers of auto boxes suitable for the 3.5 V8, can anyone help with names please? Defender 90XS SW
Mini Countryman Cooper S
Morgan Plus 8
Post #853050 30th Aug 2020 8:15am
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10383

United Kingdom 
Always only Ashcroft.

They built my ZFHP22//24 hybrid box and it’s bloomin fab. Cool
Post #853171 30th Aug 2020 7:14pm
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discomog



Member Since: 09 May 2015
Location: Notts/Lincs Border
Posts: 2529

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Greeni I agree with your comments about Ashcroft. Do they only rebuild or do they actually supply new auto boxes? My mate wants to swap out his LT77 for a new auto box. Defender 90XS SW
Mini Countryman Cooper S
Morgan Plus 8
Post #853175 30th Aug 2020 7:28pm
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Inigo



Member Since: 13 Nov 2011
Location: Kent
Posts: 617

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Orkney Grey
Second recommendation for Ashcroft. I also have a ZF HP22/24 hybrid. I'm just getting used to it, but once I have the hang of downshifting just one gear at a time, I think it'll be great.
Toying with the idea of flappy paddles, but perhaps that is a step too far for a Defender.
Post #853205 30th Aug 2020 8:16pm
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Inigo



Member Since: 13 Nov 2011
Location: Kent
Posts: 617

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Orkney Grey
And to answer your questions discomog, mine was also a replacement for a manual box. I'm not sure it is a completely new autobox, but was bought outright.
Post #853210 30th Aug 2020 8:20pm
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V8Simon



Member Since: 17 May 2016
Location: Prestatyn, Wales
Posts: 148

United Kingdom 1985 Defender 90 V8 Petrol SW Auto Arles Blue
I bought my ZF HP22 from Ashcrofts in 1997 I think it was and its still going strong. Standard box and just oil changes in the last 22+ years. 1984 90 V8 puma want to be.
Post #853572 1st Sep 2020 11:34am
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8049

 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
Had 3 autos from ashcrofts now 22/24 amalgamated boxes all have been faultless and performed brilliantly in the vehicles they were for. As ever I just regret selling them! Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #853652 1st Sep 2020 5:30pm
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100inch



Member Since: 15 May 2012
Location: Brunswick
Posts: 411

Australia 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Santorini Black
Second the ZF but I suggest your friend discusses the option to have the converter either adapted or changed. With the weight of the Morgan he doesn't want/ need any sluggishness. m
Post #853726 1st Sep 2020 10:15pm
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montyjn



Member Since: 06 Sep 2016
Location: London
Posts: 41

Perhaps a silly question, but given the auto box is only 4 speed, does it feel like you are missing the 5th gear in a manual box, or does the gearing make motorway cruising etc perfectly acceptable?

I keep going round and round in my mind with what to do when I take my LT85 box out for a refurb / replacement. Do I stick with a refurb LT85, move to a R380 or go auto... Seems to be no definitive answer!
Post #857373 22nd Sep 2020 8:54am
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10383

United Kingdom 
Well, it's 4 speed + lockout.
My spec on the 90 is a ACR built 4.6 Rv8, ZFHP22/24 Stage 2 (every big option ticked) 4.6 torque convertor and an old RRC 1.2 t/box.
It cruises VERY comfortably at 'motorway acceptable' speeds Wink I much prefer take the v8 on long distances than the td5, even though that also has a 1.2 t/box in.


Last edited by GREENI on 22nd Sep 2020 10:09am. Edited 1 time in total
Post #857374 22nd Sep 2020 9:08am
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montyjn



Member Since: 06 Sep 2016
Location: London
Posts: 41

Thanks Greeni. It's certainly something I'm looking at. Did you buy the whole v8 conversion kit? I'm guessing the ZFHP22/24 is a slightly more sophisticated gearbox than the LT85 (mine whines a tonne and has worn syncromesh!)..
Post #857380 22nd Sep 2020 9:43am
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10383

United Kingdom 
It's worth having a poke around Ashcroft's site, though a bit dated and clunky (like a Land Rover really) it's a great source of information and he shouldn't change it!

https://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/automatic-gearboxes.html
Post #857387 22nd Sep 2020 10:06am
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