Welcome to my Bugeye project

Welcome to my latest project. I am building a 1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite with a little twist. I'm putting in a 3.0 V-6 SHO engine.
Be sure to check back for updates on the progress and please leave a comment if you have any questions, feedback or advice for me.
Ben...

One step backwards...

Wait, aren't i supposed to take two steps forward? Got a new transmission. Drove halfway to Vegas to pick it up. Got it home. Cleaned it all up. Ran all over town getting parts to fix it.


Its the wrong transmission....again. Well its the right one. It "should" fit, but it doesn't. Apparently there are two versions of the M50D. I can't find out what the difference is, but as i have found out with more research i can clearly see two distinct bellhousing patterns under the same model and i clearly have the wrong one. Doh!

at least i'm learning new things right?

8 comments:

Unknown | September 29, 2008 at 7:32 PM

While the models between the transmissions are the same, you need one specifically for a 3.0 Ranger. If you need more info shoot over to rangerpowersports.com

Ben.. | September 29, 2008 at 11:35 PM

thanks Daniel

will do!

Ben.. | October 1, 2008 at 10:09 PM

I have a very vague idea about a clutch but i'd love to hear your recommendations. I'm still looking for a good 3.0 trans.

Ben..

Unknown | November 21, 2008 at 6:11 PM

As far as the clutch goes, here is the best solution i have come up with (i am planning to put a sho engine in my ranger) Stock Sho Flywheel. Possibly a stock ranger pilot bearing. Stock sho pressure plate. A clutch disc from a mitsubishi 3000gt vr4. (turbo AWD) it is the correct spline count and diameter. Nearly identical to an sho disc. A stock sho pilot bearing, with a custom collar to fit in the stock ranger slave cylinder. As you can tell, my goal is to stick with as many stock parts as possible. i have pictures of the mitsubishi clutch disc next to a sho disc if you would like to see them.

Unknown | November 21, 2008 at 6:11 PM

*i meant stock SHO throw out bearing*

Ben.. | March 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Daniel

finally found my transmission and i'm moving forward. i'd love to hear more about what you've found for the clutch and see any pictures you may have.

also why are you using sho throwout bearing instead of ranger? just curious

Unknown | March 30, 2009 at 8:09 PM

Ben,
The reason for using the SHO throwout bearing is due to the fact it is a different style from the rangers and they are not interchangeable. If you intend on sticking with the SHO pressure plate, you will need to use the SHO TOB.

Not sure if you have seen this site, but this is where i got the idea for the TOB collar.
http://members.cox.net/rdgrauman/Healey.html

Like i stated before, your best bet is probably the 3000gt vr4 clutch disc. You can check out www.clutchnet.com for custom clutches also. I just wanted to keep everything easily available, hence the 3000gt clutch disc.

I have pictures on my old phone of the two clutch discs I will get for you.

What did you have to clearance for the trans, the area for the rear main cover?

BTW, those three rubber plugs behind the shifter are prone to leaking,i recommend either taking them out and putting sealer on them, or replace them with steel freeze plugs.

Ben.. | April 2, 2009 at 7:24 PM

Daniel

see pictures on this post

http://bensbugeyeblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/modifying-ranger-transmission-to-fit.html