i race hot fords around tarmac ovals, its a mk2 xr2 with an early xr3 engine and gearbox on a square top carb,,
problem i have is we race in 2nd gear,, need speed down the straight and the pull out of the bends,,
ive got the pull etc but half way down the straight im flat out i just need that bit more,,im on 14 inch wheels
some people say use diesel boxes as its got a longer 2nd gear?
ford gearboxes have tabs on with numbers, is there anywhere i can find out what type of box theese relate to ratios etc to find the best long 2nd gear?

 

i know this sounds weird but...why in oval racing is it always in 2nd gear, like your not allowed to change it!?

and maybe an rst 2nd or mondeo diesal

 

diesel boxes have longer ratios mate, that'll help you out.

 

just to add to the above, the bigger the engine the diesel box comes from, the longer the ratio too.
i'd try a 1800 td from an escort, ratios are longer as there is enough power/torque to pull the thing better.

 

There are a mix and match of ratio's, the tallest is a early 83-88 1.6D gearbox, this is taller than a 1.8D box.
Another option is change the diff, the early xr3 4 speed used the 1300 diff, so you may well find a slightly taller diff ratio.
tabetha

 

i have a few gearboxes, any idea to find the id of them ?? they have tags with numbers , where can i find which type of box they are?
most cars have had new boxes fitted or swapped thru there life, i bought an xr2 4-speed box on trust on examination from a friend / mechanic found it was an 1100 fieasta 4-speed box so had to take it out as to low ratio, all that work for nothing, if i could source a box and id it thru the tags id know for definate its what i want,
so if i need a 1600 diesel box,, what are the id so numbers so i dont buy a duff box

 

I can't help with the id numbers, but I would suggest just buying a old crashed/damaged /knackered 1.6 D festa/escort, as very likely to be the correct one then.
I t would be worth a trip to ford dealer to see if the parts man can shed any light on id numbers.
It might pay you to pm IAN SOUTHAM on here as he is well clued up on the part numbers etc.
tabetha