My 1300 1988 Escort gearbox is shot. Can i replace with anything else ? Rs turbo/XR3i gearbox,will it fit ? Can't find a Mk 4 Escort box as its a 4 speed and would rather upgrade to 5 speed anyway. Those with the knowledge would be appreciated to pass it my way.

 

You can swop to any 5 speed box as i have in my estate, 3i ones are cheapest ive found as there seems to be alot being broken at the minute.
You just have to get a 5 speed linkage aswell so if your buying one from some body breaking a car get that aswell and away you go.

mark.

 

As above,i have changed them before but im not 100% sure about the linkage,i thought it was the same.been years since i last did 1.the shafts,mounts etc are all the same so its basically a couple of hours work if youre doing it off axle stands.

 

Thank's that's a great help.When i find a box that isn't shot i will be replacing asap...22 yrs old and still going strong ( well apart from the box lol)

 

My 1300 is an OHV not a CVH will an XR3i gearbox or any other Mk4 gearbox fit it ???

 

all the bolt patterns for the boxes are the same so it'll be fine mine was any way and i take it youve got a push down reverse linkage at the minute so you will need a 5 speed linkage.

mark.

 

Push down reverse so i believe your knowledge will help me find a replacement quickly.Have been looking at diesel box as they are designed a bit stronger i understand.Seem's like around £75 is the going rate..Does that seem right to you ?

 

The diesel box is no stronger than any other box there all the same its just the ratios that are differant dont fall into that trap.
Ive bought 3i boxes for as little as a tenner before its just a case of trawling ebay for cars local to you that are being broken and makeing people an offer personally i wouldnt pay more than £50 for a second hand box its not like your going to be running 300bhp out of your 1.3 so the chances of you blowing the bix up are pretty slim.

mark.