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Bfitz241 Member 
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So I'm reading all the horror posts about the Getrag 5 speed, which were enough to make me seriously question why I bought this thing, and just want to know: How long do these transmissions last until they fail? Mine has 48K miles on it. Since no parts are available repairing it is not an option when it finally does break. Thanks |
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NigelK Member
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People don't like the Getrag a) because it has the dogleg 1st shift pattern, b) because it doesn't have a proper overdrive 5th, and c) because it's expensive and difficult to fix. But I don't think anyone has serious doubts about its robustness, certainly relative to the Rootes box fitted to earlier Jensen Healeys. If you can live with the dogleg shift pattern and 1:1 5th gear, I would suggest you buy the linkage upgrade kit from Pete Bahr (http://www.jhps.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Warehouse&Product_Code=97337k&Category_Code=Trans) and learn to love the Getrag! If it needs fixing, http://www.metricmechanic.com might be able to help. I always liked the Getrag, apart from the 1:1 5th gear which made motorway driving unbearably noisy. I tried all sorts of ways of resolving this issue without changing the box, but in the end gave up. And when I discovered that the input shaft was damaged because if an incorrectly aligned clutch plate, I made the decision to install the Toyota W58 gearbox. But I am keeping the Getrag just in case I have a change of heart! Best wishes, Nigel |
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Brett Gibson JH5 20497 Member
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Well I guess no one told me they were not a very good transmission, other than rebuilding the shifter mine has behaved well for over 65K miles. I even went out and bought two more one for a spare and the other to replace a four speed JH I'm restoring. I have heard parts are hard to find but not impossible, which seem's to me like a lot of items for the JH. Personally I would just enjoy what you have and should it fail like anything else deal with it at that time. Happy motoring Brett. |
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Bfitz241 Member
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well that's comforting. I'll try to get in touch with Mr. Behr about that shifter |
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answerman Member
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Looks like Greg doesn't have Pete's kit in the JHPS store at this time... you can try here instead to contact him directly. http://jhppg.com/pk0604.htm I seem to remember Pete was dealing with some health issues so he might not get right back to you. |
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Bfitz241 Member
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Thanks |
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Bfitz241 Member
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Unfortunately, a large amount of core parts for these gearboxes are NLA. If you are in need of major parts for this transmission, you may be out of luck. Found that on a BMW site while searching for info on the 235/5. with my usual luck, I'm not confident in this gearbox. |
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Bfitz241 Member
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will the 4 speed fit the 5 speed bellhousing, clutch, crossmember and driveshaft? |
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Bfitz241 Member
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Just so I'm clear, Conversion Components is NOT a reliable supplier, correct? I shouldn't even consider him as a possible source of parts? |
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Brett Gibson JH5 20497 Member
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You are talking getting parts verse's how the transmission holds up, true the parts are getting few and far between but this transmission can take a licking, believe me and ask anyone who know's me I put this thing thru it's pace's all the time and so far (knock wood)It's hanging in there. And if you keep your eye's open you can usually find a spare for around $500 or less, which is a lot cheaper than trying to buy replacement parts. My 2 cents, oh and if you switch it out let me know, I'm always looking for good spares. Brett |
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Brett Gibson JH5 20497 Member
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4 speed wont fit a 5 speed bellhousing, drive shafts are different as well. Clutch the same. Last edited on 03-25-2015 07:47 pm by Brett Gibson JH5 20497 |
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Jensenman Member
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If anyone needs it, I have a 5 speed Getrag bellhousing left over from my W58 swap. Everything else related has been sold. I also learned the hard way why Jensen used the 2 piece shaft; the one piece is prone to vibration. Why it shakes and the 4 speed doesn't is beyond me. |
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Bfitz241 Member
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Brett Gibson JH5 20497 wrote:You are talking getting parts verse's how the transmission holds up, true the parts are getting few and far between but this transmission can take a licking, believe me and ask anyone who know's me I put this thing thru it's pace's all the time and so far (knock wood)It's hanging in there. Absolutely, parts and durability go together....the less durable, the more parts you need. I don't believe a 40 something year old European transmission will last forever. A Muncie, a Borg Warner, Tremec, sure...Getrag orphan...no confidence. I also have no faith in the previous owner and since I can't ask him questions I'm assuming worst case scenario.... I'm glad your transmission is invincible..happy for you even...I don't have that kind of luck |
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NigelK Member
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Steady on! Some of us European types of 1970s vintage could start taking offence :-) But on a more serious note, while the 235/5 box had some design issues with weak synchromesh, remember that Getrag = BMW = German build quality, so we're not talking about 1970s British Leyland-style lack of reliability. For me, gophering for parts is one of the particular pleasures of owning a classic car. I learn a lot in the process, make friends (via this and other forums) with other owners who are / have been in the same boat, and enjoy the successes which are so much more rewarding than for a modern car where you can find everything you need at the local auto parts store. It was so much harder 25 years ago when I had my first Healey and there was no internet or owners' forums! There will of course be incredibly frustrating times, when a supposedly simple task takes weeks, or you have to wait days for a part to arrive from the UK, and then weeks before you can find a mechanic worthy of the name who can actually fix things as opposed to merely swapping out components. But it all pales into insignificance when you turn the key and hear that 907 rasp and induction roar... |
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Bfitz241 Member
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Nigel no offense intended. It's just that I keep and drive my cars for a long time...so I'm trying to decide the best course of action right now...replace the Getrag or hope I can find parts when it fails... While I have very limited experience to 1970s BL products in the form of a '76 TR6, which was alot of fun as it was, I had substantial exposure to a string of TR3, TR4, TR250, and MGs owned by my brothers. Wish I had that 250 now. |
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Brett Gibson JH5 20497 Member
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Bfitz241, received your private message correcting my spelling, I assume there was no offence intended. Thanks so much. Brett |
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Bfitz241 Member
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nope..just kidding around |
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Greg Fletcher Administrator 
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Just an FYI, the Getrag 5 speed in the Jensen Healey is the 232 / 5 model as part number: 232.0.139.00 with additional marks: 5.2 225 seen with the BMW logo on the casting. Attachment: Getrag3sm.jpg (Downloaded 83 times) |
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Bfitz241 Member
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That's good to know. Everything I saw said it was a 235....interesting |
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Screenplay Member
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Glad to see this thread resurrected as it brings up a question I have. Since this Getrag was an option on certain BMW 2002s, does this mean that the other Getrags of the era would fit the Jensen? I haven't read anything about 2002 owners facing a crisis regarding a shortage of parts with their stock 4 speed. Would not one of these transmissions make for an alternative if your Jensen 5 speed gives up the ghost? (assuming the bolt patterns are the same). With the tens of thousands of 2002s on the road (more?) there must be a solution without going the expensive route of the W58 swap. Last edited on 09-07-2015 07:42 pm by Screenplay |
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NigelK Member
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I think the problem with the Getrag 235 as fitted to the BMW 2002 is that it has a fixed bell-housing so it would not mate to the 907 engine block without an adaptor plate. As far as I know, the only other Getrag gearbox which would be an easy fit would be the Getrag 265 as used in the Lotus Eclat / Elite S2.2, as this had a detachable bell-housing. While this gearbox and its 907 bell-housing are available (albeit rare) in the UK, opinions vary as to whether it was a better or worse box than the W58 which came shortly afterwards in the Lotus Excel. I have not been able to find out whether Lotus started using the W58 because it was intrinsically a better gearbox or simply because it became cheaper and more available as soon as Toyota had acquired a stake in the company. Maybe Tim Engel can comment? |
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