Dumb question time...

Can you change out individual gear ratios in a A/A+ gearbox? I know the VW boys do it all the time, in Beetles and the like.

I have a couple of late model A+ 1275cc Mokes, but third gear just seems like such a step up from second. For me, it's just that bit too tall and I really miss that sense of urgency.

Can I make third that bit shorter and fourth that bit taller? I'm not really interested in modifying the final drive (i.e. no diff ratio change suggestions).

A+ ratios are particularly bad. They are wider than std A series 4 synchro.
Only way on them really is change the whole gearset.
A+ box-
You can either get a full close ratio straight cut set (noisy) or with a few mods you can fit Cooper S ratios. But the whole gearset needs to be changed for this as A+ gears have different teeth angles.

A series- 4 synchro remote, or Oz rodchange:
You can get Cooper S ratios by changing just the 1st motion shaft and the cluster gear. However, this only closes up the 3-4 gap slightly, 2-3 is the same gap.
Fitting these gears raises 1, 2 and 3 by 1/17th. 4th stays the same (1:1).

To do what your VW mates do you would need a modular cluster gear and a selection of 1st 2nd and 3rd. These aren't made for Minis, except the latest Swiftune racing dog boxes from UK which cost megabux.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks Doc.

I guess that's something to think about on the the second Moke (as I rebuild it)... but definitely won't be happening to MOKEME anytime soon.

My 1132cc Moke is just getting a standard Oz Clubby rodchange box. Diff will be a 3.44 as it's going to run 13s with low profile rubber.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

My brother last week has put a recon S box on and its fantastic. I think the S/C gears are better for ratios but he is happy with the S box.

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Or ritey - Classic Minis Only For Me

i like the standard 3.44 box ratios but
4th is too tall for the twisties and too short for highway work.

meh... I run a 3.65 in the 1360, and earplugs on the freeway.
Can climb trees in 4th gear.. or seems like it.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I run a 3.6 and love it and just to mix things up a bit it's a A+ gear set inside a remote box
gears are nice and close and the fearchange feels great..

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I am the son of the STIG

HOTBRICKS
http://hotbricks.org.au/

'65 NCF MINI.....
'69 MINIMATIC.... 9 year resto still on the go

I run a 3.6 and love it and just to mix things up a bit it's a A+ gear set inside a remote box
gears are nice and close and the gearchange feels great..

_________________
I am the son of the STIG

HOTBRICKS
http://hotbricks.org.au/

'65 NCF MINI.....
'69 MINIMATIC.... 9 year resto still on the go