Answering original question:
I have a Minispares 5 speed that I bought back in 1997(approx) it was one of their first, built by Trans-X. Did a lot of motorway (Freeway) driving in the UK from Bath in the south to Manchester in the north for a few years. for the freeway cruise the drop in engine speed was worth it; saves the ear drums!
Recently re-built it, not due to gear issues but 'cos the main bearings went and the only way to get the sludge out of the bottom of the box was to strip it! This can be done with only one "special" tool that came with the box. It's a bit fiddly but thats all.
Box has done about 50K MILES and still good though the 5th gear is showing signs of wear. I am planning to re-build engine at a basic level for a few years while I save enough cash for something nice, when I do that I will re-build with their straight cut gears as I think they should work well. If I was getting a new one I would go straight cut...
When I chose the box there were 3 on the market in the UK Jack Knight Minispares and Minisport. (Still have all the original paperwork if anyone is interested!) Only one is still being made, mine, and I don't think Minispares plan to stop making them so spares should be available for the forseeable future!
They are expensive but I have found it trouble free and sevicable!
Hope that Helps
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