Zetec SE, Sigma, Duratec 1.6 to RX8 gearbox

[retrosleeper]

Hi guys,

freddy686868
is making really nice adapter plates for the RX8 six speed gearbox, However the sigma/zetec SE/Duratec 1.6 engine swap is not all that popular and Freddy is wanting 5 people to commit before he would make them.

I am one of the 5 is there any other interest?

for those not familiar the rx8 has the same input spline pattern as the type 9 but is a modern six speed box that can be had for about £150 on ebay. Mine was £200 but came complete with clutch slave gearstick and wiring. Physically they are pretty much the same size as a type 9 only an inch or so in it. Many people have fitted them to escorts ect with other engines.


i am limited to the 1600 engine size so the low weight sigma is perfect for me but would to use the rx8 box but need four more people

just reply below please with interest.

Cheers, G

[ugg10]

How is the list going, hopefully picking up a box this weekend (£85 !) so if that goes Ok will confirm interest, otherwise I may have a go myself as I have a scanner (to get the geometry in) and cad to get the plate lasercut, this process has worked well on inlet and exhaust adapters so far. This is a longer term update for me (next winter maybe) but starting to stockpile bits for an engine/gearbox refresh (staying with the 1.7 Zetec SE engine though).

[ugg10]

Picked the box up fine, all looks OK. Please add me to the list. Hopefully this plate should be relatively simple as the starter is on the engine side of the plate and bolts to a flange on the engine block.

[freddy686868]

Picked the box up fine, all looks OK. Please add me to the list. Hopefully this plate should be relatively simple as the starter is on the engine side of the plate and bolts to a flange on the engine block.

like this? ;P

[ugg10]

Yep, that is not a zetec SE though I think, starter is on the other side, you planning on one for the zetec SE/sigma?

[ugg10]

Picture of the 1.7 zetec SE rear face with starter in position for reference.

[freddy686868]

Yep, that is not a zetec SE though I think, starter is on the other side, you planning on one for the zetec SE/sigma?

Yeah that is of a vauxhall red top. Note the steel block. I will make the 1.7 zetec plates in the new year now. I will almost break even on producing 2 plates so it isn't a problem once the drawing is made.

[ugg10]

Cheers, please let me know when they are ready. This is part of an upgrade path for my car, need to get it running with the Type 9 in it and then probably swap over next winter so not rush. Wish I had have know about this gearbox before I splashed out £250 on a Type 9 bell housing (luckily I already had a Type 9 in reasonable condition) !!! Oh, well, selling the type 9 and bell housing will cover the conversion costs hopefully when the time comes.

[retrosleeper]

This is great news freddy. I can confirm both the 1.6 and 1.7 are the same bellhousing pattern.
Keep me updated. I did make one out of perspects that fits both engines together that i was planning on dropping of at a fabricators in the new year but i would rather one of yours.

[retrosleeper]

Any update on the sigma plate freddy?

[freddy686868]

Any update on the sigma plate freddy?

I am due to get a few drawings made up soon but i need a type9 to sigma bellhousing to copy or a sigma gearbox if any anyone can help i can do them a cheaper plate for helping out.

[retrosleeper]

i have a focus box that mates upto a sigma engine. just not sure how to get it to you.

[freddy686868]

i have a focus box that mates upto a sigma engine. just not sure how to get it to you.

Do you need the box? Can you strip it down and just send the bellhousing/ bare casing and the input shaft still mounted in the box? I can do you a deal on the plate too for helping me get a pattern.

[retrosleeper]

Do you need the box? Can you strip it down and just send the bellhousing/ bare casing and the input shaft still mounted in the box? I can do you a deal on the plate too for helping me get a pattern.

I dont need the box, but i am working away until first weekend in feb, If that is not to late I can strip it down and send it to you then.

[freddy686868]

I dont need the box, but i am working away until first weekend in feb, If that is not to late I can strip it down and send it to you then.

No worries. I am trying to find boxes to copy all the time so i might get lucky before then. Drop me a message when yoy are back.

[retrosleeper]

will do

[ugg10]

AAARRRGGGHHH! Took my puma box down the tip a couple of weeks ago !

[freddy686868]

AAARRRGGGHHH! Took my puma box down the tip a couple of weeks ago !

Balls. :-/ no problem chaps we will sort it.

[freddy686868]

AAARRRGGGHHH! Took my puma box down the tip a couple of weeks ago !

I havw a box chaps. I am looking to have them done in 2 weeks.

[freddy686868]

will do

See the post above boss.

[ugg10]

Cool, let me know when you have them done we can then arrange and exchange of parts for beer tokens.

[freddy686868]

Cool, let me know when you have them done we can then arrange and exchange of parts for beer tokens.

Haha. No worries boss.

[retrosleeper]

I havw a box chaps. I am looking to have them done in 2 weeks.

Just send me a PM with price and payment method and i will sort and send address. cheers Freddy. Made my day

[retrosleeper]

How's progress coming along freddy? Hope all is well

[freddy686868]

How's progress coming along freddy? Hope all is well

Just got the drawings. Going to get a couple of test plates this week.

[retrosleeper]

Just got the drawings. Going to get a couple of test plates this week.

That's great news. Keep us posted the day you have them ready is the day I want to buy

[freddy686868]

That's great news. Keep us posted the day you have them ready is the day I want to buy

Not a problem budd. Won't be long.

[retrosleeper]

Freddy how thick will the plates be? Got the rest of the week off so going to try and trim the chassis ready for fitting the engine and box.

[freddy686868]

Freddy how thick will the plates be? Got the rest of the week off so going to try and trim the chassis ready for fitting the engine and box.

The plates are 6mm thick. I have a test plate cut now ready to try on the engine at my friends garage sometime this week. Once the tweeks are made i will get them made.

How many wanted them again?

[ugg10]

I'll take one, will probably keep it onthe shelf until next winter's refresh but already got a gearbox so would be rude not to. How much delivered ?

[retrosleeper]

I want one

As this is a caterham engine you may find a lot of older caterhams converting with the rx8 box as its a lot cheaper than the 6 speed caterham box.

[ugg10]

I want one

As this is a caterham engine you may find a lot of older caterhams converting with the rx8 box as its a lot cheaper than the 6 speed caterham box.

Very different ratios though -

RX8 - 3.76, 2.27, 1.65, 1.19, 1, 0.84
Caterham 6 speed - 2.69, 2.01, 1.59, 1.32, 1.13, 1

Probably more like those converting from a type 9 to something similar but not as expensive as a BGH/First Motion/Quaife/SPC where gear 1-5 on the Type 9 is similar to 2-6 on the RX8.

[retrosleeper]

Yeah your right it will be the rx8 because it's cheaper.
There are 4 triumph people I know of wanting to see how well this all fits in my spitfire before taking the plunge

[freddy686868]

Yeah your right it will be the rx8 because it's cheaper.
There are 4 triumph people I know of wanting to see how well this all fits in my spitfire before taking the plunge

Test plate being cheacked guys. I do need to know the exact size of the dowels if somwonw could let me know as i didn't have a vernier to hand earlier when i dropped the box back at my friends. There are a few hold changes to be made ovbiously but as soon as i get a dowel size i'll be away.

[retrosleeper]

Test plate being cheacked guys. I do need to know the exact size of the dowels if somwonw could let me know as i didn't have a vernier to hand earlier when i dropped the box back at my friends. There are a few hold changes to be made ovbiously but as soon as i get a dowel size i'll be away.

just been out to the garage. The digital caliper is set to mm




hope this is what you need?

[freddy686868]

just been out to the garage. The digital caliper is set to mm




hope this is what you need?

Sorry to be a pain but can you measure then with then in the block please as they compress when installed.

[retrosleeper]

Sorry to be a pain but can you measure then with then in the block please as they compress when installed.

here you go,
fitted it and put the caliper right up to the engine block.

[freddy686868]

here you go,
fitted it and put the caliper right up to the engine block.

Thanks for being mega quick in helping out but i have pm'd you for more info. Thanks.

[retrosleeper]

sorry freddy never noticed the cut outs in the digital caliper as i have never used one before just borrowed it from the neighbor. here you go with it measured properly

[retrosleeper]

Do you need anything else Freddy?