EK UTE - Gearbox Upgrade?

[anthony.brine@customs.gov.au]

Hey Gurus,
Can anyone suggest a type of gearbox (aside from the original!!!) which I could bolt into my EK with the minimum drama & expense. Because I like to eat Maccas while I drive, I would prefer a floor shift auto - but could live with a floor shift manual if thats all that will fit in the tunnel.
The EK is a factory manual (with the small tunnel), with a 179 red 6cyl.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Tony

[Richard Thomas (Guest)]

Seems to be the week for auto conversions!
I don't know of any auto transmission that will fit under the stock manual tunnel.  There may be others, but one gearbox that does fit is the Datsun 1600 4-speed.  You'll need a shortened tail-shaft, and be prepared to go through a few clutches in the next couple of years - 180B clutch plates don't last long behind a 179 !!
A better long-term solution would be to do what Carla (see other current thread) is considering, or fit a better 4-speed (which also requires a tunnel change).  Or maybe you could consider not eating and driving :-)
cheers RET