Getting to Know Classic Mini Transmissions

[@mickibbett2120]

Hi I did my apprenticeship on mini's back in 1974. Still working on them. I now fit Hayabusa engines to them as a hoby. Saves all the agg with the transmission. 200hp sequencial box is the way to go. By the way like the video thank you and stay safe

[@daytriker]

I've learned more from your videos than when I owned British Cars. My first car was a 1961 Mini bought around 1968 for $25.00 that was pretty much a rust bucket but ran extremely well. My friends and I used to try rolling it in the snow but it would always spin out. Unfortunately the opinion at the time was that the fenders & floor were too far gone to repair. Now that I am retired I would like to find another Classic Mini, possibly a Cooper so your videos are extremely beneficial to my learning & improving once again. Thank you.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

So glad to help! We can only imagine how fun it was trying to roll the thing. Can't beat that deal on fun for $25

[@GeordsYouTube]

A video on the automatic gearbox fitted to classic minis would be cool. Having to repair one on my own mini I previously owned was very hard, the lack of information on how to refurbish the gearbox was the most difficult thing.

[@thewelshwizard5869]

Shame you’re not in UK, I’m just so impressed with the content of your videos and I’ve watched around 6 or so and they’re all very impressive. Well done and keep them coming.

[@bugattieb110ss]

He'd have to call it a Garage if he lived here!

[@jonathandavies7462]

sells some proper tidy stuff mind ( I have on mine )

[@jonmce1]

The fun part of the earliest minis, (I had one) was to prevent the motor from swinging perpedicular to the car there was a rod back to the firewall that had a rubber bushing in it. That bushing wore or weakened with the result of the engingine/transmision swinging and of course, your term, magic wand swung around like crazy.

[@stevecallachor]

Cooper s minis were used as police pursuit vehicles in Australia (new South Wales). They went like the wind ! The humorous part was watching the police officer unfold as he emerged with pencil ready. Police officers had a minimum height of 5 feet 10 inches in those days and many of them were bigger still to frighten the wrong 'uns. They were replaced by Chrysler Valiant Chargers A two door coupe! Times sure have changed Stavros

[@thebnicho]

Great video, I like the sprung gate mod!! But a few details are not quite clear. The magic wand lasted well after 1964. It was standard on the non-Cooper non-synchro models until around 1969. I have an original 1966 Austin 850cc with the magic wand. There was also the "pudding stirrer" which is kind of a hybrid between a remote change and magic wand. These shifters are most often found in 4 synchro Mokes and Mini Vans 1969 to 1974 approx. It looks just like a magic wand from inside the car. The gearbox is the same as a 4sync remote change (22G1128). The external rod that links to the selector forks and the mechanism fitted in the diff housing for the linkage is different. A plate with a deep spherical recesss bolts on in place of the remote change alloy housing and clamps the gearstick in place. These shifters are *really* vague and make the magic wand look good by comparison. Hence why they mostly were thrown away and replaced with a remote change. Example pic at the bottom of this page. www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=581570 Cheers!

[@chrisreynolds3700]

I enjoyed watching and being educated about the mini transmission..thanks!!

[@metalwright]

I'll say this now: 100% the best photography for a Mini channel. Very, very nicely made, and informative as well!

[@Stevestonmotorco]

thanks very much man

[@nalinfernando8093]

Very clear and precise explanations. Nice and clear images. Very useful. Keep up the excellent work.

[@classicminidiy]

Really really wonderful video guys. I love the custom gearbox work.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Classic Mini DIY thanks Cole! Cheers bud.

[@classicminidiy]

Stevestonmotorco I’m really looking forward to the detailed gearbox rebuild.

[@tomvankoevorden4492]

So true, keep the good work coming!

[@186scott]

There is actually more than 3 different manual transmission in a classic mini but there is only 3 gear selector types like you have said with a few variants in them for example there is a remote transmission with a magic wand adapter that some early mk2 minis had

[@g19anson]

You should check the face of the drop gears where the meet the box, the main thing that kills the box is if the mains bearings are loose in the housing.

[@kenmuir6332]

Very well explained, learning a lot on each video.as I move thru my restoration I always hunt for your comments and advise.keep up the great work, ken muir

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Cheers Ken, appreciate the comment and good luck on your project!

[@1chish]

@ 01:53 There is a slight error. The driveshaft couplings indicate it isn't a Cooper S but maybe a Cooper. The 'S' had Hardy Spicer couplings which needed a different output flange / bearing / seal, different Differential output shafts and coupling drive plates. There were gear ratio differences that are less easy to spot.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@petrolheadjapan5970]

Not correct. 1071, 970 and 1275 ‘S’ also used rubber links, although it was changed to hardy spicer some point in the 1275 ‘S’ production. www.minimania.com/pdfile/gearboxes.pdf

[@riderzinc]

Great video, I learned a lot, Looking forward to a step by step guide on rebuilding a transmission

[@timelessyachts]

Very good video, clear, concise and very informative, many thanks

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheM00ch]

I thought my spring was worn. Never knew it wasn’t sprung. Going to look into the spring upgrade for my rod change. 👌🏽 another great video. Thanks.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Welcome! It's an interesting upgrade and not many people seem to do it.

[@magnusigelstrom2740]

Is there a link to the rod change spring upgrade?

[@luismeixner2125]

would be interested in one aswell. don't know where to look -.-

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Here is one offered by minispares www.minispares.com/product/Classic/Gearbox/Linkage/MSG12.aspx?1509&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/Rod%20change%20spring.aspx|Back%20to%20search

[@591desperado]

Why on earth would one need a spring biased gearchange on a 4 speed-box???? I drove a Mini for 20 years and nearly every part of the car was changed and/or upgraded. Never ever waisted a thought about a spring biased gear change upgrade! In fact these spring biased gearboxes on modern cars are quite irritating to me ;-)

[@spidersinspace1099]

Thanks for the video. I really enjoy them.

[@g19anson]

It’s not just the s or cooper that had a remote change box. That remote change doesn’t look like a cooper box as it uses the rubber cross joints. Also if you get the knuckles out of align you are unlikely to get the pinch bolt in. Lots of the wear is in the detent rods.

[@ronald1968]

I wish I'd stumbled upon this video a few weeks ago, when I had the remote box from my car apart, I would have done the 3/4 spring mod.... maybe next time.....

[@growingautoshops]

Very good information, I will look at all your video to see what else I can learn about these cars.

[@stephencostello5296]

Great video but can you show how to separate the gearbox from the engine first please as I have now realised I have to remove the clutch/flywheel as a first step before I can proceed separate the box from the engine block. In my case the gearbox is fixed with Allen set screws/bolts which has made removing the bolts directly above the diff very interesting!

[@rogerhudson9732]

What about the AP hot-shift ( manual if you want) automatic, one of the most clever gearboxes ,ever!

[@leb3018]

This is a great video as are the others that I've watched of yours. Please keep making them.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Thanks for the comment, Liam

[@josemorlet2684]

Gracias por tus videos, son muy buenos, felicidades, dónde me recomiendas comprar refacciones para México??, saludos cordiales.

[@oldmatebutler]

Kicking goals fellas, another great vid thanks!

[@windyboy78]

Thanks mate! I learnt a lot with that one! Would love to see a rebuild video of a rodchange if your ever rebuilding one? Cheers!

[@Defender-Guy]

How about a video on Mini automatic transmissions?

[@terapy6198]

Brilliant video! Looking forward to the transmission rebuild, so I can hopefully learn a lot more. Great work.

[@martinfidel7086]

There was also the turbo variant for 1275 turbo ERA mini 1989 to 1991

[@radojovic2329]

When will you make that new video about rebuilding the ⚙️ gearbox 📦

[@lucky7kustoms563]

Great video as always, and thanks for the spring idea/link I will be investing In one of those.👍

[@craigtate5930]

What an unusual design, but very cool

[@luismeixner2125]

Keep the vids coming! I'm gonna pick up a 1275cc 1993 Sprite soon. Can't wait to do stuff on it ;)

[@royvranken2936]

nice work guys. from Holland :)

[@chandlerlascalza9845]

Great video!

[@jamesworley2674]

Point of order: The 'Magic Wand' box was available on the 850cc through to the mid 70's until the introduction of the Mk4 in '76. I know this as I have a 100% factory original '73 Mk3 850cc that came with a magic wand. Looking at the sales literature the 'rod'' style box was a feature on the sporty 998cc

[@seanalexander9531]

It depends on the country of manufacture.

[@xDensoNx]

Please do a video on rubber bushing replacement !

[@rodderpu1]

Great video. When will the rebuild trans video be coming and do you have notes on modifying the oil pick up pipe. I'm at that point now and would like to install moved pipe.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Fred Grey we will have instructions on how to install the center oil pickup, however we do not modify it, it is available for purchase and simply replaces the stock unit.

[@panda9115]

can you provide some information on the gear lever centring mod, i believe it was used in racing and at one time a mod sheet was available.

[@chandlerlascalza9845]

What type of spring did you use for the remote style gear box to make it gated? And is that spacer just some conduit pipe with a flare added to it? What length did you make that?

[@avivscrewvalla]

FANTASTIC Video! So incredibly useful and there's nothing quite like it out there! Can I request that, for the rebuild video, you also recommend manufacturers for upgraded parts and approximate costs? For instance, KAD sells some pretty impressively machined bits in the UK but they can get expensive. Cheers!

[@kenjizone]

Great video, I have 94 SPI mini rod change and cannot shift into 1st geat, all other gears ok, any thoughts?

[@timsminigarage]

I think the remote style was introduced with the first 997 Cooper in 1961 The "magic wand" was still used in basic models until they changed to 4 synchro gearboxes in 1969 There was a brief period where the basic models had a 4 synchro "pudding stirrer" direct change with a long lever similar to the magic wand, but it used the rear housing from the remote.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Thanks for clarifying. We don't want to spread misinformation. Liked your comment for more visibility.

[@seanalexander9531]

It depends on which country the Mini is manufactured in. 3-synchro remote gearboxes were introduced in some Australian models in the early 60s and then the 4-synchro in 1969.

[@timsminigarage]

@@seanalexander9531 the first Aussie mini with the remote change was the 997 Cooper (just like the UK). The Cooper S & Deluxe both had the remote from the start of their local production in 1965. They were all 3 synchro till 1969

[@seanalexander9531]

Hi Tim, thanks for clarifying - I think I wrote roughly the same thing. My point was that change dates are often dependent on the country of manufacture.

[@slotcarracingargentina3075]

Great Video Steve 😎

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Love your work. guys from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 1st time watching . I am Restoring 2 minis coppers S . From top to bottom. I was a mini Mac. For along Time. What about LSD Diff what do you think 🤔 . The engine is from 1275 cc to just under 1300 . 1/1/2 SU.s what gear Box part.,s do you sell . & what do you recommend is there a list of parts I can get from you . Thanks 🍻

[@TheSheepnr1]

I really enjoy every one of your videos! They are high quality, very informative and easy to follow. Keep it up! :)

[@gabriellapapadopoulos6138]

Great work !

[@elitalbot-minkin8608]

Great stuff, Phillip. Thanks for taking the time to go into such detail. Really looking forward to the gearbox rebuild video!

[@rayanchandler3750]

You all probably dont care but does someone know a way to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot the account password. I love any assistance you can give me

[@tommyharrison5515]

@Rayan Chandler instablaster :)

[@rayanchandler3750]

@Tommy Harrison I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@rayanchandler3750]

@Tommy Harrison it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out :D

[@tommyharrison5515]

@Rayan Chandler no problem :D

[@mikishootsonfilm]

Really a great explanation

[@mubeenrafudeen4460]

Is it possible to make a conversion between a magic wand and rod change?

[@matthalsey387]

What about speedo gears? Can I do a straight swap of 120 kph speedo for 90 mph speedo in '90 Mayfair 1000 or would I need to change speedo gears as well?

[@mikishootsonfilm]

Great video and explanation. Thanks a lot

[@zerstorerB]

very good stuff, subscribed

[@eprokhor]

Great videos keep up the wonderful high quality work!

[@deathghost13]

Really cool video, just a quick question. Do you perhaps have a link/part number for the aftermarket spring kit for the rod change selector? It seems like something to consider getting for the Mini.

[@guessworksgearboxes]

Very impressed and love the spring load on the remote box... that's neat.. @guessworksgearboxes

[@Stevestonmotorco]

@guessworksgearboxes Thanks for the comment! It works well. For the street we ended up using a slightly softer spring than the one in the video and it feels better.

[@scottk3758]

@@Stevestonmotorco Do you have a source and / or more detailed description for the spring and washer you ended up using? I really like the idea of this mod and I’m just about to rebuild my remote box.

[@judelinus7031]

Thanks for the awesome video 👍👍👍

[@inspirealways5477]

Well explained. Tq

[@tombryant4518]

Good stuff! I’m in Alberta with a 1968 Automatic 1000. Need to rebuild my auto, it slips in 1st gear.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Cool! Maybe we'll bump into you one day.

[@tombryant4518]

Stevestonmotorco Where are you guys located? I’m headed to Port Alberni next month. Might be able to swing by on the way through.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Cool, let us know. We're in Richmond, BC (Steveston, to be exact). Address on our website.

[@tombryant4518]

Stevestonmotorco Roger that. Just sent you the worlds longest message from your website!

[@thatguywiththeminis6282]

Dammit guys. Made me want to build another race engine. I sold my last one so I could do the b16 engine swap but now miss the a series and how customisable everything is

[@Stevestonmotorco]

ThatGuyWithTheMinis it’s one of the best parts about working on these cars! B16 will be a hoot as well though.

[@dtec30]

How do you stop the rubber from the gear lever support tunnel and the gearbox from de laminating I had a Morris 1100 similar design

[@ronman8942]

Thinking of buying a mini, the ine ive seen is just under 1000cc but would like to upgrade the engine for a 1275cc how would i be able to do that?

[@MiniMattTV]

Great video Philip!

[@tombryant4518]

Can you do a how to convert to 5 speed video?

[@jflongas]

Hey Philip, another great video, what about the Japanese versions? I have a 93' Rover Mini auto transmission, and having trouble shifting between gears, does not reverse now, any recommendation and any mechanic to recommend in Fort Lauderdale area? Thanks!

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Juan F Longas unfortunately a lot of the auto parts are NLA and there are not too many people that are able to work on them. Checking the local forums would be the best bet.

[@chrisstephenson1203]

Great video as always! Can you do an internal gear linkage install? Always thought about doing it but never have.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Give us a few months and we'll be able to go through that topic. Thx for the comment :)

[@chrisstephenson1203]

Please tell me your building a Steveston Racer?

[@keithgrima8317]

Great content

[@rodderpu1]

Just passed your site 2 me by another car guy. Excellent site and am at the stage of building Mild Cooper mini engine and trans for a '69 Countryman wagon. Motor sent out but the inspection of transaxle is the next stage, There is no serial number on the trans block but I assume it is a stock 998 A block. I found a 2 ring cam so will build from there. 0.40 flat tops and 0.010 mains and rods. For the cost and at this stage it makes sense to replace trans baulk rings and bearings. What else would you suggest,?The oil pick up and detent spring will happen as per your video

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Fred Grey that sounds like a fun build! For the gearbox, new bearings and balk rings are a great idea. Take a look at your shift forks as well, primarily the 1/2 one can wear and make for a wobbly shifter. Shameless plug for our high strength magnetic drain bolt to keep your rebuild box clear of metal particles 😁

[@classicminiworkshop]

Great video, very informative. Thank you

[@troypowell1671]

is there a difference between UK and JDM trans?

[@shanemaddren1852]

Silly question here. I have 2 motors. 1 is a 1000cc and the other is1275cc. The 1275 gear box is not the best but the 1000 is mint. Can I swap the gearbox’s so the mint one is on the 1275?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Shane Maddren yea you can just just have to make sure that the drop gears and case match the gearbox. Also pay attention to a+ and pre a + idler gear bearings (they are different sizes).

[@eprokhor]

When will you post the transmission rebuild vid that you promised in this vidV

[@Stevestonmotorco]

MED posted a brilliant one so we don't have to

[@nthdegree9058]

Are these transmissions interchangeable?

[@rodderpu1]

Looking at your modification for the detente. Would the used small spring from the valve and the retainer ( drill out to fit rod) work with a suitable piece of pipe?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Fred Grey a valve spring would be far too strong. You need just enough spring to move in gently back in place. Any more will wear on the shift fork and make the 2-3 shift difficult as it will overcome the resistance of the reverse detent. For the diff, minispares.com is our go to parts supplier

[@adrianll8289]

Great video! Can't find this spring kit for rod change anywhere, do you maybe know who makes them? Or is it a DIY thing?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Adrian LL here is the one I was talking about www.minispares.com/product/Classic/Gearbox/Linkage/MSG12.aspx?1509&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/Rod%20change%20spring.aspx|Back%20to%20search

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

Great knowledge and presentation, not sure about the music as it gets in the way and is unnecessary.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Noted

[@onomatopoeidia]

Nice video. I own an original condition 1968 850 Morris Minivan Australian built with a magic wand transmission so they definitely didn’t finish in 64 in Australia?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

simon ayton that’s interesting. Just did a quick google search on the years but I guess there was some differences depending on the country. I know in Canada we had some unique things not found anywhere else. Cheers!

[@onomatopoeidia]

yeah must be the case...Mine was the cheapest commercial van version and has manual everything, no heater and no self-parking wipers but I put an 1100 engine in after 850 bits became impossible to find.

[@jeep2003]

Mine is a 66 morris minor deluxe from New Zealand it has the magic wand

[@onomatopoeidia]

interesting to hear @jeep2003. When I rebuilt mine I went and compared the sloppiness to a near new condition one in and earlier car and was amazed that they were just as bad from new ;-) hence the 'Pudding Stirer' tag. Funny what British Leyland considered 'Deluxe'!!

[@jeep2003]

I dont find it bad at all it shifts well and Iv never missed a gear. I have a porsche 914 now thats a sloppy shifter and its a gamble what gear itll fall into.

[@MrConstanzo]

Hi Could you please let me know the best way to fix a oil drain tread. Thank you

[@Stevestonmotorco]

If it's really bad, you can helicoil it

[@MrConstanzo]

@@Stevestonmotorco Thanks for your quick response I do have the helicoil set, can I do this repair without the need to remove the engine? How did you recommend to perform this repair.?

[@shovelrickshovelhead8713]

I like my remote ,great vid it explained the different setups and wearable parts 10 likes ....Rick

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Cheers Rick!

[@rodderpu1]

I have 2 remote transmissions, as the motor is out getting done I followed your video and everything "seems" ok Do you get to the Island or know someone who could tell me whether to tear it down or just install?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Fred Grey shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we can help you out!

[@Y.R.U.gahhhh]

Bro , i have a problem with my mini 1979 , First and second gear dont shift , when i hit first and second it feels like natural.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

What have you inspected? Sounds like it might be a shift linkage or shift linkage roll pin issue.

[@Y.R.U.gahhhh]

@@Stevestonmotorco still haven’t taken it to any mechanic . However, some consultation from you would prepare me to go there. I suspect a linkage as you mentioned. How much would that approximately cost to be fixed ?

[@mad-maxx2211]

I have a magic wand ! Lol. I need an upgrade badly.

[@adokagoth7694]

Hi, my mini is a 1300 automatic injection. its going well on reverse but the foward gear doesn't work please help

[@seanalexander9531]

You should take it to an auto trans specialist. It's very hard to diagnose over the internet.

[@scottderuyter3812]

Who do you use for you Mini trans parts supply’s?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Mini Spares

[@frankbergholdt4794]

Hi . Is it possible that you can make me an set with the spring for the gearshift ?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

If you can bring your transmission to us we can help you out.

[@rodderpu1]

Also what or where can one get the 4 spyder fiff?

[@rodderpu1]

Mini Spares do have one which I have ordered. Sight is great but familiarity to a Mini is a must. Big learning curve but Phil's help makes things much easier to follow.

[@excodenim]

Hellllo sir i have many questions to ask you !! Doese the shifter works with 1300 engine ?

[@TornadoCAN99]

I've got a A+ engine/gearbox. Getting 4th to 3rd downshift gear grind. Can that be anything other than synchro issue?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Hard to say without having it apart and taking a look. Synchro/baulk ring seems like a likely culprit. Might be flipped the wrong way.

[@TornadoCAN99]

@@Stevestonmotorco Looks like I'll be booking a bit of work with you guys soon....

[@tommycornetto6665]

What final drive gear size do you recommend for cruising?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

It depends on engine size and your roads. What's cruising mean? I'd say 3.44 or less. 3.2 is nice.

[@tommycornetto6665]

Stevestonmotorco 998 on California freeways speeds like 65-70. Love the channel by the way.

[@urdriverman]

Vgot to appreciate the soft porn music. Thanks for a most educational video.

[@Hai_da]

Have you considered Patreon for support?

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Chew Hey, no we haven't. We'll look into it!

[@chooiseah1377]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤👍👍❤❤❤❤

[@FirstLast-ox5ls]

Anyone got a mini for sale with automatic or trade I'm in NYC

[@richgilb]

So, I have an automatic...

[@perdanielsorensen7775]

The "background" music is too loud.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Good video but could have lost your annoying supermarket music in the background

[@harveyfred2426]

Great videos! Dm if your interested in me putting your link in my popular mini Instagram account.

[@Stevestonmotorco]

what's your instagram?

[@harveyfred2426]

Classic minis of England!

[@Stevestonmotorco]

Oh cool! We follow you guys. Dm'd.

[@chrisevans9917]

Ll