Transmission
Specification & General Maintenance
Graunchy Reverse
Hand-Controlled Clutch Modification
Differential Noise
Replacing the Clutch Slave Cylinder
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Specification and General Maintenance
Sep 96
Up to late 1994 the gearbox was a Rover unit as fitted to the SD1. Later models have a Borg Warner box. The Rover box is
a bit fragile in this application and prone to rapid wear if the oil isn't changed regularly. Consider changing the gearbox oil
at 12,000 miles instead of the recommended 24,000 miles. There are two or three grease points on the prop shaft, if you like
that sort of thing.
Internet Mailing List Feb 98
Borg Warner T5 boxes are very common in the states...used on Camaros, Fireturds and
Mustangs. 'Mustangs Unlimited' sell a standard new T5 for about $1000 (600 quid) and an uprated one
for $1300 (800 quid). I think it's rated for a godawful amount of horsepower (well above 500) . . .
Marcus Tooze
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Graunchy Reverse
Letter Sep 96
. . . Most Griffs and Chimis seem to suffer embarrassing graunching
noises from the gearbox when you select reverse which I'm told
is also suffered by owners of Sierra Cosworths whose box is used.
The answer is to go into 3rd or 5th briefly first and it will
slip in perfectly . . .
Simon Cockle
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Hand-Controlled Clutch Modification
Sep 96
I know it doesn't have a wide scope of interest but I have had
my Griff (4.3 BV) hand-controlled. The clutch is controlled by
a Guidosimplex hydraulic system which is based on a very clever
box of electro-mechanical-hydraulic tricks that I don't know an
awful lot about. The normal action of gripping the gear change
knob (this activates a micro-switch in the knob) disengages the
clutch, which is subsequently engaged when the gear is selected
and the knob released. If you do get any enquiries from people
with a requirement for such a system, I'm very willing to describe
it, and demo it if necessary. I can also put them in touch
with the system installer.
Dave Peck
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Differential Noise
Internet Mailing List Feb 97
I got my first TVR (new Griff 500) in September last year and
had problems with the diff. It was making a clunking noise when
coming on and off the power. The diff was subsequently replaced
and things where looking up for the next 1,200 miles. The new
diff has now started making a high pitched wining noise (at 3,000
miles) again coming off and on the power. It even makes a similar
noise when rolling along in neutral. Noise level is louder than
the engine from the inside of the cockpit. I have asked the people
at HR Owen in London to have a look/listen. In anticipation of
the news, can somebody provide a frame of reference of how much
noise you would expect out of the diff on a Griff made in mid
1996.
Lars Ljungwaldh
Internet Mailing List Feb 97
It is quite normal for Limited Slip Diffs to make some noise,
although it should not be excessive. My Chimp has a gentle whine
when cold and it becomes more apparent the harder the car gets
driven. I am always aware of the diff noise when cruising on
motorways, but it gets lost with the engine roar when I am having
some fun. When I bought the car the diff was almost silent.
I have now done 20,000 miles and have had the noise since about
5,000 miles, but it has not got any better or worse since then.
Steve Williams
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Replacing the Clutch Slave Cylinder
Apr 99
Symptom: Clutch fluid level drop, the clutch failing to release unless pressed right to the floor.
On the Griffiths with the Rover 5 Speed box (reverse up and to the left), the slave cylinder can easily be removed from underneath the car.
The slave cylinder is accessible from underneath the car on the drivers side of the bell housing. The rear of the cylinder points towards the
front of the car. Loosen the bleed screw and drain off the Hydralic fluid into a suitable container. Loosen the hydraulic pipe. Undo both 13mm bolts holding the cylinder to the bell housing. Replace the cylinder and bleed.
Cylinder Part number is AP Lockheed 99364 (The 4 could possibly be an A). It cost me about �40.
Fernhurt sell this part for less than my local Motor Factors. The whole job took about 1/2 hour.
John Wild
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