SWAPPING THE GEARBOX?

[Justin]

My current 1988 340 has a 4 speed box and is very un-economical, is it possiBle to put a 5 speed box in it and would it make it any better on fuel? Also would my insurance go up? Im assuming I'd have to notify DVLA aswell?

[Speedy88]

Yes it's pretty easy but you'll need to get yourself a 5 speed diff too (it's shorter physically). If you want to be on the books, notify the DVLA but tbh man I don't think anybody is going to mind too much, as long as you tell your insurance (not that they're likely to notice post-accident anyway).

Push comes to shove just tell them it was a standard replacement part for a broken gearbox.

[Ride_on]

I doubt it wil make alot of difference, the 1.4 should be pretty economical if driven gently and on the motorway. What are you getting?

Check:
Air leaks
Carb mixture + general carb condition (breathers clear + intact)
Good clean condition of plug/leads/cap/coil (spotless)
Good condition of air filter + exhaust (Volvo original?)
Valve clearances adjusted properly
Good compression

[Attack2001]

Im currently in the process of swapping my gearbox Its a fairlyyyyyy easy swap The 4 speed has a longer diff. When put side by side, the 5 speed has an extra section that goes between the diff and the gearbox, this holds 5th gear. And so the diff is then made shorter to make both the 4 and 5 speeds the same length - does that make sense? Just remember the most important bit, the new gearstick with the 5 gears on it

[MCHUDD]

Hi mate.
I have just done this conversion. All the bolt holes are the same. Its a streight swop.
It does make a difference haveing a fith gear. I have kept the origionall gear lever.
Its a secret fith
Cheers Mark.