ants21uk Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 POBC, It is getting very close to giving the final spec of my car to Caterham before it goes into production. During the GTKY7 Midlands day I was speaking to someone who mentioned that the Mazda 5 speed gearbox was being used in the academy this year, in readiness for it to be used in later Caterham models. Unfortunately I can not stretch to a 6spd. Does anyone have experience of the Mazda gearbox and have an opinion on whether I should opt for it or stick to the original? Does anyone know whether it has been a success in the academy so far this year? All advice is gratefully received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 I've only experienced it in my MX5! Seems to work there - and Westfield have been offering a Mk1 MX5 donor kit for a while... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grubbster Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 I have not heard anything back on the Mazda box yet but over the last few years there have been many failures of the Ford box in academy and roadsport. Some chassis mods needed for the Mazda box, if I were buying new and had a choice I think I'd go Mazda if this is going to be the future standard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Molecular--Bob Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Are Caterham going over to the complete MX5 drivetrain? Just wondering how they deal with the fact that the mx5 engine is tilted a few degrees. Will they also tilt the engine, which would require new engine mounts? or will they tilt the box and have the stick at an odd angle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z3MCJez Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 If they're already using the MX5 gearbox in this year's Academy, then presumably they've dealt with this as part of the new bell housing. I've not seen a Mazda engine in a Caterham anywhere, although there was a wankel-powered one once that I saw a picture of. Jez Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 I think you'll find the duratec is shared with Mazda Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Slotter Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 What Caterham call a 'Duratec' is a Mazda L engine. Edit - too slow! Edited by - Dr Slotter on 30 Jun 2014 19:16:11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative nickhi Posted June 30, 2014 Area Representative Share Posted June 30, 2014 At the recent Throckmorton club event Caterham had a Supersport R as a static display. This had a different H pattern and I got the impression from one of the guys that it was the Mazda box. So I guess they must be some way down the line of marrying it all up. It wasn't clear if it was going to be an option or a replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Ford and Mazda share platforms too Focus = Mazda3 Mondeo = Mazda6 Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z3MCJez Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Hmmm. Oops! Presumably rather a different layout in those cars. Jez Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul jacobs Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 I've got the Mazda box in my Morgan Three Wheeler, and to be frank it is the best bit about the whole car. It's as sweet as a nut, reverse slot is in a different place, but that isn't a problem, and the ratios aren't too bad, with the V twin at least, but a little closer would be nice. I believe that Morgan are now using the Mazda box exclusively in their 4 wheelers, some now fitted with the 2l Duratec engine, and so far no problems. I would say it is better than the Ford Box which is a pretty old design by now, though I couldn't say what a new designed gearbox would be like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Slotter Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 The relationship with Ford ended a few years ago. The latest 3/6 generations are now a Mazda platform rather than the Ford equivalent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mic Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 The Mazda box is fitted with a new front casing and a separate bellhousing. New chassis have a slightly different tunnel and a removable gearbox mounting plate that can be configured for Ford or Mazda gearbox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James7 Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Discussion on the type 9 / mx5 gearboxes and their ratios here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ants21uk Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 Thanks for the responses. Think I will ring CC tomorrow. Likely to opt for the Mazda box if it is an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Banana Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Mazda 5 speed is fitted to my 2014 Academy car. So far 1,600 miles all ok. Stick throw is short and precise. Not sure of previous ratios..Mazda box maybe a bit taller...never use 5th on track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z3MCJez Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 4th and 5th are basically the same. You won't use 5th until you get to smaller diameter tyres (or more power!). Jez Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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