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[spooty22]

Hi!

Here in Australia, 33 gearboxes are in somewhat more plentiful supply
than sud gearboxes, and as such i am contemplating fitting a late model 33 gearbox (Maybe a 16V unit? a 1.7 twin carb? I don't know yet) to my 1980 Sud ti.

The reason is my sud gearbox has greater problems than just worn synchros and is expensive to fix.

I've seen pictures of 33 gearboxes - they look basically the same as a Sud unit - can they be succesfully fitted to a Sud? The only problem i can foresee is the inboard brakes- does this present an issue? My brakes are the later type 6-allen bolt.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
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1980 Sud ti

[Eddie W]

I don't have firsthand experience of the Sud but I think that if you retain the inboard brakes you will have to change the stub axles of the gearbox as they are different. While the stub axles may interchange, the caliper mounts would also be an issue ( although perhaps not insurmountable ). If your Sud is a 1.5 then the 1.7 final drive ratio will kill some of the acceleration as it is higher.
Regards Eddie
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[spooty22]

Thanks, Eddie

I completely forgot about the caliper mounts. That may present an issue.

Anybody have any ideas on this one?
I read on 'Tims Alfasud Site' (a truly excellent site) that it can be done, he just didn't go into a lot of detail.
Come to think of it, the speedo pickup will also need to be changed.

maybe it's not worth the effort?

Thanks
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1980 Sud ti

[GaryUK]

Just swap the internals from the good box into the knackered box's casing. Job done!

[Guest]

Isn't that a bit difficult?
I thought the shafts were a press fit into the casing or something?

Maybe i'm wrong - i'm quite open to correction.

Thanks

[mark pollard]

Hi there,
I am trying to do exactly the same thing. I have a 33 16v gearbox which is destined for a Minari kit car. I want to keep unsprung weight to a minimum - hence inboard Sud front brakes. This has the added bonus of allowing the use of discs at the back - getting rid of the ugly drums.
BLS Automotive in Lincoln (UK) are doing the work for me - the current problem area is finding a tap with the correct thread form to take the caliper mounts.
I will post again when there is more news.
Good luck,
Mark

[mark pollard]

Update on my previous post
I have abandoned the plans because the holes for the inboard brake mounting studs in the 16v gearbox casting are much too big to tap. The only way out would be to get a 'sud casing and transfer all the internals. The other possibility is to check an early 33 box and see if the stud holes would be Ok to tap a thread.
Does anyone have a definative answer?
Mark

[GaryUK]

Get the holes filled with weld , drill a hole and then retap, no problem. Or weld a nut with a suitable thread pattern for the studs into each of the holes.

I know it's aluminium but it still can be welded and the steel nuts can be encased with weld in the holes.

[mark pollard]

Gary,
Thanks for the reply. I am a bit cautious where brakes are concerned. I will probably give it a go when I have got my SVA sorted out.
Mark

[Eddie W]

Hi Mark, I would have thought that stepped diameter studs would not be too dificult to make. Less than an hour on the lathe I'd say.
Regards Eddie
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