Hi Guys,

Just trying to gather some information before I decide on doing my CA18det conversion :).

1- Gearbox selection
I understand we have got two(maybe more) options? either to stick with the CA18 gearbox or get a 'stumpy'.
Stumpy i believe fits nicely with a little bit of massaging and the gear stick aligns well with the stock one.
CA18 gearbox however requires modifying/re-fabricating a new tunnel and sits a bit further back.
My question is, which one is better and is it comfortable driving with the gearstick really close to the rear firewall?

what about the third option of a CA18 Auto box .... or am I the only one to be that smart/silly?

a tunnel from an auto 1200 fitted works well and you don't have to worry about all that messing around changing gears

could also do a solenoid operated manualised 3 speed auto from your steering wheel
or just manualised bluebird 3 speed ca20e auto which are cheap to start with

The CA18 manual trans does put the stick back a fair way, but to remedy that it's a simple flip of the stick. Remove gearstick from trans and turn 180 degrees. Position is comfortable and functional.

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Thanks sooty_grunter :)
That actually looks good. I thought it would go back a bit further.
Did you get a new tunnel? Or modified the existing?

Yes that's exactly what I did with my gear stick. However, I also had to modify my handbrake, as it fouled. I moved it back slightly and also shortened it by about 25mm.

The CA box is stronger than the stumpy and stumpys are getting a bit hard to find these days.

I did forget about the handbrake move. From memory I don't think it was all that involved though, don't remember shortening mine.
I went with a modified stock tunnel, but if i had my time again i would cut it all out and fab up a bigger one for ease of access when things like the clutch need doing. If you do go down that path you need to make sure that your engineer will sign off on what you do. So tell them your plan before you attack.
Good luck with it mate.

Jimbo