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1963 Austin Mini Cooper S Racecar Gearbox Rebuild

Updated: 4 days ago


04/19/2025

During a track day, I lost my gearbox while exiting a turn in 3rd gear. From what I observed, it seems that the linkage is attempting to shift into gear, but the drivetrain feels like it's in neutral. I found oil in the clutch housing and discovered metal "bits" in the oil, as the engine and gearbox share the same oil. I need to pull the engine and inspect the gearbox to determine the root cause of the issue.



05/19/2025

I received the engine head lift brackets and engine stand plate.



05/20/2025

I got an hour this evening to focus on removing the radiator, cooling system, oil filter, carbs, wiring harness, etc, from the engine.


05/23/2025


My dad stopped by, and we cut off the stock engine stand tube. We used this tube to weld on a modified engine stand plate.



I removed the drive shaft, headers, and remote shift housing. Malia came out to help too :)


Disconnected the drive shafts from the differential.



The remote linkage housing was very dirty. I took some time to clean it up.






05/30/2025

I put my new engine stand together and prepped the engine for removal.




06/01/2025


I pulled the engine today. I prepped a lot since it was my first time, and it paid off; it went smoothly. The engine stand bracket seems to be holding up nicely.



06/17/2025


I pulled the flywheel off and inspected the clutch housing.



Well, I found the root issue; the idler gear roller bearing failed. The shavings and rollers I found in the oil are from the casing and bearing. When i move the drive shafts, the gearbox turns smoothly without issue. I am going to drop the gear box. I will inspect for further damage.


Inside clutch housing
Inside clutch housing
Inside clutch housing
Inside clutch housing

Internal view of the clutch wok cover
Internal view of the clutch wok cover

Idler roller bearing is completely gone. The casing has been damaged.
Idler roller bearing is completely gone. The casing has been damaged.
Stay tuned. I am updating this article as I work on the car. Come back for updates.

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