HOW TO: Install a Mazda five-speed

Step-by-step guide to fitting an MX5 gearbox behind a Zetec, making a super-strong and a relatively simple swap thanks to Retro Ford’s new kit.

Until now, the go-to five speed gearbox for any Ford engine conversion was theType-9. Now, Retro Ford has come up with a comprehensive kit to fit a Mazda MX5 gearbox behind a Zetec, making a super-strong and a relatively simple swap. We find out what it’s all about.

The traditional five-speed gearbox to use behind a Ford engine always has been the Type-9. But we all know, it has its downsides. It’s pretty big for the duty it does plus the ratios are a bit cruiser — it’s renowned for having a whopping great gap right in the middle of the ’box. Plenty have them beefed-up for more strength and we’ve widely reported on specialists that’ll build you a super-tailored Type-9 to fit your application. But there is a new kid on the block pioneered by Retro Ford.

Dave Colledge is well-known for not accepting anything as given, which means when he sees the potential of an alternative, then he’ll investigate and exploit it. The vision came while dealing with his adapter kits to fit a Duratec into virtually any classic Ford. Being basically a Mazda engine, it makes sense to use a Mazda ’box behind it. And it just so happens they are extremely strong — plus they have lovely ratios, and because they’re meant to fit in a sports car are pretty compact and right now reasonably priced.

Their strength has been thoroughly tested behind Dave’s drag car — a Duratec Escort estate with in excess of 300 bhp, which uses a virtually stock MX5 ’box and hasn’t shown any sign of breakage at all. Which got Dave thinking — what would it take to put one behind a Zetec in place of the marginal Type-9? Well actually, quite a lot — for a start, the ’box has an integral bellhousing so it needs an adapter plate, a different clutch, a bit of trimming… But, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility!

So Dave’s make a kit, which takes the major chore out the conversion. We followed along as he explained the details on how to fit the ’box into a Mk1 Cortina — although it’s very similar to the Escort, too. And yes, he also has kits for that one covered.