Type E and Type-9 ratios

Can you clarify Type-9 five-speed and Type E four-speed gearbox ratios? I’ve heard it said that the four-speed ’boxes have better ratios, but others say a five-speed Type-9 is the same as a four-speed but with the overdriven fifth gear.

I’m building a 2-litre Mk3 Capri and have a Type-9 five-speed, but have been advised to use four-speed RS2000 ‘box. Can you help?

Dave Spencer Email

A The RS2000’s Type E fourspeeder has exactly the same ratios as the Type E found in the fourcylinder Fords of the era, and again the same ratios as the Type-9 five-speed (though lacking the overdriven fifth gear). The 2.8 V6 version of the Type-9 ‘box has slightly better ratios, but fitting one of these involves either machining the input shaft or swapping it for the four-cylinder version, which is a job for a specialist such as BGH Geartech.

The RS2000’s gearbox could be specified with closer ratios (often referred to as Rocket ratios). These aren’t normally found except in original Ford Rallye Sport ‘boxes or as aftermarket gearkits (again from the likes of BGH). Uprated gear kits are also available for the Type-9.

Given the choice, we’d prefer the Type-9 in a Capri because of its no-fuss fifth gear cruising and motorway economy, and a drop to fourth gives a nice ratio for motorway overtaking. If you can afford to have an uprated gearkit installed, then even better.