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Ford Gearbox Ratio Guide

When carrying out an engine conversion, it's quite common to want to pick a gearbox that has the most suitable ratios for either quick acceleration or a more comfortable engine rpm for long distance driving. The table below contains the ratios for some popular gearbox choices when converting your retro Ford Fiesta. As with all our guides, the information cannot be guaranteed to be 100% correct and is provided as a guide only. If in doubt please contact a qualified mechanic.

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Commonly Used Ford Gearboxes

Ford BC Gearbox Ratios

The FWD only Ford BC gearbox was fitted across the Fiesta Mk1 and Mk2 range, it features a 20mm x 17 spline input shaft and requires 2.8 litres of SAE80 grade oil for the 4 speed (BC4) variant, or 3.1 litres for the 5 speed (BC5).

BC Gearboxes were all fitted with a thin aluminium identity tag (see image below) which is attached via one of the bolt holes on the top side of the box, this tag displays a code which tells you which model, engine type and year your transmission unit comes from. Early boxes (Pre 1986) used a V prefix tag code to signify that the gearbox was a high performance version. The Rs1600i box had a unique bellhousing due to its ignition sensor.

Ford gearbox tag location

These boxes are completely interchangeable, with driveshafts, input shaft and bellhousing bolt patterns in the same place regardless of the internals fitted, which is why it's so easy to fit, for example, an Escort RS Turbo gearbox in the Fiesta. Please note however that Mk1 Fiestas require inner wing modifications to fit a 5 speed box.

After 1990, Ford recognised the need for an improvement in the bearings on some BC boxes. Unfortunately, this was too late for the Fiesta Turbo which kept the older, smaller style bearings. However, two models did get uprated bearings: the 1800 Zetecs (e.g. XR2i 16v and RS1800), and strangely the 700Kg payload Fiesta Couriers. Although these uprated bearings are pretty much the same as those used in the iB5 box, note that the box was still a BC and not really an iB5.

Car Fitted to Year Gear Ratios Identity Tag
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Reverse Final Drive
Mk1 Fiesta 957cc 40PS (4spd) 1976-83 3.58 2.05 1.35 0.96 3.77 3.84
Mk1 Fiesta 957cc 40PS (4spd) 1976-83 3.58 2.05 1.35 0.96 3.77 4.06
Mk1 Fiesta 957cc 45PS (4spd) 1976-83 3.58 2.05 1.35 0.96 3.77 4.06
Mk1 Fiesta 957cc 45PS (4spd) 1976-83 3.58 2.05 1.35 0.96 3.77 4.29
Mk1 Fiesta 1117cc 53PS (4spd) 1976-83 3.58 2.05 1.35 0.96 3.77 4.06 V82 FBAA FOB 3D4
Mk1 Fiesta XR2 1598cc (4spd) 1981-83 3.58 2.05 1.30 0.88 N/A 3.58 V82 FBAA FOB 2H6
Mk2 Fiesta 957cc (4spd) 1983-89 3.58 2.04 1.32 0.95 N/A 3.77 4.06
Mk2 Fiesta 957cc (5spd) 1983-89 3.58 2.04 1.32 0.95 0.76 3.62 4.29
Mk2 Fiesta 1117cc (4spd) 1983-89 3.58 2.04 1.32 0.95 N/A 3.77 3.58
Mk2 Fiesta 1117cc (5spd) 1983-89 3.58 2.04 1.32 0.95 0.76 3.84 & 4.06
Mk2 Fiesta 1.3CVH 1983-86 3.58 2.04 1.35 0.95 0.76 3.84 & 3.82
Mk2 Fiesta 1.4CVH 1986-89 3.58 2.04 1.32 0.95 0.76 3.62 3.84 & 3.82
Mk2 Fiesta 1.6D 1984-89 3.58 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.62 3.33
Mk2 Fiesta XR2 1.6CVH 1984-86 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.62 3.58 V84WT BA
Mk2 Fiesta XR2 1.6CVH 1986-87 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.62 3.82 86WT JB0
Mk2 Fiesta XR2 1.6CVH 1987-88 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.62 3.82 87WT NA
Mk2 Fiesta XR2 1.6CVH 1988-89 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.62 3.82 87WT NB
Mk3 Fiesta 1.0 (4spd) 1989-92 3.58 2.04 1.32 0.95 N/A 4.06
Mk3 Fiesta 1.6S 5 speed 1989-92 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.62 3.82
Mk3 Fiesta RS Turbo 1990-92 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.82
Mk3 Fiesta RS1800 1992-95 2.86 1.91 1.41 1.10 0.87 3.82
Mk3 Fiesta XR2i 1.6 CVH (EFI) 1989-92 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 4.06
Mk3 Fiesta XR2i 1.8 Zetec (EFI) 1989-92 3.23 2.13 1.48 1.11 0.85 3.82
Mk3 Fiesta 1.8 Diesel (Gearset B) 1989-95 3.58 1.93 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.82
Mk3 Escort XR3 1981 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.84 83WT BB
Mk3 Escort RS1600i 1982-85 3.15 1.91 1.27 0.95 0.83 3.84 H83WT
Mk3 S1 Escort RS Turbo 1985 3.15 1.91 1.27 0.95 0.76 4.27 V85WT
Mk4 Escort XR3i 1.6i 1986 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 4.27 & 4.29 V83WT
Mk4 S2 Escort RS Turbo 1986 3.15 1.91 1.28 0.95 0.76 3.84 86WT BB

Ford IB5 Gearbox Ratios

The IB5 gearbox was introduced in 1995 as a replacement to the BC, it comes in both front and rear starter variations, has a 20mm x 17 spline input shaft and holds 2.8 litres of transmission oil.

This box was fitted to all Fiestas, Kas, Pumas, and some Escorts (not RS2000, Cosworth or 130PS Zetecs) and Focus models. The rear-mounted starter is handy on Zeta/Zetec-E/Zetec-R engines as it keeps the starter away from the exhaust heat and allows more room to work on any turbocharger fitted. Unfortunately for CVH owners, the block's sump breather fouls the starter and prevents a rear-mounted starter being fitted unless you relocate this breather.

Apart from the breather difficulties on rear-mounted starters, the iB5 box is a direct replacement for the BC box. You can use your existing clutch with the iB5 clutch release bearing.

The iB5 contained stronger input and output shaft bearings compared to the BC box, but was not fitted with an LSD (limited slip diff) in any mainstream models (Racing Puma had a LSD option). A specialist gearbox builder will be able to advise on the fitting of an LSD to the iB5 box.

Gear ratios are a bit of a problem, especially on later Ford boxes where shopping trolley-power engines became the norm and buzzy boxes were fitted to help these cars get up to speed.

Car Fitted to Year Gear Ratios
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse Final Drive
Mk6 Escort 1.6 hatchback 3.58 1.93 1.28 0.95 0.76   3.62 3.82
Mk4 Fiesta 1.25 Zetec SE 16v 1997-98 3.58 2.04 1.32 0.95 0.76     3.84
Mk4 Fiesta 1.4 Zetec SE 16v 1996-98 3.58 2.04 1.32 0.95 0.76     3.84
Puma 1.4 Zetec SE 16v 1997-02 3.15 1.93 1.38 1.03 0.76   3.62 4.19
Puma 1.7 Zetec SE 16v 1997-02 3.15 1.93 1.41 1.11 0.88     3.82

MTX285 6spd Gearbox

The Getrag MT285 6-speed transmission is a close-ratio manual gearbox fitted to the Mk1 Focus ST170. It features a hydraulically operated 228mm clutch with dual-mass flywheel.

The box is a 6 speed transverse transaxle design in 3 shaft architecture. Installation length is 332/322 mm with 106,2/98,25 mm bell housing depth. The box weight without oil is approx. 45.5 kg and oil capacity is 1.7 liters.

Noteable features include all gears synchronized, reverse idler gear is speedgear 1st gear, a two piece housing and top mounted cable shift system.

Car Fitted to Year Gear Ratios
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse Final Drive
Ford Focus Mk1 ST170 1998-04 4.46 2.71 1.33 1.09 1.33 1.09 2.82 4.25

Ford MTX75 Gearbox Ratios

The MTX75 is a front wheel drive gearbox used in the Ford Mondeo, it weights 36kg and has a length of 39.3 centimetres. Maximum input torque is 280Nm and max input speed is 7000rpm. The recommended transmission oil is ATF+2% Friction modifier, and the box requires 2.61 litres of oil.

This gearbox is a development of the MT75 RWD transaxle fitted to some Sierras and Granadas. It was used in some Focus, Mondeos, Escort RS2000 and RS2000 4x4 models, and was hailed as Ford's new, heavy duty FWD transaxle. Although only ever fitted with a Quaife LSD in the Focus RS, the standard diff is partially locked and makes for good power delivery. A 6-speed variant was fitted to the Focus ST170.

Fitting this box in the Fiesta, Ka, Puma and BC-equipped Escorts requires some welding on the chassis to fit a new mount, or the fabrication of conversion brackets. One other problem lies with the driveshafts - one of the driveshafts will require modification to fit the box.

Car Fitted to Year Gear Ratios Part Number
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Reverse Final Drive
Mk1 Mondeo 1.6 16V Zetec Hatchback 1992 > 3.42 2.13 1.45 1.03 0.77 3.46 3.82 94ZT-7002-GA
Mk1 Mondeo 1.6 16V Zetec Estate 1992 > 3.42 2.13 1.45 1.03 0.77 3.46 4.06 94ZT-7002-KA
Mk1 Mondeo 1.8 16V Zetec Hatchback 1992 > 3.42 2.13 1.45 1.03 0.77 3.46 4.06 94ZT-7002-KA
Mk1 Mondeo 2.0 16V Zetec Saloon 1992 > 3.23 2.13 1.48 1.11 0.85 3.46 3.82 94ZT-7002-HA
Mk1 Mondeo 2.0 16V Zetec Hatchback 1992 > 3.23 2.13 1.48 1.11 0.85 3.46 4.06 94ZT-7002-EA
Mk1 Mondeo 1.8TD Hatchback 1992 > 3.67 2.05 1.26 0.87 0.67 3.46 4.06 94ZT-7002-DA

Ford MTX75 4x4 Gearbox Ratios

The Mk1 Mondeo 4x4 version of the MTX75 gearbox had the same technical specification as the FWD version, however it required only 2.41 litres of oil, with the transfer case requiring a further 0.68 litres.

Car Fitted to Year Gear Ratios Part Number
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Reverse Final Drive
Mk1 Mondeo 1.8 16V Zetec 4x4 1992 > 3.42 2.13 1.45 1.03 0.77 3.46 4.06 94ZT-7002-BAA
Mk1 Mondeo 2.0 16V Zetec 4x4 1992 > 3.23 2.13 1.48 1.11 0.85 3.46 4.06 94ZT-7002-CAA

The following sources have been used to gather information for this article: Ford Fiesta Workshop Manual 1981, Ford Fiesta Workshop Manual 1987, Performance Ford Magazine June 1996, unverified Passionford forum post 2006.

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Page Last Updated: Wednesday 31st of August 2022