Hi all can anyone tell me how to identify the later box with updated 2nd gear. Can this be done from the outside and if not how would you prove it by taking it apart. Thanks in advance. Keith.

I have one in my 3000E, I will be swapping over for the internal ink Type 5, so will be able answer this in a few weeks

so what's special about the second gear, and are we talking about V6 applications only, or 1600 as well?

The later cars in V6 form had a better ratio second gear. Still external linkage but better. Only from what I've read.

The later V6 cars, from around 73 onwards iirc, used the Type 5 box with the internal gear selector shafts.
WRT gearing, these boxes had 2nd gear higher ratio which reoved the huge gap between 2nd and 3rd on the earlier Type F external linkage boxes.

I have a Type 5 in my Capri V6, and a vast improvement shift wise over the Type F (esp. my worn linkage one!!).  Although a 5th gear would be even nicer.

cheers, thanks for the lesson.

The parts manual dated 11/73 lists a box from 72 onwards with description 3000cc - uprated 165HP with part number 72EG7003DA but still shows external linkage in the diagram.

Yes, its the same external link box.  But, it had the gears from the later internal shift gearbox.  Not just second gear.
 
Early Box 1st 3.163. 2nd 2.214, 3rd 1.412
Later Box 1st 2.927, 2nd 2.010, 3rd 1.397
 
Mated to the later 3.09 diff ratio made for a much more pleasant drive, but yes a 5th would have been nice.  Maybe a Scimitar overdrive could be mated on. 

 Maybe a Scimitar overdrive could be mated on. 
as also seen in the Ford Zodiac Mk4 Executive , behind the Essex V6.

gtv6capri
Yes, its the same external link box.  But, it had the gears from the later internal shift gearbox.  Not just second gear.
 
Early Box 1st 3.163. 2nd 2.214, 3rd 1.412
Later Box 1st 2.927, 2nd 2.010, 3rd 1.397
 
Mated to the later 3.09 diff ratio made for a much more pleasant drive, but yes a 5th would have been nice.  Maybe a Scimitar overdrive could be mated on. 

Hi John, those ratios quoted for the later box are a beautiful set of numbers but look like the numbers for a 1600gt close ratio box.
They should be, 1st 3.163  2nd 1.942  3rd 1.412.
As can be seen only second gear is altered. This coupled with the 3.09 diff gives the ability to reach 70mph@ 6000rpm.
Then this set of ratios was transfered to the internal linkage type 5 box and used thru to the mk3.
(info from capri vic website)