Hi all,
 
I was quickly looking over the I.D plates on my V6 Capri today. The gearbox code was 'X' which stated it as a "close ratio" 4 spd gear box. When they say "close ratio" gearbox I can only presume they are talking about the std side loading gearbox with the yawning large gap between 2nd and 3rd and that there was no other alternative gearing available as an option ? If that is the case I think the description of close ratio may have been put in after a long Friday luncheon....  :-)
 
Paul

Correct.  The X in the V6 engined cars meant the side link standard box.  IIRC even the 160hp specials had X on their ID plate - which was the same box with uprated ratios.  In the 1600 engine cars though, X meant close ratio  

Thanks JR.
I always thought the 160HP specials came out with the type 5 top loader gearbox from the facelift model ?
 
Paul

No, the special had revised ratios from the zephyr and a 3.09 diff, the internal link type 5 was only delivered here in the RS3100.  Confusion occurs because of the use of the description "Top Loader".  A Ford Top Loader gearbox is the side link 4 speed fitted to GT Falcons.  It looks a lot like the V6 side link gearbox.  Capri people often say they want a top loader but are referring to the type 5 box where the shifter screws onto the top  of the extension housing

Jeremy Waltons book says that in Oct 71 the V6 got a 'longer' 2nd gear of 1.95:1 (and the diff was changed from 3.09 to 3.22:1)  He says this gave 60mph in 2nd gear.  Did we get these changes in Aus? 

No.  Only the last 165hp specials had the 2nd gear (from a zephyr).  Aussie capris all got 3.22 diffs, except the specials which had 3.09:1 
 
This revised ratio gearbox, D port motor and 3.09 diff was originally referred to as the 3000E driveline and standard fittment to the 165hp's specials.  Most likely because Ford Australia ran short of drivelines and the oval port motor was long gone in the UK