Reversing transmission synchros

[Warren]

On my 91 Spider with 70000 miles, I have removed the transmission mainly to replace the clutch and have disassembled the trans. My trans was shifting fairly well other than a rough 1st gear and an occasional 3rd gear. I had rebuilt the one on my 85 a few years ago so I have done this before (I spent a fortune on that one with 3 new gears). My gears look good and I only plan on replacing the synchros and sleeves. As I recall I think I can just reverse the synchros as these are original to save some funds. Is this correct as I cannot seem to find on the forum? I believe I can reverse the 5th-R sleeve to save buying one sleeve. Comments needed. Also who sells the Shell Spirax 80W90 gear oil (I had put the Redline GL-5 oil in the 1985 but I am worried about seal leaks on the 91)?

[Rocketjosh]

I recently had some work done on my car (see various other threads) and the mechanic did just that with the synchros: he flipped them, and said it would save money and was just as good. Now, I dont know if this applies to all models (mine being a gtv), but I don't see why it shouldn't.

[dixrex]

Hi Warren
I believe you can reverse the synchro's. Here's a good article I came across when researching gearbox rebuilding:
http://www.alfaclub.org.au/philstorr...05/105gbox.htm
Cheers,

[NoodleRoni]

Centerline also has a procedure you can do, which I used on mine when I rebuilt it this summer. Shifts perfect after the refurb.

You just need to buy front and rear seal, 3 synchro rings and a synchro sleeve for a base rebuild (plus bearings, etc, if those need it.)

After the refurb you effectively have all new synchro rings and sleeves on first second and third gears.

http://www.centerlinealfa.com/tips/tips7a.html