Oh we are sooooo spoiled by modern machinery! The engine isn't hurting itself, though it is a bit wasteful to spin that fast when it isn't needed. I call this the "Lexus Effect", and I deal with it all the time. folks (NOT saying YOU) want it to look like a sports car, handle like a sports car, and have all the "cool" of the sports cars of yesteryear, but since they've been lulled to sleep by modern cars that don't jar you awake or disturb your conversation with their engine noise, they want silent, climate controlled, comfy riding reminders of what these cars used to be.
I really don't mean to be harsh about this, but it's a fact. I've lost several restoration jobs because I've encouraged folks to go get a ride in the car they remember from their youth before spending many thousands trying to duplicate what it turns out is only a fantasy version of their youthful adventures. They've come back from that ride insisting there must be something wrong with the car, 'cause theirs was never like that! Or they've suggested that we change the character of the machine to make it more "tolerable". Well, to a point, I'll comply, though I'm actually happy to loose these jobs, since there is likely to be less than the desired client satisfaction.
We can generally make things a little cooler in the cockpit, and sometimes just a little quieter, but I'm not in this business to so utterly change the character of the cars that they might as well be Miatas.
I have NO PROBLEM modifying sports cars, but I want those mods to be for performance or reliability, not to turn a TR6 into a '79 Cordoba!! A five speed gearbox is a prime example of how to improve one of these machines without changing its character. There is the one from Moss, which is pricey but includes everything you need, and there is the Rivergate Restorations one, which is much less money, but which lets you supply your own gearbox and requires a bit more work and fitting.
I used to drive a ratty MGA 1600 when I was much younger. It was cramped and hot as Hades in the summer, actually barbequing my right calf and foot. The heat in the winter was not impressive, to say the least. It was a loud car, and nobody ever bragged about the cushy ride in an A. But I absolutely loved every minute of the journey and wouldn't change a thing. When I get in an MGA now and pull that starter I begin to grin, and I can't wait to get up to speed and hear that motor thrashing away. It ain't no Lexus, man. And I wouldn't trade places for THREE Lexuses (Or is that Lexi?)
Sorry to have gone on a bit of a rambling rant there. It comes with the territory and, sigh, age...
Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon