That will teach me to repeat an urban myth...a bit like what goes into chicken nuggets.  The Gold seal and silver seal units seemed to be very good and the following link gives an excellent explanation from Practical Classics
//www.wolseleyforum.com/index.php?showtopic=6456

Not as far as I know? Most of the ones I've seen over the years were just rebuilt as usual but a few I've had apart had been linered back to Std. and a few had new cranks fitted. I guess it was just luck of the draw what you got.

I've heard that painting the engine red adds 10 hp. Just FYI.

Thanks guys. Green it is. I suspected that the existing color was "Gold Seal Gold" but didn't know if gold seal trannies made it over here. I am glad the engine isn't Gold Seal - much more problematic. I believe that they were all bored out and cranks turned to max to make refurbs standard and cheaply. Problem being that when they wore out there was no more iron and steel to work with...
Steve

From factory all over green, A gold coloured transmission is usually a sign of having been fitted with a "Gold Seal" service replacement.

Different colours were used over the years green, red, yellow, black to name a few. If you think your engine is original and that is the look you want paint it green again. I like to see the gearbox and diff and clutch cove in factory aluminum with no paint. As your gearbox is gold coloured it may be a reconditioned gold seal one.

I am cracking on with the engine rebuild and now my engine and transmission are squeky clean and oil/gasket free, I have started to think about engine paint while I wait for the parts I ordered.

My engine and diff cover are in the Morris dark green color but the transmission is gold colored. Can anyone tell me what the tranny color should be as well as the diff case ?
Many thanks
Steve