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The 56-series is the stock Datsun 1200 transmission. It was fitted to all RWD B-series Datsuns with A12 and A13 engines. Standard models used 3-speed 56s, while most models used 4-speed versions. The Datsun 1200 GX-5 used a 5-speed version. It was designed to handle the torque of an A12 or A13, but for A14 and A15 engines a 60-Series Transmission is recommended.
Contents |
4-Speed
The stock sport transmission is fine for city driving. It has wide-spaced gears to allow a steep 1st for easy takeways.
| Description | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Rev |
| Stock F4W56L | 3.757 | 2.169 | 1.404 | 1.000 | 3.640 |
| Option #1 (M/C) | 2.862 | 1.908 | 1.350 | 1.000 | 3.640 |
| Option #2 (U/C) | </td>2.168 | 1.592 | 1.231 | 1.000 | 3.640 |
Option 1 Middle-Close Ratio
The option #1 (middle-close) gear set alleviates the 2nd-into-3rd RPM drop that exists with the stock 4-speed. It can only be installed into 1200 transmissions (F4W56L) built up to 3/73.
PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY REQ.
- 32210-27720 OPT #1 CLUSTER GEAR 16T/20T/26T/29T
- 32230-27720 OPT #1 1ST GEAR 30T
- 32250-27720 OPT #1 2ND GEAR 25T
- 32260-27720 OPT #1 3RD GEAR 23T
Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog
Option 2 Ultra-Close Ratio
The option #2 (ultra-close) gear set has excellent ratios for racing. The gearset can only be installed into 1200 transmissions (F4W56L) built up to 3/73.
- 32210-H1020 OPT #2 CLUSTER GEAR 19T/23T/26T/29T
- 32230-H1020 OPT #2 1ST GEAR 27T
- 32250-H1020 OPT #1 2ND GEAR 24T
- 32260-H1020 OPT #1 3RD GEAR 21T
Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog
5-Speed
For an overview of 5-speeds in general, see: 5-Speeds. Comparos, Ratio info, etc.
The 56-series transmission came factory stock in Datsun 1200 GX-5 models. They were also sold by Datsun Competition. This means they are very rare and hence expensive.
The advantages of the 56 over other 5-speeds is:
- It is non-overdrive, and hence desirable for certain types of racing
- It is a dogleg shifter (as is the 63 and 60L for A-series engine)
- It is light and small
- It bolts into any Datsun 1200 using factory parts. The other 5-speeds need slight modifications.
The 5-speed transmission (F5C56A) was originally installed on certain non-USA models of the 1200. With the stock gearing this transmission works very well for street, slaloms, high-speed time trials or rallies. With the optional gearing (32010-H7220N), it is the best production-based transmission available for racing versions of the 1200, B210 or 210 Datsuns. The synchro mechanism is the servo-type (steel).
- 32010-H7251P OPT #1 W/R 5-SPD TRANSMISSION
- 32010-H7220N OPT #2 C/R 5-SPD TRANSMISSION
| Part No. | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Rev. |
| 32010-H7251P W/R | 3.757 | 2.374 | 1.659 | 1.291 | 1.000 | 4.040 |
| 32010-H7220N C/R | 2.676 | 1.691 | 1.398 | 1.181 | 1.000 | 2.877 |
Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog
56 5-speed swap Notes
When installing the F5C56A 5-speed transmission in the 1200, B210 or 210 models an alternate transmission mount, insulator and stopper must be obtained. The 210 mount requires 20mm/.787" spacers for correct driveline alignment.
- 11322-H7201 1200 TRANSMISSION MOUNT
- 11322-H5700 B210 TRANSMISSION MOUNT
- 11341-H8500 210 TRANSMISSION MOUNT (requires 20mm spacers)
- 11321-H1000 INSULATOR
- 11323-H7200 STOPPER
Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog
56 Rear Engine Mount (Transmission Mount)