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| Gearbox Swaps | |
| Types: 56 | 60 | 63 | 71 | 90 | R30 | |
| Transmission Swaps | |
| Identification | |
| 5-Speeds | F5C56A | Stumpy | |
| 6-speed | |
| Toyota 5-speed | |
| Manual/Auto conversion | |
| more: Transmission Modifications |
Nissan 90-series transmission was the FS5R90A, a Borg-Warner T-5 in 1982-1983 280ZX Turbo. Often it is replaced by the more common 71C series box which is reportedly just as durable. Now manufactured by TREMEC.
Contents |
Nissan 280ZX Turbo
- 1983 came with L28 bellhousing
- 1984-1987 came with VG bellhousing
280ZX T5 gearbox used the Ford pattern (where the bellhousing bolts to the box).
World Class
World-class T5 was introduced 1985 and has better synchros and stronger bearings (needle bearings instead of bronze bushings + countershaft taper bearings) -- and uses lighter Dexron III lube. World-class T5 in shift feel is like the Nissan 71C (S13/S14) gearbox, very sure crisp shifts where you know exactly where the gates are every time.
The bad crap T5 are the pre-1986 ones, while the WC T5 is the fave budget performance box worldwide for any conversion no matter what engine. The T5 in post-1986 models shift a world away from the earlier horrible contraptions that were the first T5 boxes. Ive driven Falcon utes, panelvans and other post-1986 T5 and they where nice to shift and very reliable while the earlier ones are just plain trash.
* 1985-2010 Ford Mustang * 1985-2005 Ford Falcon * 1985-1996 Chevrolet Camaro (some)
GM Camaro World Class T5. Amazingly this strong box -- that usually sits behind monster engines -- only weighs 33kg (about the same weight as the 63A 5-speed).
V8 boxes * high 1st gear (2.95 to 3.35) * Larger pilot bushing * Can handle 265-300 ft. lb. torque * ex: Mustang 5.0 has 3.55 1st + 0.68 5th
4-cylinder boxes * low 1st gear (3.75 to 4.10) * Smaller pilot bushing * suitable for less than 240 ft. lb. torque * ex: Mustang 2.3 has 3.97 1st + 0.78 5th
Swapping
google "locost t5 box custom bellhousing"
There are over 200 varieties of T5, including different overall lengths, and input shaft lengths.
Bolt patterns (front of gearbox) Ford-type: Ford, Nissan, AMC GM-type: Chevrolet pattern
The T5 can be swapped into Datsun 1200 using an A-series automatic bellhousing and an adapter plate. The input shaft is easily removed which helps for shortening to suit A-series spigot bush etc. Use a 5mm adaptor from box to the auto bellhousing, machined input shaft and Ford Escort type clutch to A-series flywheel and Ford hydraulic release bearing.
It's a very modular gearbox and cheap -- close ratio gearsets cost $1095 USD.
Example 2.6, 2, 1.5, 1.25, 1:1
S10 Shorty
GM S-10 pickup T5 is the shorty and lighter again by maybe 2-3kg
It has a forward-located shifter (compared to most T5) and can be swapped into any T5 by swapping the extension housing
Sources
Many, many, many cars were fitted with a T-5 -- see wikipedia:Borg-Warner_T-5_transmission. Avoid the 1982-1984 versions (non-World Class) because (while they are strong enough for an A-series engine) the shift feel is not as good as a stock Nissan-Aichi gearbox.
* Volvo * Mazda V6 * Mazda 2.3 * Ford Zetec * Ford V8s * Nissan VH45 V8 * 1982-1988 AMC * 1982-1986 Jeep * 1984-1995 Ford Mustang * 1985-2004 Ford Falcon * 1982-1995 Chevrolet S-10 pickup
2.95 1.94 1.34 1.00 0.80
Ratios
Custom gear sets (wide-ratio or close-ratio) are available.
4-speed Replacement
The stock 1200 4-speed has perfect town+highway ratios to suit the small engine: wide ratios get the car moving in 1st with a top speed of 90mph. When replacing a stock Datsun 1200, the T5 adds overdrive for increased fuel-economy (top speed will still be achieved in 4th gear, so the 5th gear won't make the car any faster). A similarly-geared T5 is the 2005-2010 Mustang 4.0 unit -- plus, it has an internal release bearing to make swaps easy. Weight: 95 lbs (43 kg). Semi-remote shifter location.
| gearbox | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Rev |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 4-speed | 3.757 | 2.169 | 1.404 | 1.000 | -- | 3.640 |
| Mustang 4.0 | 3.75 | 1.00 | 0.73 |
5-speed Replacement
For Datsun 1200 5-speed F5C56A, the T5 is not a close match:
GX5: five gears up to 1:1 ratio T5: four gears up to 1:1 ratio + overdrive
| gearbox | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Rev |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 GX5 Wide-Ratio | 3.757 | 2.374 | 1.659 | 1.291 | 1.000 | 4.040 |
| Nismo GX5 close-ratio | 2.676 | 1.691 | 1.398 | 1.181 | 1.000 | 2.877 |
For the FS5W60A/FS5W60L, the T5 is a similar alternative
| gearbox | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Rev |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS5W60 | 3.513 | 2.170 | 1.378 | 1.000 | 0.821 | 3.764 |
| 1985-1986 Astro 4.3 | 3.50 | 2.14 | 1.39 | 1.00 | 0.73 |
Or choose:
- a steeper first gear for increased acceleration (but larger RPM drop when shifting) or when getting started with heavy loads
- a lower first gear for closer ratios (but slower acceleration when taking off)
- higher overdrive (0.68) for more fuel economy/quieter running but will need to shift to 4th on grades
- lower overdrive (0.80) for better response/pulling slight hills without having to downshift
- close ratio 2nd/3rd gears for specialized racing courses