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Datsun 1200 GX-5 model came with a non-overdrive five speed. B210 and B310s came with various 5-speeds that can be fitted to B110:
- F5C56 (B110) non-overdrive a la B110 GX-5
- F5C56A (B210)
- FS5W63A Overdrive, JDM HB211, JDM HB310 Sunny (Coupe only), USA B210s
- FS5W60L (B310 - HB310) overdrive (1979)
- FS5W60A (GB310 - PB310) overdrive (1980-1982)
- RS5W60A (Vanette) is an external shifter model, but can be used for parts for the FS5W60A.
Why Should I get a 5-speed?
Adding a 5-speed is one of the best improvements that can be made to the Datsun 1200. Easier, quieter more efficient highway cruising will result. This was Mareo's idea, and I think he might be right.
Why should I not get a 5-speed?
On the other hand, if you don't do much highway driving consider that the A12 4-speed is lighter and may have less friction (meaning better fuel economy and a little more horsepower makes it to the pavement).
What types of 5-speeds are available?
- 56-Series Transmission
small, light as in original B110 4-speed with visible ribs along case. The 5-speed versions were 1:1 fifth-gear "direct [trans]mission" (non-overdrive) <li>60-Series Transmission
smooth-case medium-size trans as in B310. These come in 60L (dogleg) and 60A (non-dogleg) varieties. Vanettes have the "R" version (external shifter for column shift) so it is not a feasible choice. <li>63-Series Transmission
large trans commonly used with L-series engines, a version was also fitted to A-series engines in B210s. The 5-speed version is a "dogleg" shifter. It was fitted to 5-speed hatchbacks from 1976-1/2 through 1978 model years, and starting in 1977 for Canada</ul>How easy it is to swap in?
Any A-series rear-wheel-drive 5-speed will bolt up with only slight modification.
This means any 5-speed from a:- 1974-1978 B210 (120Y)
- 1978-1982 B310 (210/Sunny).
And, these 5-speeds are designed for the A14 and A15, so they will handle the extra torque of these motors (The A12 4-speed is a little weak to use with an A15).See:
Where can I get one?
In the USA:
The B310 5-speed is common and inexpensive. Just look for a 79-82 Datsun 210 (Nissan body type B310 aka Sunny). You can generally find a whole car for about $500 or less. In the wreckers, transmissions go for about $150-$250. The B210 5-speeds are less common, but go for the same price if you find one. (prices last checked in 2004).In Australia, ask around. They can be hard to find and expensive.
Be sure to get:-
<li>for 63-series trans, get the matching clutch disc (input splines differ) . All others are the same as stock Datsun 1200
<li>tailshaft (which may be shorter than the stock 1200 4-speed tailshaft or with different splines). The 60A 4-speeds and 5-speeds use the same driveshaft as the stock 1200 4-speed
<li>The automatic crossmember (reversed) may work with some 5-speeds. In automatic 1200's, a 5-speed reportedly bolts up with the crossmember
<li>The transmission mount. There are various types, so get the one with the transmission
Shift Patterns
Some of the trannies use a "dogleg" shift-pattern (aka 'reverse shift') and others use the standard shift pattern. The doglegs are pre-1980.
Dogleg:
R- 2- 4 1- 3- 5 
doglegWhy a dogleg pattern? In racing, 1st isn't used much, but the 4-5 shift needs to be quick. <li>FS5W60L is overdrive dogleg model <li>FS5W63A is overdrive dogleg model
Standard pattern (aka 'straight shift')1- 3- 5 2- 4- R 
The standard pattern is better for city traffic, where the 1-2 shift is used repeatedly.
- FS5W60A is standard pattern, fitted to B310s
- F5C56A is the non-overdrive (1:1 fifth) dogleg model fitted to the Datsun 1200 GX-5 model or available through Nissan Competition.
Are there any close-ratio or non-overdrive 5-speeds?
The 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog says:
The 5-speed transmission (F5W56A) was originally installed on certain non-USA models of the 1200.[JDM Sunny 1200 GX5] 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).{EDIT} The Part Number above [3210-H7220N] does not appear in any of the JDM factory competition parts or tune up literature for the models B110 [1200] or B210 [120Y]. Without the 'N' suffix, that number describes the 56A five speed 'Option 1' close ratio competition transmission for these models. The 'N' suffix appears to be a North American addition or perhaps a variant for the US model 210 [B310 Sunny]{end EDIT} [Author KB10]
The F5C56A [JDM Option 1] is as rare as hen's teeth. These were racing parts, and thus are difficult to find and expensive. Some Japanese dealers fitted them to retail GX models for special customers. The Japan domestic model Datsun 1200 GX-5 came with the wide ratio F5W56A as standard. This was also available from Datsun Competition.
The Option 1 box came with the ratios of
1st 2.676
2nd 1.691
3rd 1.398
4th 1.181
5th 1.000
Rev 2.877The Option 2 box was for Japan Domestic Racing.
- {EDIT} The factory 1974 Datsun B110 Competition Tune Up Manual lists only the Option 1 & 2 four speeds [56 series trans] which were superseded by the Option 1 five speed [56A trans] The ratios are as listed above except for 4th gear which is shown in this book as 1.182.
The factory 1974 Datsun Sunny 1200 [K]B110 Sports Option parts Catalogue lists only the Option 1 five speed with the ratios matching those listed above exactly. There was no Option 2 five speed listed in the Japanese Datsun Sunny 1200 [B110] Factory competition literature. I speculate that the US arm of DatsunSport quite possibly listed the stock F5W56A [wide ratio trans] as their Option 1 gearbox & the real Option 1, the close ratio F5C56A competition trans, as their Option 2 offering, thereby confusing the situation completely. [Author KB10]
B110 GX5 JDM came with
1st 3.757
2nd 2.374
3rd 1.659
4th 1.254
5th 1.000
Rev 4.040B210 JDM Coupes came with:
1st 3.757
2nd 2.374
3rd 1.659
4th 1.291
5th 1.000
Rev 4.040The factory "Datsun 1200 Sports Option Parts" Catalogue for the "Model: B210, KB210 Series" lists an Option 1 five speed 56A trans. It is identical in every way to the one listed in the 1200/ B110 factory competition literature. There is no Option 2 trans listed here either. The stock B210 Sunny GX5 used the F5W56A trans.[Author KB10]
The overdrive 5 speeds have:
1st 3.513
2nd 2.170
3rd 1.378
4th 1.000
5th 0.875 or 0.825
Rev 3.764How Strong are they?
Gearboxes are rated for torque (twisting force). Peak Horsepower is not a factor. It doesn't matter how much horsepower you have; whether you need a stronger transmission depends on how much torque the engine puts out.
Datsun boxes are numbered by the distance between the centres of the countershaft and the main shaft. 56 series 56 mm, 60 series 60 mm, 63 series 63mm.Approximate guides are 50 % up on the stock engine torque : <li>56A 4 speeds 105 ft/lbs <li>56A option boxes 120 ft/lb <li>60 series boxes 135 ft/lb <li>63 series boxes 175 ft/lb <li>71B series boxes 240 ft/lb
<li>71C series boxes 300 ft/lb
Thanks to feral reference: Gearbox Strength
One thing to watch out for in the 60-series is reverse gear. The internal linkage is weak and can bend, making it not shift into reverse properly. Wubbits and I have both run into this problem. See Will a B-210 5-speed fit in a 1200
Gearbox weights
- 56 4-speed
- 56 5-speed
- 60A 5-speed 70 pounds
- 60L 5-speed 70 pounds
- 63A 5_speed
- CA18DET 5-speed 43.5kg (rwd edition)
Gearbox Length
- All 56- and 60-series 4-speeds and 5-speeds are same length
- Automatic and FS5W63A is longer
Short tail
Short tail total length: ~26.3"
- 1977-1979 200SX USA S10 (L-series engine, FS5W63 "smoothcase" dogleg)
- 1968-1973 PL510 (L-series engine, F4W63 "bottom pan")
- 720 FS5W71B "ribbed case" used on certain 720 4X4s (long wheelbase?)
- Z-engined series
- may have had an L series in 1980 only
Long Tail
Long Tail total length: ~31.5"
F4W63 4-speed
- 1965- 520/521 from '65 with J and L Engines
- 1978-1981 HLA10 L and Z Engines
- 1973-1975 610 L Engine
- 1974-1977 710 L Engine
- 7206-7309 620 L Engine
FS5W63 5-speed (dogleg)
- 1979-1981 HLA10 optional L and Z series
F4W71A 4-speed
- early 1970-1971 240Z
F4W71B 4-speed
- 1973-1978 S30 240/260/280Z
- 7310-1980 620 L Engine
- 1978 -? 810 L Engine
- 1980-1986.5 720 L and Z Engines
FS5W71B 5-speed
- 1977-1979 620 L Engine
- 1977-1983 280Z and 280ZX L Engine
- 1978-1984 810/Maxima L Engine
- 1980-1986.5 720 L and Z Engines
- 1980-1983 S110 (200SX) Z Engine
- 1984-1986.5 S110 (200SX) CA Engine
- 63 series: 1.6-2.0 liter engines
- 71 series: 2.2 and larger engines
What about my Speedometer?
Well, speedometers are generally off in the first place. But, yes, your speedo may read incorrectly if you change transmissions. On the US 5-speeds, the speedo pinion gear will interchange from the 4-speed, BUT there is one less tooth on the output shaft (5spd). This makes the speedo display faster than the actual vehicle speed.
What about using a non-Nissan 5-speed?
The Celica/Corolla T50 5-speed has been used successfully by several club members. If you want to spend a little you can also get a conversion kit for a Toyota 5 speed. These boxes are stronger, lighter, more easy to find, yet less expensive than Datsun 5-speeds.
Toyota T50 5-speed
The Toyota T50 overdrive 5-speed is light, strong and readily available. The ratios are closer than the regular Datsun 5-speeds. But you need to adapt it to the A-series engine as it uses a different bellhousing bolt pattern.
For details, see main article: T50 5-speed
Dellow T-50 Swap Kit
5-speed Identification
56-series trannies are small and light, and have these visible ribs on the case and bell section.
56 four-speed 
F5C56 5-speed]
By contrast, 60-series and 63-series are "smooth case" transmission with no ribs on the bellhousing area.
60-series vs 56-series
56A & 60A comparo (4-speeds) Size; shape comparison.
The 60-series have 6 0 cast on the bellhousing. The special A12 5-speeds have 56 stamped on the bell housing. See GX ratios / engine specs
60a ID 
56 ID
what gearbox is it?
Dog Leg Gear Boxes56 4-spd vs 56 5-spd
The 5-speed:
- has a reverse light switch on top, pointing straight back
- top two case bolts are long (2-3" long)
60L vs 60A
The FS5W60L is known in Japan the "low-back 5-speed" and came in the early B310 Sunny, and 1979 model year USA B310.
reference: Iruka, Sunnytruck
F5W60A and F5W60L Comparison
Identification: 1979 Datsun 210 (B310) 5-speed "FS5W60L"- Oil plug out the back is 60L (not pointing down like 60A)
- H90 part prefix (cast into cluster plate) is unique to this transmission
- Unique double-gear cluster gear in extension housing is 60L
-
- 60L in right-and-up position is Direct (4th) per dogleg shifter. Whereas in the 60A this same position is 5th.
- 60L has no boss sticking out the right side of the back, whereas the 60A has it (up high).
60A vs 60L
And who_your_datty_1200 pointed out that the #2 casting mark on the back is an indicator of the dogleg shift pattern.However this might be gear options or more likely just a casting revision.
4-60L vs 5-60L
Make sure you don't purchase a 4-speed by accident :-)63-series 5-speed
The 63 transmission probably came in various stock ratios. It was not used by Nissan Competition for racing. Instead the 56-series was recommended for the small cars, and the 71 for the larger cars.The 1977-1978 USA got B210s with factory 5-speed transmissions. Here's an advertisement for one:
MPG Champion - Datsun B210
This is the FS5W63A "dogleg" trans. Note the casting line around the center section on the otherwise smooth housing.
63A
63 vs 60
R vs F Comparo
Vanette "Remote" shift transmission could be used for parts to repair an "F" Floor shift 60A.
comparison
Swap Instructions
See:
List of A-series Transmissions (rear wheel drive)
Discussion about transmission differences: GEARBOX NUMBERING AND BASIC INFO.
B110 <li>R3W56 3-speed column shift <li>F4W56 Floor-shift 4-speed 56-series <li>F5W56 Floor-shift 5-speed 56-series (direct fifth 1:1, non-overdrive)
B210 <li>F4W56A Floor-shift 4-speed 56-series <li>F4W63A Floor-shift 4-speed 63-series <li>F4W60L Floor-shift 4-speed 60-series <li>F4W63L Floor-shift 4-speed 63-series. This has a bottom pan, and looks very different from the 63A
NOTE: -L and -A do not indicate the engine type the transmission fits (bellhousing pattern). There is an FS5W63A for L16 engines, and an FS5W63A for A14 engines.
B310 <li>F4W56A 32100-H7421 A12 and A13 <li>F4W60L 32100-H8901 with A14 and A15 <li>F5W60A 32100-H9700 (A12) or 32100-H9701 (A14)
Case assembly part numbers: <li>32100-H1000 - F4W56 <li>32100-H7421 - F4W56A (B210 and B310 A12 and A13 -8010, and all F4W56A 8011-) <li>32100-H7310 - F4W60L (B210 A14 V) <li>32100-H8901 - F4W60L (B310 A14 -8010 and all F4W60L 8011-8109) <li>32100-H9000 - (B310 S, K -7909) replaced by (?) 32100-H9701 <li>32100-H9700 - F5W60A (B310 A12 7910-) <li>32100-H9701 - F5W60A (B310 A14 7910- and all F5W60A 8110-)
Gear Ratios
Gear F5C56A GX5 F5C56A Opt. 1 F5C56A Opt.2 Overdrive 5 Overdrive 5 FS5W60A A14 FS5W60A A15 FS5W63A A14 1st 3.757 3.757 2.676 3.513 3.513 3.513 3.513 3.382 2nd 2.374 2.374 1.691 2.17 2.17 2.17 2.17 2.013 3rd 1.659 1.659 1.398 1.378 1.378 1.378 1.32 1.312 4th 1.254 1.291 1.181 1 1 1 1 1 5th 1 1 1 0.875 0.825 0.821 0.821 0.854 Rev 4.04 4.04 2.877 3.764 3.764 3.764 3.764 3.57 Note Stock B110 & B210 GX-5 wide ratio PN 32010-H7251P close ratio PN 32010-H7220N ? ? 1980 NA shop manual 1980 NA Shop manual 1978 NA Shop manual
4-speed ratio reference
Note that the 1974-up F4W56A four-speed is stronger than the B110's F4W56L. The gears are wider, and lubrication system is improved. Countershaft, front main bearing and main shaft bearings are stronger.Gear 1971 R3W56 F4W56 Opt. 1 gearset Opt. 2 gearset F4W60L 1st 3.38 3.757 2.862 2.168 3.513 2nd 1.734 2.169 1.908 1.592 2.17 3rd 1 1.404 1.35 1.231 1.378 4th - 1 1 1 1 Rev 3.64 3.64 3.64 3.64 3.764 Note 1971 shop manual 1971 & 1980 shop manuals F4W56L middle-close ratio F4W56L ultra-close ratio 1978 & 1980 NA A14 models
