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Revision as of 17:47, 11 December 2006

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 trans
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 trans
smooth-case medium-size trans as in B310. These come in 60L (dogleg) and 60A (non-dogleg) varieties <li>63 series trans
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 the 5-speed swap article for details on how to do this.

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
dogleg

Why 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 <p> Standard pattern (aka 'straight shift')

1- 3- 5
2- 4- R
[1]

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 (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).

This is the F5C56A, which is 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. The Japan domestic model Datsun 1200 GX-5 came with it standard. This was also available from Datsun Competition, and can be mid-close ratio or ultra-close ratio.

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 2.877

The Option 2 box was for Japan Domestic Racing.

B110 GX5 JDM came with
1st 3.757
2nd 2.374
3rd 1.659
4th 1.254
5th 1.000
Rev 4.040

B210 JDM Coupes came with:
1st 3.757
2nd 2.374
3rd 1.659
4th 1.291
5th 1.000
Rev 4.040

The overdrive 5 speeds have:
1st 3.513
2nd 2.170
3rd 1.378
4th 1.000
5th 0.875 or 0.825
Rev 3.764

How Strong are they?

63A Doglog 5-speed

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

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. The Toyota box, being of the split case design, makes it easier to maintain should you be the type to switch gearsets or perform your own overhauls. Toyota and aftermarket suppliers offer a large range of different gear ratios to suit your needs. It has a shorter throw.

The transmission is found in rear-wheel-drive Celicas, Corollas and Sprinters. For example with 3TC or 2TC engine. Essentially the same box but the 3T has the larger input shaft bearing. This is important to know as Dellow has different bellhousing to suit each box. In Australia its about $250 for the gearbox (which you can purchase from elsewhere). Pick-a-part is $150 for any 5-speed.

Dellow Engineering (Australia) sells a bellhousing for this purpose. The cost is around $700 for gearbox and installation kit. The Kit comes with gaskets, clutch driven plate, spigot bearing and brass bushing for the new spigot hole.

Dellow Kit

From ca18det_man:

With the dellow kit all you have to do is unbolt the front bellhousing and bolt on the new dellow adapter bellhousing change the clutch and spigot bush. the gear shift is back a little further than the standard datsun box around 30-40mm from memory. You will need to make a new hole as its around 70mm further back. the speedo cable fits up no problems you will have to remove the standard datsun gearbox mounting plates (humps out of the tunnel with bolt holes)and manufacture a new crossmember I used some 50x6mm flat plate and drilled holes in the appropriate spots and made sandwich plates for inside so the bolts dont pull through. A new tailshaft will also have to be made other than this I cant think of anymore work. The kit comes with most the bits and instructions so for anyone with a bit of mechanical knowledge shouldnt have to many troubles.

Price at Feb 2002 is $595 AUD for kit. This is approximately $310 USD (plus shipping, guess 15 kg with yoke)

Very Basic web site - [2]

If you get the kit from Dellow, you don't need a hydraulic clutch. It works with the standard right-hand drive cable. You may have to machine the sliding bit on the nose of gearbox to accept the Datsun release bearing, but possibly you could modify the level to accept the Toyota throwout bearing.

<li>transmission <li>bell housing <li>installation kit <li>modify front of transmission thrust bearing race <li>modify Toyota driveshaft to fit Datsun diff <li>original crossmember mounts have to come out

There is a little bit of machining required to push bearing carrier and the bearing carrier slide. (this is because of the mix and match of Datsun and Toyota bits. Roughly it costs $1050 to do the conversion including all machining. discussion.

Dellow Engineering
37 Daisy Street
Revesby
Sydney, NSW 2212
Ph: (02)9774 4419 / (02)9774 3873
Fax:(02)9774 4783
Mail address: P.O. Box 43, Revesby North, NSW 2212
Address fax to Jeff Dellow, or to Danny

More info: <li>discussion <li>Martin's site <li>Martin's site

5-speed Identification

60-series & 56-series

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

56 four-speed
56-series trannies are small and light, and have these visible ribs on the case and bell section.

what gearbox is it?
Dog Leg Gear Boxes

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

63A
63A

63A

63a

56A & 60A comparo (4-speeds) Size; shape comparison.

Pitroad F5C56A trans (b110)

Pitroad says the South Africa Datsun Bakkie (B140) had a FS5W60A 5-speed, and that the trans crossmember might work for a B110.

The FS5W60L is known in Japan the "low-back 5-speed" and came in the early B310 Sunny.

A-series 5-speeds

comparison

reference: [hc.iruka.ne.jp\cgi-bin\m2\iruka.cgi_pitroad2 Iruka], Sunnytruck
F5W60A and F5W60L Comparison
F5C56 5-speed

F5C56A and F5W60L Comparison

Can you give me some tips on installing a 5-speed?

60a 5-speed swap Notes

Stock 1200 mount

mount

60a rear engine mount

rear engine mounts
custom engine mounts <li>The stock Datsun 1200 driveshaft should be used. While the B310 driveshaft is the same length, it has the larger H150-style rear flange.
pic</li> <li>The reverse-light switch is right where the Datsun 1200 chassis x-member mount is. You can remove the switch and plug the hole. A spare A12 engine-block drain plug fits (from the side of the engine block). Some say you can beat the chassis out to make room</li> <li>The stock Datsun 1200 flywheel and clutch can be used</li>

56a 5-speed swap Notes

A special rear crossmember is required:

56a adapter

63a 5-speed swap Notes

63a crossmember
Note that the factory crossmember mounting brackets have been removed from inside the tunnel. This crossmember bolts to the floor.

Get a Datsun 810 speedometer cable, it's about 150 mm longer.

You'll need a prop shaft from an AT equipped 60 series tranny as it uses the same output shaft.

63a

Read Blat's first-hand account of swapping the 5-speed: Experiences swapping B210 H150 rear and B310 60A 5spd into my 1200.

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

</td></tr>

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</td></tr>

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

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.

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5-Speeds