forgive my ignorance - but are all bluebird 5 speeds the same box, and if so which one? Do they differ in ratios depending on their application, and if so, what had which (I'm wondering if perhaps, much like they variously had h165s or h190s and different diff ratios depending on year, sedan or wagon and 4 or 5 speed g/box, if they have variations in gearboxes.

there's seemingly always a bunch of bluebirds at pick a part (I keep looking for early 4 sp manual sedans for the 3.7 diff gears for a h165!) so I figure they'd be a good option, but I'm not really sure what they are...

The bluey 5 speed with ca motor is a 71B series II I think the L series is 71B series I.
The ratios seems the same 3.3 for first and then 2,1.3,1,.8 but they are a long box and
the gear lever will be quite far back hence everyone goes for the Stumpy box which is
also a tad stronger but having many Kms it could be the same as any 71 series.
If there was a was to shorten the gear lever, Id jump on it as it has an alloy plate
instead of cast iron sandwich plate (so far as Ive been told) so a tad lighter.

so after all that buying a second hand dellow conversion with a t50 box behind it is the best option?

i remember that the t50 was a good 14kg or so heavier than the a-series 5 speed

apparently the alloy sandwhich plate boxes are weaker than the cast iron ones. think 720s also have an alloy sandwhich plate, as i had a 71b long box with an alloy plate and im pretty sure the 720 was the only 5 speed thing i had

71b's arent that long or hard to fit in a 1200, 71c's are even longer and they still manage to fit in

The 71b box from an L is an absolute PITA. Ive just cut up the bellhousings to make one fit and the A series bolt holes end up inside the shortend L bellhousing because of the diameter diference! Ive has to cut huge cut outs in the L bellhousing half to allow The bolts to go in to hold it all to the A block!

If I didnt word that right the cast iron ones definitely are stronger.
Same as in the Supra boxes the cast iron plate ones are the most sought after.
Im surprised a bluey 71b 2 fits in the original hole? I didnt think it did.

The t50 is the best box if you are only making moderate power and not interested
in closer ratios.

Sounds like Simons nailed it but finding a Z box isnt any easier.
Pity as Ive seen so many over the years and never thought of using the box.
Well done Simon, may your Winton sprints be full of joy and smooth gear changes.

oh nah D the 71b doesnt fit in the stock hole, but a new hole isnt hard to make, more they fit without having to move teh handbrake back

Nick, do you know where the 71b Box hits the tunnel? I have an auto tunnel and have reduced the bellhousing width. do you think ill be ok or will it hit further back? Im not allowed to modify the tunnel exept for the shifter hole.

1200RC, The problem so far has been finding a box that is easily avalable and that isnt too hard to either cut and shut or make an adaptor plate. I havnt given up (yet) on finding something that will work for those that might be interested.

Simon was it easier to mod this box compared to the T5?
Im thinking that you wont need to mod the tunnel at all if its an auto tunnel.

The T50 was easier, As the diameters are similar. The input shaft doesnt have to be ground either.