Some info on the boxes and ratios from the net

GEAR 72/76 77-79 1980 81/83 84/98
F4W71B FS5W71B FS5W71B FS5W71B FS5W71C
1st 3.592 3.321 3.062 3.062 3.321
2nd 2.246 2.077 1.858 1.858 1.902
3rd 1.415 1.308 1.308 1.308 1.308
4th 1 1 1 1 1
5th - 0.864 0.773 0.745 0.759
Reverse 3.657 3.382 3.026 3.026 3.382

heres a really good thread on the box combos possible
http://www2.zhome.com:81/ZCMnL/tech/240SX5spd/transmission.htm

also manual online
http://www2.zhome.com:81/ZCMnL/tech/240SX5spd/Mt.pdf

So im thinking I have the stumpy 71B from an 83 model (from r30 that was 1st reg in 84)
Also a 1987 pintara 71C.

http://www.club-s12.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12333

if it's any help, I've got some free time this week (same price as above 0.00000etc) and could help (only mentioning this because I'm around the corner, almost literally) - happy to do it at your place if it's any easier.

Thanks Jmac for the offer will bug you this week then :)