people say to use the stumpy skyline or stanza boxes because they are shorter than the 'normal' 5spds. and is thereofre a better fit in the 1200. ie only need to extend shifter hole slightly, no need to relocate handbrake, don't have to reach behind you to change gears

I have not measured them, but the stumpy box would be around 6-8" shorter than a normal 5spd from a Skyline/180B/Z car. 1600 4spd box is the same length as a stumpy 5spd. I don't know about the length of the other 4spd boxes - not interested in 4spds and never bothered to look at them.