Quote:There are NO bad Datsun 5 speed designs, however some are better suited to some applications than others.
There are also five different five speed gearboxes in three 'families' that were used behind the A series engines

The 56A series was an option behind the 1200 & B210 [120Y] GX models & is a true 5 speed with a direct 1 to 1 ratio in 5th. These are well suited to the engines with a 70mm stroke that rev well but do not produce a lot of torque.
These use a dogleg shift pattern.

The 56A close ratio. This is the same as the optional box, but first gear ratio is now the same as second in the production models & the gaps between the gears is much closer. Again, best used behind the short stroke engines. [Dogleg]

60 series [dogleg] These were a stronger & larger box that was used behind the longer stroke A14 engines. Thet were also an overdrive in 5th design so are not a true 5 speed but will do anyway,

60 series [conventional shift] These were used behind later models of A14 & also the A15 engines. They were also an an overdrive gearbox & their main clim to fame was the conventional shift pattern, otherwise they seem to be interchangeable with the dogleg version.
Both of these gearboxes can be used behind the smaller engines but are overkill in most cases.

63 series. [Dogleg] These are the largest & heaviest that were used behind the A series engine.This size of gearbox was designed for the 'L' series engines & they have been repackaged into a newly designed A series case. They will handle a lot of grunt & are overkill in all but a high performance application. They are also an overdrive gearbox.

So when you say that you have a Datsun A series 5 speed, you will be asked "which one"