Datsun 5 speed!

[Mr Revhead]

Am looking at converting a late 120y
of this variety:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... Y_1980.jpg

to 5 speed.

Any suggestions on what car parts should be sourced from?
Have a lead on a 200b gearbox but I don't know if its compatable. Do Datsun boxes share bellhousing bolt patterns?

ideally something that bolts in with no mods would be ideal! However I suspect cross members and driveshafts need altering/swapping

[jeremiahnz]

There are bolt up options

56a 5 spd is the weakest. Ideally you want a 60a or 60l (L designation for dogleg).

56a, 60a and 60l all come in 4spd as well so the code doesn't necessarily mean it is 5spd.

They will bolt up with small gearbox mount modification if you are going between 56a and 60 series. Driveshaft spline is all the same, automatics do use different length driveshafts from memory.

Check out this for more:
http://datsun1200.com/modules/mediawiki ... e=5-Speeds

Can be sourced from other Sunny's mostly.

[Mr Revhead]

does the A and L have anything to do with A and L series engines?
I have been told the bolt patterns are different between the two

[jeremiahnz]

Nope - the A and the L in this context do not relate to the engine types, only the shift pattern.

However you are correct, there are A series engines (which yours will have) and L series, which the 200b you mentioned will likely have, and the A series and L series engines have different gearbox bolt patterns

[Mr Revhead]

Sweet, thanks.
Anyone got a sunny 5 speed box going cheap?

[jeremiahnz]

Cheap for them usually means $300-$350. Unfortunately not like K series

[Dell'Orto]

Unsurprisingly really, they were weaker than K series boxes I'm sure. I know we used to break them on a fairly regular basis in my mates old Sunny