Keith_M
Jedi Knight
Offline
My bugeye is now in the body shop, and I'll continue posting pictures and updates to my restoration thread in this forum. However, as I start considering options, I'm torn about whether to do a 5-speed conversion or not. I have a rebuildable 1275 engine and a rebuilt ribcase transmission (rebuilt professionally about 20 years ago and sitting dry ever since). But the allure of a 5th gear is strong.
It seems that most people use a Datsun 210 transmission for this conversion, but I also see a very expensive conversion kit in the Moss catalog that uses a Ford transmission. I'm building the car for my wife, who will probably rarely drive it over 60 mph, and who likes the feel of the ribcase transmission in my 65 Sprite (short gearshift throw, crisp shifting).
How difficult is the conversion, and what problems am I likely to encounter? How does the tranny feel compared to the original? And has anyone had experience with the Moss kit? I see the Datsun transmissions come up for sale occasionally, so if I'm going to go that route, I need to start looking for one.
Any opinions and/or experience that you're willing to share would be appreciated.
It seems that most people use a Datsun 210 transmission for this conversion, but I also see a very expensive conversion kit in the Moss catalog that uses a Ford transmission. I'm building the car for my wife, who will probably rarely drive it over 60 mph, and who likes the feel of the ribcase transmission in my 65 Sprite (short gearshift throw, crisp shifting).
How difficult is the conversion, and what problems am I likely to encounter? How does the tranny feel compared to the original? And has anyone had experience with the Moss kit? I see the Datsun transmissions come up for sale occasionally, so if I'm going to go that route, I need to start looking for one.
Any opinions and/or experience that you're willing to share would be appreciated.