5 speed Datsun transmission...

[lesingepsycho]

A little side note: I ran into Paul Asgeirrson of Morrisservice the other day at a local grocery store (I only live about 10 blocks from his place). He told me to give the forum a "hello" on his behalf and that he is recovering well and anyone interested in a 5-speed kit from Morrisservice can feel free to contact him. Although he doesn't have any trannys right now, he said he can still put together the kits. This is good news. Anyone who knows Paul knows what a valuable person he is to british motoring in America. I can tell you personally that the 5-speed conversion is without a doubt the best upgrade I've ever made to my car. Performance, synchros, gear ratios, fuel economy... it all comes as a package deal with a 5-speed. Even Paul said that people with 1275s and ribcases couldn't hardly keep up with his 948 with a 5-speed. So if you're really considering a 1275 vs a 5-speed I think the 5-speed will be cheaper and produce better results for the money, dollar for dollar.
JACK

 

[mrsprite]

The other hidden cost is the one I get charged by my bank for some kind of conversion fee.
But like you said the pound is weak enough that it isn't that big a factor.

I forgot about the conversion fee......it's around 2%.

 

[198686d]

Surprised that Sprite purists aren't responding that it's taboo to put a non-sprite tranny in a BE. All of the responses are very pro 5 speed transmissions. It must be the thing to do.

dave in University City, MO

 

[Monark192]

All of the responses are very pro 5 speed transmissions. It must be the thing to do.

dave in University City, MO

I have to admit that this thread has got me motivated to install the 5 speed I have had tucked away in the corner of the garage as a hedge against scarcity and inflation.

 

[vagt6]

Surprised that Sprite purists aren't responding that it's taboo to put a non-sprite tranny in a BE. All of the responses are very pro 5 speed transmissions. It must be the thing to do.

dave in University City, MO

Dave, please don't assume that all folks who post here are "purists". In fact, many are not. However, failing to be a purist is certainly not the worst thing that could happen to an LBC enthusiast!

Keeping the original gearbox is an integral part of what a Spridget is, and was. But when we install a modern, 5 speed conversion it <span style="text-decoration: underline">fundamentally</span> changes the car: it no longer performs as the manufacturer intended and drives a bit more like a modern car. If a that is what you want from your LBC, I say "go for it".

A fully viable (and less expensive) alternative to the 5 speed conversion is to install different ring and pinion gears in the diff. 3.55 ratio ring and pinion gears are available. You may consider installing a 3.70 or 3.55 rear end to get similar, rev-reducing results as the 5 speed. This isn't a great mod if you like to drive aggressively, but at least the car remains original with such a mod.

I've ridden in a 1275-powered (mostly stock) Midget with a 3:55 rear end and it was great and gave excellent performance. YMMV.

Let us know what you decide, and good luck!

 

[Monark192]

One reason people like the 5 speed conversion is that it is completely reversible. No harm to the car.

 

[198686d]

Simon: I'm meeting a friend this weekend to look at his 67 Sprite that he installed a 5 speed Datsun Tranny in. I'm thinking I'm going down that road.
I'll let you know. Sure glad my wife doesn't check out the Forum.

dave

 

[Monark192]

Sure glad my wife doesn't check out the Forum.

dave

Forum, what forum...........

 

[drooartz]

I think you'll find that many Spridget owners are not quite as purist-driven as some other marques. There are some, certainly (and that's a good thing) but they made a lot of Spridgets, and they were made to be driven. I don't think the original designers would have minded the changes.

It is interesting that with some marques, these sorts of modifications would lower the car's value. With most Spridgets, having a 5-speed/1275/disc brakes is usually seen as a plus, no matter if they were original to the car.

Tunebug will have a 1275 and disc brakes, but a rib case 4-speed and 3.90 rear end. I didn't go with the 5-speed mostly due to cost, and may add it later on.

 

[Morris]

Where do you get the 3.55 rear end set up?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

VB use to sell them, but I think they are NLA.

 

[texas_bugeye]

I did the conversion 6 years ago. I love it. Changed oil other than that never touched it. Its completely reverseable if you wanted to go back. The question is why would you want to? Which kit to go with? I dont think it matters.They are all pretty good. What works best for you.
It would be interesting to do a survey and see how many that did a conversion went back. None?
If you plan on keeping the car do it and enjoy the car.
If you plan on selling the car do it added value. Or remove it and put in the next car. I see no down side to making the change.

 

[bighly]

I am changing out the 4.22 rear end in my 76 midget to a 3.9

I cannot justify the 5 speed in the Midget (yet) but can attest that the Toyota 5 speed "Smitty" kit I put in my Big Healey makes a ton of difference.

1960 AH 3000 MKI (Toylto 5 speed)
1976 MG Midget (Pierce Manifold with 32/36 weber)
2008 Mazda MX5 (Miata with retractable HT 1,800 miles)
2000 Ford Ranger Pick up (just turned 200,000 miles yesterday)
2000 Volvo V70 (Soccer Mom car)

 

[vagt6]

Where do you get the 3.55 rear end set up?

I think I saw the 3:55 ring and pinion set at Frontline Spridget in England. You might also check AutoGear in the UK as well.

Not cheap, but less than the 5 speed gearbox . . .

 

[HSLDmark]

Surprised that Sprite purists aren't responding that it's taboo to put a non-sprite tranny in a BE. All of the responses are very pro 5 speed transmissions. It must be the thing to do.

dave in University City, MO

5 speeds make Sprites "that much more fun" to drive.

What else would one need to know?