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5-speed thread got me thinking

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drooartz

drooartz

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Original plan was to do the Datsun conversion, and I did source a transmission and related parts, but not the kit (I'd want to use the Morris Service kit, I like the choices that kit makes). The recent thread got me thinking, though.

I've got a ribcase and 3.9 rear from my donor. I could use those, and save the ~$1000 or so a conversion would cost. I'm assuming that if I build my engine with reasonable care, that I could cruise at 65 mph all day with this setup. Is that reasonable to think?

Money's a wee tight right now, and that $1k would be a good part of an engine rebuild.
 
Drew, I've got the 3.9 in my '72, with a bone stock 1275, and I can cruise forever at 65. I'll have to check on the RPM, but I think I run about 3250 at 55. My 1098 car has the 4.22 in it, and I keep it wound up past 4500 on a regular basis without any problems at all. When I'm in California, I run I-80 with it in the Bay Area, and keep right up with traffic, usually in the 75~80 MPH range.
Put the grand to better use, sell the 5 speed, and press on.
Jeff
 
And this is why I think I need to try what I got before I change it out. I wish I considered this more during the build, but oh well. I'd like to see what it is like closer to original anyway. How is the take off with the 3.9, Jeff? Is there a noticeable difference?
 
The 3.9 is a bit slower off the line than the 4.22, but that's to be expected. It's hardly objectionable. Still plenty of poop considering it's only a 1275. And hauling my fat carcass around, driving the daylights out of it, I average 28~29 MPG.
Jeff
 
drooartz said:
I could use those, and save the ~$1000 or so a conversion would cost.
Click to expand...

So far with my project, it seems like every good idea is another $1000.00 and another 6 months. Usually it's someone else's good idea to boot. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
 
Bugeye58 said:
Put the grand to better use, sell the 5 speed, and press on.
Jeff
Click to expand...

The sharks are sniffin Drew, I'll even drive out personally. Of course, if you indeed decide.
 
Thanks for the thoughts Jeff. I'm really leaning this way -- getting worried that I'll get wrapped up in plans, and get frustrated. I just want to drive around!

I'll have to think about this a bit, but I'm definitely leaning towards going with the ribcage and passing on the Datsun tranny to another Spridgeteer.
 
What'll ya give me for it, Barry? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
PM sent, Barry...

I chatted about this with my wife this evening. She's not a car person, but she knows me well. We both agreed that I need to be driving the Tunebug by next spring, or I'll get really frustrated with the car (same thing happened with my TR4 project, which I wound up selling). For better or worse, that's just how I am.

So I'm going to stick with the ribcase and 3.9, and make my project a bit easier. One less complication to keep me from the ultimate goal of driving.
 
Good move, something for down the road if needed.
 
Droo,

I don't think the 5 speed tranny's are going to totally dry up in the next 24 months, however over the previous 24 months they have gone up quite a bit in price (650 on ebay!). If you sell this guy now, don't be surprised to spend alot more in 5 years on one, or have to tackle the 5 speed problem with a different type of transmission.

(Baz, I'm not trying to get you out of a tranny here :p )

Ben
 
Ben -- I've been thinking about that part as well, but I think that the 4-speed will really do what I need. The 3.90 gets me a bit more ease on the freeway, and I'm not sure I really want to go much over 70 in a car with no safety features. Cruising at 65 sounds good to me.

I've become very aware of my need to make progress, and passing the tranny on to someone else makes sense right now. That way they get to use it now, and I will be able to afford the engine work I need now. A fair trade.
 
Drew,

I don't know you well, but I've seen many guys start a resto with a head of steam, then 1/2 way through get lost and frustrated with the overwhelming nature of it all. I think that's why there are many dissassembled garage finds out there! (I just picked one up myself!)

But yeah, get your car back on the road and enjoy it. Sure, don't do things 1/2 assed or your just have to do them again later.

When I did the ground up on my B, I had sorted it out mechanically prior to that and had gotten two good driving years out of it before I took it all the way down. The year and 1/2 it was apart was very tough and I dispaired at the enormity of it all. But I stuck with it, and it's a fine machine. With my bugeye, I can take my time, as I have another LBC to drive.

You can always do a transmission swap later.
 
Yup, the datsun tranny swap does not require any major modifications, so you can always do it later (even "last").
 
John, I'm not at the frustrated point yet, but I'm trying hard to make sure that I don't get there. Keeping the vision for the car realistic, so that I can set myself up for success, not failure. I'm really more of a driver than a restorer, so I'm keeping that in minds as I set up my priorities.
 
Just do it Drew. The way you wish. You may not be a mechanic yet? But you are well on the way and your neighbors think you are.
 
jlaird said:
Just do it Drew. The way you wish. You may not be a mechanic yet? But you are well on the way and your neighbors think you are.
Click to expand...

Yeah Drew, me double Jack's sentiments.

Just keep a budget (with a little cushion), so that you do not get stranded.

Pat
 
drooartz said:
John, I'm not at the frustrated point yet, but I'm trying hard to make sure that I don't get there. Keeping the vision for the car realistic, so that I can set myself up for success, not failure. I'm really more of a driver than a restorer, so I'm keeping that in minds as I set up my priorities.
Click to expand...
Drooif you get it all together and decide that the 3.90 is too low, order the different gear ratio set from VB and I will set the gears for you in your pumpkin for a reasonable price. You could go with a 3.70 or 3.55 gearset. Setting those gears is a PITA and I don't want to get in the business or get a name for doing them but I will help you out if needed. That way its a simple job to change out the pumpkin and its all still mowog.
 
I'm guessing that the 3.90 will probably be a pretty good match. I'm up in the mountains, so need to still be able to pull the long hills. Probably can't go too much taller on the rears. We'll see -- it will be an interesting experiment anyways.

I appreciate the offer, Kim, and will let you know in the future if I ever feel the need to go in that direction.
 
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