Many of the close-ratio gears are NLA (No Longer Available). There were two
different gearsets available, called the ultra-close and the middle-close.
Both these gearsets were designed for road-race use, where your engine makes
power in a relateively narrow band and it is important to keep the revs in
that range. They really weren't amenable to street use.
On the ultra-close set, 1st gear was like the stock 2nd gear, 4th and 5th
were the same as stock, and 2nd and 3rd kind of split the difference around
the stock 3rd gear.
The middle-close set was just tightened up a bit from stock through 1st, 2nd
and 3rd, with 4th and 5th being the same.
Gordon Glasgow
Renton, WA
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Arthur
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2001 12:33 AM
To: Joseph Roach
Cc: A datsun list
Subject: Re: Newbie
Are the close ration gears still abvailable for the 5-speeds??? Does it have
a lower 1st gear? Do you think that would solve some of the sluggishness in
first?
Arthur
----- Original Message -----
From: Joseph Roach <jroach@qualcomm.com>
To: Adam Bradley <ambradley@yahoo.com>; Arthur <maybee@zebra.net>
Cc: A datsun list <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2001 2:14 AM
Subject: Re: Newbie
> Adam,
> I disagree with your assessment that a 5-speed is not a good mate for a
> 1600. It is the one improvement that will provide the most smiles for the
> miles! Highway cruising will be a lot more enjoyable and, I have to say,
> that my roadster seems to pull stronger in 5th gear on inclines than a lot
> of other vehicles.
>
> The gearing differences between a 4-speed and 5-speed are in 1st and 2nd
> gears. From a standing start the 5-speed may seem a bit sluggish. However,
> I gladly trade that for what seems to be greater performance range (at
same
> RPM, higher MPH in 5-speed). I find the 5-speed gearing much more to my
> liking in the twisties where I can use 1st and 2nd gear more in the higher
> RPMs which with the 4-speed would require a shift to be at the same MPH.
>
> Joseph Roach
> 65 1500
> San Diego
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