In my car the Datsun tranny was a lot quieter than the ribcase, but I
bet it would depend somewhat upon the condition of the ribcase in
question. I use Mobil 1 synthetic gear oil in the tranny.
As far as the clutch is concerned, the kit is apparently designed for
use with the later model clutch slave cylinder that came on post '67
cars, otherwise the throwout bearing is overextended and sounds like its
bad. You can compensate for this by just using only the top 1/4 of the
clutch pedal travel.
I don't think that first is much different with the Datsun than with the
ribcase. I only used 4.22 diffs and the diff noise drowns out any
tranny noise. I would not go with a higher diff as the 4.22 seems about
perfect and acceleration seems pretty quick (for Sprites than is). As
far as keeping the speedo calibrated, I believe that Bill Perry sells
gear reduction kits to match whichever diff and tire combo you happen to
run, I would check with him. I have been running without a speedo now
for more than 2 years and really don't even notice any longer.
You will LOVE this transformation! The car is so much more fun and much
more comfortable on the highway than before!
Jackson Zimmermann
jzimmerm@albemarle.org
'64 A-H Sprite (1275 & 5-speed)
'85 BMW 535i (5-speed Q-Ship, much, _much_ quicker but not as much fun)
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Dolloff [mailto:pauld@ekpc.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 1998 5:00 AM
To: spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
Subject: Datsun 5-speed conversion
List,
A mechanic in Charlotte named Tim Corby and Peter Samaroo of the list
have just completed installing a Datsun 5-speed into my '66 with a
1275 and 4.22 rear end. Tim just gave me call because he was
concerned that the transmission is making quite a bit more noise than
he had expected. For those of you with Datsun trannys, are we to
expect a lot of noise?
I had the transmission inspected before installation. That mechanic
does nothing but transmission work for the Lexington postal service.
Anyway, he couldn't believe how extremely little wear there was on
the inside of the tranny. He went ahead and changed the front are
rear main bearings. Even these he thought were fine.
Tim used standard gear oil - 80 or 90 weight - he wasn't sure.
Also, the guys installed a new clutch.
Tim noticed that the clutch travel is substantially shorter with the
Datsun installed. Is this also to be expected?
Finally, is first gear of the Sprite lower than the first gear of the
Datsun? Perhaps this is why Bill Perry (of Rivergate) recommends the
4.22 rear end. As I've said before, I really like having a quick off
the line Sprite.
Without having seen the car first hand, I can't properly describe the
sounds. Peter, are you out there? What does it sound like to you?
Tim and Peter encountered a number of small frustrating problems for
which they devised clever solutions. You guys should ask them to
provide a "lessons learned" posting. I'll share one of the many
strategies the guys developed - they modified and fitted the kit to
the tranny and a SPARE engine block so that the entire assembly was
ready to go before they pulled the motor.
I apologize, I rambled. Just excited.
Thanks,
Paul
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Paul A. Dolloff, Ph.D.
Lexington, KY
606/744-4812 ext. 389
'59 A/H Sprite MK I: AN5L-8073
'66 A/H Sprite MK III: HAN8l-59017
'69 A/H Sprite MK IV: Parts car
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