The key to the conversion really is the adapter plate. I found one in the
trunk of a junkyard Midget back around 1987. The company that made it no
longer exists, and it was a WAG that led to the conclusion that it would
work with the Nissan transmission. Like BMC, Nissan changed very few things
between models and years, so I think all of their A-series engines/
transmissions (yep, that's what they call their little 4 banger also) are
interchangeable. My advise is get a 210 transmission, it will probably be
an easier swap, with more list experience to guide your way.
In order of front to back, here is what I did:
Machine Datsun B210 pilot bushing to fit into 1275 Crankshaft
Aluminum adapter plate replaces BMC steel engine back plate
Machine flywheel to accept Datsun B210 Clutch and Pressure Plate
Cut hole in Bell housing to clear starter
Cut hole in Bell housing 180 degrees to stock for Clutch release arm
Make bracket to relocate clutch release arm pivot point
Fabricate plate to mount 1275 Clutch Slave cylinder
Utilize 1500 Midget Flexible Clutch fluid line
Cut cross member out.
Build removable crossmember
Rear Transmission mount from a mid 80's Chevrolet
Shorten B210 driveline and install serviceable U-joints (It is a direct bolt
on to the Midget diff.)
David Riker
74 Midget
78 Midget
63 Falcon
http://personalweb.sunset.net/~davidr
----- Original Message -----
From "John Holliday" <fprodget at yahoo.com>
To: "David Riker" <davidr@sunset.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2000 7:04 AM
Subject: Re: 5-speed
> David,
>
> I am interested in how you did this without a kit.
> Does the datsun bellhousing fit the bolt pattern of
> the 1275 rear plate or did you fabricate something.
> Which nissan clutch plate, disc and throw out bearing
> did you use. What slave cylinder? How much was
> surfaced off of the flywheel.
>
> I am on strict budget retraints these days and would
> like to avoid the 400-500 bucks for a kit.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> John Holliday
> 67 Fprod street sprite
>
> --- David Riker <davidr@sunset.net> wrote:
> > I have an overdrive 5-speed in my RWA, (B210, I did
> > it the hard way, with
> > out a kit). Engine is stock except for header and
> > 40 DCOE weber. I have
> > the 3.73 rear end and love it. With first gear
> > syncro'd in the 5-speed box,
> > you can drop into first as you go around a rolling
> > corner for a quick exit.
> > Since this is something you can't do with a straight
> > cut 1st in the ribcase,
> > the higher numeric diffs allowed you to take the
> > corners in 2nd. If you
> > plan wild mods to the engine in the future that
> > sacrifice low end torque for
> > high rpm horsepower, you can always swap back to a
> > 3.9 or a 4.22 Also, I
> > had a local machine shop resurface my flywheel to
> > accept the Nissan clutch
> > and pressure plate. They also drilled and tapped
> > the new holes for the
> > pressure plate mounting bolts and locating pins.
> > All told, I think the
> > flywheel machine work came to a whopping $30. Best
> > part is the Nissan
> > dealership is one block from my house, so parts are
> > really close by. And
> > yes, the original holes for mounting the stock BMC
> > clutch and pressure plate
> > remain, if I or some other future owner ever wanted
> > to return to stock.
> > David Riker
> > 74 Midget
> > 78 Midget
> > 63 Falcon
> > http://personalweb.sunset.net/~davidr
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Bryan Vandiver" <Bryan.Vandiver@Eng.Sun.COM>
> > To: <spridgets@autox.team.net>; <pauld@ekpc.com>
> > Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2000 11:46 AM
> > Subject: Re: 5-speed
> >
> >
> > > Paul,
> > >
> > > I'd just try it out first before changing the
> > diff, especially if you do a
> > lot
> > > of freeway driving. It may work fine for you, and
> > in any event you can
> > always
> > > change out the pumpkin later.
> > >
> > > - Bryan
> > >
> > > >To: spridgets@autox.team.net
> > > >MIME-Version: 1.0
> > > >Subject: 5-speed
> > > >
> > > >List,
> > > >
> > > >It looks like I am going to do a second 5-speed
> > conversion using Paul A's
> > > >kit this time. I've got a few questions about
> > the choice of differential
> > > ratios
> > > >and tire sizes. I have a 1275 with no
> > modifications.
> > > >
> > > >Before I decided to install a 5-speed, I
> > installed a 3.72:1 read
> > differential
> > > >from a '78 Midget. I'm running 165 SR 13 ZX
> > tires. Is this combination
> > > >going to work or should I drop down to a 3.9:1
> > differential? I'm
> > concerned
> > > >that I won't be turning enough RPMs.
> > > >
> > > >Also, does anyone have a Spridget gear shift
> > lever for sale?
> > > >
> > > >TIA
> > > >Paul
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >--------------------------------------------------------------
> > > >Paul A. Dolloff, Ph.D.
> > > >Lexington, KY
> > > >606/744-4812 ext. 389
> > > >'66 A/H Sprite MK III: HAN8L-55641
> > > >'66 A/H Sprite MK III: HAN8L-59017
> > > >'69 A/H Sprite MK IV: Parts car
> > >
> >
> >--------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
> __________________________________________________
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