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5 Speed Conversion - Questions (Kind of Long)

To: bugeye@yahoogroups.com, midgetsprite@yahoogroups.com, Spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: 5 Speed Conversion - Questions (Kind of Long)
Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2001 02:35:33 EST
Still thinking about doing a 5speed conversion while rebuilding my Bugeye - 
question to the experts, or at least the experienced, out there in 
Spridgetdom is - which one? 

In "How to Power Tune Sprites & Midgets" several tranny types are discussed - 
the Datsun 210 kit (by either Morriservice or by Rivergate), the Ford Sierra 
T-9 kit, and a Toyota 5speed kit. Additionally, an O/D conversion is 
mentioned for both the 1500 and the A-series. 

Datsun 210  -- I know the Datsun 210 is the most common over here (US), but I 
have a couple of dumb questions, starting with the 210 designation - is this 
the name of the Datsun car model or the tranny model? I am familiar with 
Datsun 510s & B210s but never heard of a 210 before the List. Is the 210 
trans found in particular models I might know under different names made in 
the '79-82' period? How available are the 210 trans & replacement parts today 
- 20 years later? Has anyone looked at more recent Nissan trans for fitting 
to Spridgets?

Ford Sierra  -- My understanding is that this was a British Ford, very rare 
in US, so it is not as common as the Datsun conversion. I have found a local 
source for the T-9 5speed so I am considering this kit. Does anyone have 
experience with this trans, especially in comparison to the Datsun or Toyota? 
Is there anything that makes this conversion better or worse than the others?

Toyota - Frontline offers both the Ford & the Toyota conversion. But I'ver 
never seen a mention of which Toyota? What Toyota is this 5speed out of? Is 
it a model readily available in the US? Anyone with direct experience?

OverDrive -- I just read Trevor's description of adding the OD to his 1500 
Midget. Is this OD adaptable to the A-series engine & ribcase gearbox? Is 
there a specific OD kit made for the Aseries? What are the pros/cons of OD 
versus a true 5speed?

Sorry to ask so many questions, but the more I read and research into the 
subject the more questions I seem to have. My goal is a Bugeye I can cruise 
on the Southern California freeways a speed & over long distances.

All advice and opinions are welcome.
TIA

Jim Rogers
San Juan Capistrano

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