I supposed I'll have to try both and make up my mind. :-) I'll probably
start with the 4 speed, see how it goes, and then decide to do the 5 speed.
I anticipate driving on the freeway quite a bit. Solvang and Shasta are
very far from home.
Edgar
----- Original Message -----
From: "John F Sandhoff" <sandhoff@csus.edu>
To: "Edgar Gonzalez" <spl212@home.com>
Cc: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2001 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: 1600 R engine
> It was asked:
> > since I have begun my 69 1600 restoration I've been losing some sleep
> > thinking about the transmission. Should I keep the four speed original
> > transmission or should I invest on a five speed?
>
> Well, you didn't comment on the most important question: What is the
> intended use of the car?
>
> If you're building an around-town cruiser, IMHO the 4 speed is a nice
> tranny. Light, clean shift pattern, reasonable acceleration, nice street
> ratios. It does OK on the freeway with 'standard' tires (70 series or
> taller - the originals were somewhere around 78!)
>
> On the 4 speed pull and check the countershaft and bearings! I didn't
> and blew up a countershaft gear :-(
>
> The 5 speed is nice if you spend a lot of time on the freeway. The
> gear ratios are different and again IMHO aren't quite as nice if your
> time is spend hustling between stop signs in the city. The stick is
> spring-loaded to drop into the 3-4 slot so if you're not paying attention
> you end up doing a 1 to 4 upshift.
>
> Also remember that the 1600 has a different rear end ratio than the 2000.
> So not all of the difference between the 1600 and the 2000 is because
> of the tranny gearing.
>
> -- John
> John F Sandhoff sandhoff@csus.edu Sacramento, CA
> "buy one of each - then decide!"
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