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The 56-series is the stock Datsun 1200 transmission. It was fitted to all RWD B-series Datsuns with A12 and A13 engines. Standard models used 3-speed 56s, while most models used 4-speed versions. The Datsun 1200 GX-5 used a 5-speed version. It was designed to handle the torque of an A12 or A13, but for A14 and A15 engines a 60-Series Transmission is recommended.

All of the 3 speed, 4 speed & 5 speed 56 & 56A RWD gearboxes were the same overall length. There were also FWD versions of the 56 gearbox.

1 Gearbox Numbering
2 3-Speed
3 4-Speed
- 3.1 Option 1 Middle-Close Ratio
- 3.2 Option 2 Ultra-Close Ratio
4 5-Speed
- 4.1 56 5-speed swap Notes
5 Parts
- 5.1 FS4W56

Gearbox Numbering

Nissan coding for gearbox models. Example of F4W56L:

F: Floor shift (R: remote/column shift)
4: forward speeds (3,4 and 5 were available)
W: Wide-ratio gearset (C: Close-ratio)
56: distance in mm between mainshaft and countershaft (with larger distance implying a larger, stronger transmission). Nissan models included 60-Series Transmission and 63-Series Transmission and the 71- and [1]30-series used in the bigger Nissans.
L: Long extension housing

A, B, or C is the evolutionary series for the box as they get older. Some boxes have an L suffix for long extension housing versions. Direct drive boxes have a "direct drive" suffix after the box numbers.

The Nissan chassis code (not transmission code) has F = Five-Speed, and T = 4-speed , e.g. B110GFK was GX Five-Speed. And B110GTK was GX Four-speed. The T holds true for export models as well. The full body codes aren't on the underhood plate, but you'll see some of the extended codes on the cover of the owners manual.

The close ratio 'option' boxes were normally available only as a separate purchase from the Datsun Competition department [through various outlets], so it did not come as a 'factory' option in B110 & B210 models, however I believe that some dealers in Japan were either fitting 'option 1' five speeds, or buying the conversion parts & upgrading the F5W56A gearboxes in new GX5's during pre-delivery for 'special' customers.

Discussion: GEARBOX NUMBERING AND BASIC INFO.

3-Speed

Standard trim (STD) Datsun 1200 models came standard with an R3W56 transmission. This was a remote-shift box with a steering-column mounted shifter.

Ratios:

3.380
1.734
1.000

4-Speed

The stock sport transmission is fine for city driving. It has wide-spaced gears to allow a steep 1st for easy takeways.

F4W56A is the 1973-1/2-revised version of the F4W56L that was mounted on the B110 series. Modifications have been made on the following points to strengthen the gears and bearings, and to improve lubrication performance as well as noise and vibration proof at high-speed driving.

Strengthened gears and bearings: Although there is no change in the gear ratio, each gear has an increased width by 0.039 to 0.079 (1 to 2 mm) and the countershaft, front bearing and main shaft bearing are strengthened.
Improved lubrication performance: To ensure proper lubrication in the rear extension bushing, an oil dam is installed in the center of the extension.

Reference: Service Bulletin Vol. 188 "Introduction of New Model Datsun B210 Series" page 69, July 1973, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Tokyo Japan Telex: NISMO.

Mainshaft PNs for F4W56 transmissions:

32241-H1010 SHAFT-MAIN B110 F4W56L up to 03/73
32241-G1101 SHAFT-MAIN B110 F4W56A from 04/73
32241-G1101 SHAFT-MAIN B210 F4W56A
32241-G1101 SHAFT-MAIN B310 F4W56A

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Description	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Rev
Stock F4W56L	3.757	2.169	1.404	1.000	3.640
Option #1 (M/C)	2.862	1.908	1.350	1.000	3.640
Option #2 (U/C)	2.168	1.592	1.231	1.000	3.640

Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog

Option 1 Middle-Close Ratio

The option #1 (middle-close) gear set alleviates the 2nd-into-3rd RPM drop that exists with the stock 4-speed. It can only be installed into 1200 transmissions (F4W56L) built up to 3/73.

PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY REQ.

32210-27720 OPT #1 CLUSTER GEAR 16T/20T/26T/29T
32230-27720 OPT #1 1ST GEAR 30T
32250-27720 OPT #1 2ND GEAR 25T
32260-27720 OPT #1 3RD GEAR 23T

Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog

Option 2 Ultra-Close Ratio

The option #2 (ultra-close) gear set has excellent ratios for racing. The gearset can only be installed into 1200 transmissions (F4W56L) built up to 3/73.

32210-H1020 OPT #2 CLUSTER GEAR 19T/23T/26T/29T
32230-H1020 OPT #2 1ST GEAR 27T
32250-H1020 OPT #1 2ND GEAR 24T
32260-H1020 OPT #1 3RD GEAR 21T

Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog

5-Speed

For an overview of 5-speeds in general, see: 5-Speeds. Comparos, Ratio info, etc.

The 56-series transmission came factory stock in Datsun 1200 GX-5 models. They were also sold by Datsun Competition. This means they are very rare and hence expensive.

The advantages of the 56 over other 5-speeds is:

It is non-overdrive, and hence desirable for certain types of racing
It is a dogleg shifter (as is the 63 and 60L for A-series engine)
It is light and small
It bolts into any Datsun 1200 using factory parts. The other 5-speeds need slight modifications.

The 5-speed transmission (F5C56A) was originally installed on certain non-USA models of the 1200. With the stock gearing this transmission works very well for street, slaloms, high-speed time trials or rallies. With the optional gearing (32010-H7220N), it is the best production-based transmission available for racing versions of the 1200, B210 or 210 Datsuns. The synchro mechanism is the servo-type (steel).

32010-H7251P OPT #1 W/R 5-SPD TRANSMISSION
32010-H7220N OPT #2 C/R 5-SPD TRANSMISSION

Part No.	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Rev.
32010-H7251P W/R	3.757	2.374	1.659	1.291	1.000	4.040
32010-H7220N C/R	2.676	1.691	1.398	1.181	1.000	2.877

Reference: 1984 Nissan Competition Parts catalog

56 5-speed swap Notes

When installing the F5C56A 5-speed transmission in the 1200, B210 or 210 models an alternate transmission mount, insulator and stopper must be obtained. The 210 mount requires 20mm/.787" spacers for correct driveline alignment.