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[Datsun 1200 encyclopedia]

90-Series Transmission

Revision as of 22:38, 26 May 2018; view current revision
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Category: Transmission Modifications

Nissan 90-series transmission was the FS5R90A, a Borg-Warner T-5 in 1982-1983 280ZX Turbo. Often it is replaced by the more common 71C series box which is reportedly just as durable. Now manufactured by TREMEC.

  • 1983 came with L28 bellhousing
  • 1984-1987 came with VG bellhousing

Contents

World Class

World-class T5 was introduced 1985 and has better synchros and stronger bearings (needle bearings instead of bronze bushings + countershaft taper bearings) -- and uses lighter Dexron III lube.

The bad crap T5 are the pre-1986 ones, while the WC T5 is the fave budget performance box worldwide for any conversion no matter what engine. The T5 in post-1986 models shift a world away from the earlier horrible contraptions that were the first T5 boxes. Ive driven Falcon utes, panelvans and other post-1986 T5 and they where nice to shift and very reliable while the earlier ones are just plain trash.

* 1985-2010 Ford Mustang
* 1985-2005 Ford Falcon
* 1985-1996 Chevrolet Camaro (some)

There are over 200 varieties of T5, including diffent overall lengths, and input shaft lengths.

V8 boxes
* high 1st gear (2.95 to 3.35)
* Larger pilot bushing
* Can handle 265-300 ft. lb. torque
* ex: Mustang 5.0 has 3.55 1st + 0.68 5th
4-cylinder boxes
* low 1st gear (3.75 to 4.10)
* Smaller pilot bushing
* suitable for less than 240 ft. lb. torque
* ex: Mustang 2.3 has 3.97 1st + 0.78 5th

Swapping

google "locost t5 box custom bellhousing"

The T5 can be swapped into Datsun 1200 using an A-series automatic bellhousing and an adapter plate. The input shaft is easily removed which helps for shortening to suit A-series spigot bush etc. Use a 5mm adaptor from box to the auto bellhousing, machined input shaft and Ford Escort type clutch to A-series flywheel and Ford hydraulic release bearing.

It's a very modular gearbox and cheap -- close ratio gearsets cost $1095 USD.

Example
2.6, 2, 1.5, 1.25, 1:1

GM Camaro World Class T5. Amazingly this strong box -- that usually sits behind monster engines -- only weighs 33kg (about the same weight as the 63A 5-speed).
25055.jpgAlbum 25055

GM S-10 pickup T5 is the shorty and lighter again by maybe 2-3kg
25056.jpgAlbum 25056 737_4be60ae7336af.jpgPost 316009 737_4be60c85155dd.jpgPost 316009 737_4f49ad1f1856c.jpgUpload click to view

World-class T5 in shift feel is like the Nissan 71C (S13/S14) gearbox, very sure crisp shifts where you know exactly where the gates are everytime.

Sources

Many, many, many cars were fitted with a T-5 -- see wikipedia:Borg-Warner_T-5_transmission

* Volvo
* Mazda V6
* Mazda 2.3
* Ford Zetec
* Ford V8s
* Nissan VH45 V8
* 1982-1988 AMC
* 1982-1986 Jeep
* 1984-1995 Ford Mustang
* 1985-2004 Ford Falcon
* 1993-1995 Chevrolet S-10 pickup
2.95 1.94 1.34 1.00 0.80

Ratios

Custom gear sets (wide-ratio or close-ratio) are available.

4-speed Replacement

The stock 1200 4-speed has perfect town+highway ratios to suit the small engine: wide ratios get the car moving in 1st with a top speed of 90mph. When replacing a stock Datsun 1200, the T5 adds overdrive for increased fuel-economy (top speed will still be achieved in 4th gear, so the 5th gear won't make the car any faster). A similarly-geared T5 is the 2005-2010 Mustang 4.0 unit -- plus, it has an internal release bearing to make swaps easy. Weight: 95 lbs (43 kg). Semi-remote shifter location.

gearbox1st2nd3rd4th5thRev
1200 4-speed3.7572.1691.4041.000--3.640
Mustang 4.03.751.000.73

5-speed Replacement

For Datsun 1200 5-speed F5C56A, the T5 is not a close match:

GX5: five gears up to 1:1 ratio
T5:  four gears up to 1:1 ratio + overdrive
gearbox1st2nd3rd4th5thRev
1200 GX5 Wide-Ratio3.7572.3741.6591.2911.0004.040
Nismo GX5 close-ratio2.6761.6911.3981.1811.0002.877


For the FS5W60A/FS5W60L, the T5 is a similar alternative

gearbox1st2nd3rd4th5thRev
FS5W603.5132.1701.3781.0000.8213.764
Mustang SVO 19863.501.00

Or choose:

  • a steeper first gear for increased acceleration (but larger RPM drop when shifting)
  • a lower first gear for closer ratios (but slower acceleration when taking off)
  • higher overdrive (0.68) for more fuel economy/quieter running but will need to shift to 4th on grades
  • lower overdrive (0.80) for better response/pulling slight hills without having to downshift
  • close ratio 2nd/3rd gears for specialized racing courses 
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