Transmission Swaps

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With A-series gearboxes getting less common, you might consider a transmission swap. With the Nissan 71-Series Transmission, we have lots of choices include 6-speed gearboxes and stumpy gearboxes that use stock tailshafts. Or non-Nissan brand transmissions can be swapped in behind the A12.

Common Swaps

Common swaps include:

• Datsun B210 5-speed for A14 (63-series)
• Datsun B310 5-speeds for A14/A15 (60-series)
• Toyota 5-speed using Dellow bellhousing for A-series
• Automatic Transmission
• Manual transmission conversion for automatic-equipped 1200s

For information on common swaps see: 5-Speeds

This article will focus on swaps adapting non-A-series tranmissions to fit.

Tunnel Consideration

A standard Datsun 1200 has a small central tunnel, limiting the gearboxes that will fit. However, automatic-equipped Datsun 1200s have a very large tunnel that will accomodate most gearboxes and still allow the factory heater to work.

See main article: Tunnel

Adapter Plate

How about a good-old fashioned adapter plate? This is how it was done when I was younger. They swapped any kind of gearbox to any kind of engine.

An adapter plate bolts to the engine, then using a 2nd set of bolt holes the tranmission is bolted to it.

Cut & Shut

Cut-and-shut is where the front part of the new transmission is cut off, and a cut-off part of an A-series transmission is welded to it.

Just cut the bellhousing and weld on a fragment of A-series bell housing, then machine the input shaft smaller.

Silva S15 6-speed gearbox modified for use with A12 engine