I always thought it would be cool to transplant a miata drive train into a Sprite. 

Having owned a Sprite back in the day and driving it to Fla. a couple of summers I understand the need for a real gear box. I have located a Nissan/ Datsun 210 in a local impound lot. Sorry to say it's a four speed behind an A1500 engine. I ask about buying it when there is someone there. I figure the engine /tranny would be a good swap complete. While not a five speed it would have to be a big improvement. Steve (CTR)

if you are going with a 5 speed conversion, don't use the clumsy Ford Type 9 (it is heavy and requires body modifications to fit, and the shift lever gets moved rearward, but it is very common in Europe), instead contact Gerardsgarage.com for his Datsun 5 spd conversion. From the many folks who have done this conversion, his is by far the best one, and has the only rear main seal improvement that actually works.

//gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/5speedKit.htm

Do not be fooled by imitations.

For Spridget information, check out //www.mgexperience.net

By the way, I've got a '74, and although I like my 4 speed rib case, everything that I've heard, and of the conversions that I've seen over the years, Gerard's is the best way to go. Norm

My GF refers to the box in her family's 61 Midget as STUPID STANDARD.  I understand she was quite surprised one day when she was young and some friend of hers simply downshifted into 1st!

Spridgets are so nice; and another gear would be just ideal to go along with the sunburn and hearing issues that arise from going anywhere in one.  Get out there and look for a Datsun Sunny.

2nd 5speed. I have one in my bugeye. Nice subtle upgrade. Hard to visually tell it's in there but makes a nice upgrade for driving.

My only comment would be; if you're set on getting the car back to "box stock", why would you be considering a 5-speed conversion?

No comment?

I am about to start my winter project. Traveller is all toucked away in my Mom's garage down the street so the 69 Sprite has my (er, I mean OUR) garage to himself. 1. Resolve issues of no 2nd gear. 2. Resolve issues with engine oil leaks (haha), mostly at rear main. 3. Detail all under-hood and inter-fender areas.

1. Tranny. Just simply "lost" 2nd one fine summer day. Lever moves into position fine, but it acts just like it is in neutral. No grinding, binding, or sneezing. Shifts and pulls fine in other 3(4) gears. Pulled drain plug and only see fine filings, just like I have seen with other flude changes. Still in car, so no further investigation. I am thinking linkage or a shifter fork come loose?? Even at worst, I see rebuilt rib cases for $850, or even a Ford 5sp?? 2. Engine. Besides the current running one in the car, I have another 1275 complete from a 67 with 32K on it and I was going to work on that, but it has been divorced from it's rust bucket wife for 35 years and I have never so much as pulled the pan or head. The lat 1500 miles on it are from moving companies taking it rom house to house. SO...Given the good compression readings(150, 138, 144,150) of the current lump and all the discussion I have read here and elsewhere about proper bottom end breathing,(nope, did'd have that) I may just pull the and redo seals then set up proper breathers with PCV valve. 3. Under hood details. Got correct color body paint engine compartment sheet metal and intend to repaint motor, inter-fender, etc with appropriately colored POR15

I have owned this car since 1975 and, while other LBC's have come and gone, this one I keep. As I am sure is true of many of us, I am now trying to undo some of my brilliant "shortcuts" of my youth and get this thing to "box stock".

Any comment, critizism, encourgement, or spelling corrections is accepted without source consideration!!

Thankx