1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

manual transmission identification

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Old 12-06-07, 10:48 AM
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manual transmission identification

just wondering if you can identify the year of the trans(5spd) on an FB based on the serial number on the bellhousing or are there any identifiable marks on the case that would distinguish a change throughout the model years or help to identify the model year of the trans?
Old 12-06-07, 10:52 AM
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vent on bellhousing = GSL-SE
remote shifter = 81-85
non-remote shifter = 79-80

Not sure on the numbers and such. You can also narrow the year down by the number of sensors (reverse, neutral, 5th gear).
Old 12-06-07, 10:58 AM
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i know what the SA trans looks like. i have 4 FB 5speeds and i'm getting ready to do a manual trans swapinto an auto FB and i want to see if i have an 84 or 85 trans. what is the count on the switches on the trans based on model year?
Old 12-06-07, 10:59 AM
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The 79-80 shifter housing detail...



The 81-85 shifter housing detail...




If you've got an FB transmission, the year is irrelevant..if it's a 1stgen, it will fit.

Attached Thumbnails manual transmission identification-sa-shifter-housing-top-shot.jpg   manual transmission identification-fb-shifter-housing-top-shot.jpg  
Old 12-06-07, 11:01 AM
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thank you for the pics mar3! i am aware of the SA trans's identification marks and know the differnce between an SA and FB trans but those pics will be a great refernce for anyone who doesnt know the difference!
Old 12-06-07, 11:04 AM
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Good luck with the 5 speed conversion Dave. I did it once, and it is absolutely without a doubt, worth all of the work it takes. I never regretted it for a second afterwards. And as far as swapping those pedals in, may the force be with you....

Jamie
Old 12-06-07, 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by gsl-se addict
vent on bellhousing = GSL-SE
remote shifter = 81-85
non-remote shifter = 79-80

Not sure on the numbers and such. You can also narrow the year down by the number of sensors (reverse, neutral, 5th gear).
Actually all 84-85 transmission have the vent on bell housing.

I don't remember if the 84-85 12a transmissions have the 5th gear switch on them or not. I'll have to look at the parts catalog.
Old 12-06-07, 12:05 PM
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when you do, please let me know. i guess i'm just trying to get the gear ratios with the trans and diff matched up so that the spedometer will be accurate.
Old 12-06-07, 12:10 PM
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Most of the speedometer drive gears are the same. Pull the one from the trans that you are replacing and the one that you would be installing and count the teeth on them.
Old 12-06-07, 12:56 PM
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good idea doc!! i am going to probably wait until spring to start the swap but i am going to gather all of the info i need to do the conversion early so that i can prepare myself.
Old 12-07-07, 12:15 AM
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does anyone know if the serial number on the trans does in fact link it to a specific vin? i would imagine that it would....
Old 12-07-07, 09:26 PM
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Afaik, they never tied engine, trannys and vins together on paper, except maybe on thier own inhouse build sheet.
Old 12-07-07, 09:58 PM
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ok. i know that the engines and transmissions do have serial numbers and now, even more so i wonder why. i nknow more modern cars have the engine and trans numbes linked to the vin. my 92 Camry SE does and those numbers were verified by the state of ohio's ridiculous inspection when i got the salvage title converted to a rebuilt title. i guess i'll just end up counting the teeth on the speedometer gear in each of the transmissions that i have and compare those to the teeth on the speedomeer drive gear in the automatic trans thats currently in the car.
Old 12-09-07, 06:51 PM
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i'll take a pic of the trans i am wanting to use and post it up. maybe it has a feature that someone will recognize. i can also compare the picture to the other 3 5 speeds that i have
Old 12-09-07, 09:05 PM
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All I know about trans is the trans mount is different and needs swapped over when going from 81-82 cars and 83-85 cars. The mount depends on the car year and either mount will bolt up to any 81-85 trans (as far as 5 speeds go). I hope that makes sense somewhat...
Old 12-09-07, 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by trochoid
Afaik, they never tied engine, trannys and vins together on paper, except maybe on thier own inhouse build sheet.
if you run the vin number, and the info's in the computer it will come up with an engine number.

however everything before 91 wasnt on computer originally, so if there is a master list, its in a filing cabinet somewhere
Old 12-09-07, 11:01 PM
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I figured you'ld know for sure, numbers guy, lol.
Old 12-10-07, 12:04 PM
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All I know about trans is the trans mount is different and needs swapped over when going from 81-82 cars and 83-85 cars. The mount depends on the car year and either mount will bolt up to any 81-85 trans (as far as 5 speeds go).[/QUOTE]


I'll take some side shots of the two examples I've got to illustrate this difference tonight...


Old 12-10-07, 02:19 PM
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ok that will be cool.
Old 12-11-07, 01:42 PM
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There's a page like this for the 7 as well... Let me see ifI can find it...

http://members.aol.com/solomiata/Drivetrain.html


Speedo gear chart
Car Tooth count gear color notes

84-85 12A RX-7 17 green '79-83 coarse gears

84+ B2000/2200 truck,
84-85 13B GSL-SE RX-7 18 purple

86-91 RX-7 convt 19 red (small diameter)

90-91 Miata, 86-91 RX-7 20 black

1989-90 RX-7 GTUS 21 white 4.30:1 rear ratio

1979-82 RWD 626 22 Red

92+ Miata 23 Red
Old 12-13-07, 07:48 PM
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The pics....












Attached Thumbnails manual transmission identification-sa-vs-fb-transmission-lengths-1.jpg   manual transmission identification-sa-vs-fb-transmission-lengths-2.jpg   manual transmission identification-sa-vs-fb-transmission-lengths-3.jpg  
Old 12-13-07, 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by rx7doctor
Actually all 84-85 transmission have the vent on bell housing.

I don't remember if the 84-85 12a transmissions have the 5th gear switch on them or not. I'll have to look at the parts catalog.
They do not only the SE does
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