drdode

Recently swapped out the rear tires to make it staggered. Now the rears are 205/50/15 and the front is 195/50/15. I think now it's a proper fit/look

YELLOWGSLSE

iTrader: (7)

Very nice. I plan on going to 205s soon as well.

drdode

Thanks. You'll be happy, it even drives smoother since the profile on the 205's are a little thicker.

80's old school

iTrader: (7)

I had a 1980 S with a 4 speed. The best upgrade I did was put a 5 speed in it.

Make sure you find a SA 5 speed. That way you don't have to modify anything and the shifter looks correct.

Nice car man! I live in the Chino area. Not too far from you.

drdode

Thanks man! Yeah chino ain't too far. I've been really thinking about putting a 5 speed in it. The 4 speed is fun and all but I know deep down I'd be more happy with a traditional 5 speed. I'm thinking once the clutch goes bad that's when I'll find a 5 speed from a SA and put a new clutch and lighter flywheel all at once. You can really feel the lag on these heavy SA flywheels

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

I put an 82 flywheel in my SA and it made a huge difference. Going from 30 lbs to 23 lbs.
you can feel the difference. Cheap way to get a lighter flywheel.

drdode

Yes exactly. I am considering a 81/82 factory flywheel since those were the lightest years it came in. If not, maybe a racing beat light steel one.

kutukutu1

iTrader: (5)

So clean!!. nice find

redlightrich

iTrader: (1)

Beautiful. I have a 79 with 29000 miles, and yours seems cleaner than mine. West coast vs East coast! The west is kinder to cars.. Good on you.

To help you make a trans change choice, the 4 and 5 speed are EXACT ratios from 1st thru 4th. Both trannys have a 1 to 1 in 4th gear. In the 5 speed, fifth is an overdrive, so you will lower your cruise rpm, but it will not change anywhere else. I bought the RB lightweight steel flywheel, and it revs very quickly.

Thanks for sharing and enjoy

Rich

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

The rear end is different between the 5 and 4 speeds.

drdode

Thanks man!

drdode

Wow 29k miles, nice! Yeah, glad mine doesn't have that rust proof gunk everywhere, got lucky this was local and was originally sold in California.

I need that overdrive as I like driving to different places in all these southern Ca freeways. But I'll enjoy the 4 speed for now

Yeah I'd like my rev to go up quicker, thanks I'll look into the RB steel one for sure

drdode

So do I have to also find a rear end off a 5 speed?

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

Sorry man..It's late,I'm tired but OVER tired and thinking Crazy..

I thought your title would have entailed some pornography and a Mexican..!..('Sup Homes???)..Oh come on!..that is FUNNY..!

(Dude..you would not believe the piles of cassettes I got ..hahha..!)
Beautiful car..and white too..hard to keep pristine.I Commend you!

drdode

Hahaa! Oh I get it, like 'sup esssayy' lol my first esssay holmes

Thank you, I appreciate it!

redlightrich

iTrader: (1)

I will check, but I believe the rear end ratio is the same.

I have the factory specs for the SA's and it comes in very useful. I will report back.

And yes, my car was all gooey with rust proof. Probably why it is so solid now.

Rich

redlightrich

iTrader: (1)

Based on my factory book, the rear ends are the same ratio for 4 and 5 speed. 3.909 is the ratio. It is easy to verify, raise the wheels and mark the shaft and wheels, spin and count.

So you just need an SA trans to accomplish your goal ( along with a 5 speed **** to make it look authentic).

Rich

SKYDRIFTER350

Beautiful car!!!!! I should have shopped around more before I made my decision..LOL...

I wouldn't chop that one up with aftermarket parts....it's a classic just s it is!
Cheers!

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

How fast is your engine turning at 60mph?


If the rear ends are different you'll need to mess with your speedo as well.


Nissan (or at least Datsun) used a different rear for their 4 and 5 speeds.

drdode

Thanks for the info Rich, that's good to know.

Allen

drdode

Thanks a lot man! Not gonna do any chopping, whatever I do/done I should be able to put everything back to stock since I'm holding onto everything I change.

drdode

I'm not sure at the moment, but I'll find soon enough. Thanks for the heads up

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

The rear ends are the same for SAs, this ain't no Datsun. LOL! All are 3.909 all day long.

Qingdao

iTrader: (3)

That's so weird. Why would Mazda release a vehicle that would SCREAM at 100mph?!

Cruising in one would be a bear.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Back the day, a 4 speed was plenty, especially for 55 mph limits. Anyone with a brain got the 5 speed if possible.