What a nice Holiday surprise. While I was out running for a few last gifts today, the SA did something that I thought was just a fluke, untill it did it a few more times. It started when I was pulling a hill on the interstate. Just "bing", jumped out of fifth. I thought maybe I didn't get it all the way in when I first upshifted getting on the highway. A few hills later, it did it again. I can pull a hill without it doing it, if I keep the throttle steady, but I it will pop out on command if I gas it.

I have two choices. Pull the tranny and fix it, or swap in the spare FB trans I have in the garage. I really don't know why the SA trans is only doing this in fifth. The FB trans I have is in good shape, but I will have to cut the shifter hole in the tunnel to make it work. My question is, what parts of the SA and FB internals are interchangeable? Would it be worth tearing two transmission apart to fix one, without buying a bunch of parts over the holidays? Or would it be quicker and easier to go ahead with just doing what I have to, to put the FB trans in there?

I have access to a FB that has the plate and gasket for the shifter. And I have already changed the dash in the SA to a series 3 dash from a 85. A plus would be the newer shifter location would fit the S3 dash better. So keeping things original isn't a priority. Just looking for some input on what options I have. I may only have one day over the holidays to fix it. Btw, happy freakin holidays!

 

I am down for Saturday afternoon if you need any help. Call you in 15 minutes, I got your message and should leave work by then.

 

I swapped the SA tailshaft housing onto the FB transmission. I think all you have to do is take apart both transmissions, swap the shifter forks from the SA to the FB transmission and put back together with the SA tailshaft housing. Not too hard, easier than relocating the shifter location.

RXDad

 

If that's possible, than that would be easier than cutting the floor. That is one of the things that I wanted to know if those parts would interchange.

 

yes, just swap the tail housings and shifting rod. once u get them apart, u'll see exactly what u'll need to swap. this is how i put an '83 tranny into my 808. but i kept the '83 tail housing and shortened what was needed cause i wanted to keep the short shifter. i wished later on that i had done a writeup cause it would have helped lots other ppl that were wanting to do the same thing to keep from cutting the floor in their rx3/808's.

 

Did the shifter return to center and now it doesn't? Or did it not return to center anyway? Before pulling the tranny, pull the shifter, which you'll need to do anyway, and check for debris around the cup that lower ball end of the shifter sets into. Put the shifter in 2nd gear before removal, then look for unknown pieces/debris in the upper right quadrant inside the shifter extention housing. You might try running a pencil magnet around the inside of extension housing to see if you pick up any metal debris. It's the debris that may be preventing you from fully engaging 5th gear.

If all that fails, then it's on to the above options.

 

not all SA trannies are swappable with FB tailshaft.

 

I had a problem awhile ago that had my 2nd, 4th, and R gears coming back out of gear. found out the side of the tranny mount close to the exhuast side fell down... the bolt came out to hold the tranny mount up. jacked up the tranny then put another bolt in there and had the gears staying in again. could be your stituation, might not, hope you figure it out. Merry Christmas.

 

Correct. Only some of the '80 models were swappable with FB trannies. I had an old '79 5 speed that was not swappable.

 

Ain't popping out of 5th gear a sign that the clutch needs replacement?

 

no. it's a problem inside the tranny.

 

The trans is returning to nuetral. You can actually watch the shfter move out of fifth, like you pull it without using the clutch.

 

If you don't want that tranny... I'll take it off your hands

 

Sounds like the syncro or actual 5th is stripped.

Time for a trip to the junkyard....

 

I've got an FB 12A trans if you need it, but I'm a good ways down the road. It'll happily take the SA tailshaft.

 

Thanks Crit. I have a good FB trans just sitting in the garage. Stu, if you want the old SA trans, you can have it. I have decided to just go with the FB trans. I think I will be better off in the long run anyway.

 

All I have to say is I hope you get it runnin b4 our meet!
Good Luck
~andrew

 

gives u slightly taller gears than the SA.

 

Woo woo! I'll get it torn down after the 12a.

 

It really doesn't matter. I have the Turbo FB laying in wait in the garage . The SA has just been the DD since I put her back on the road. Come spring time, the SA is going to be up for sale. I just wanted to drive it over the winter to work all the kinks out since it sat for 10 plus years.

 

Well Stu, I have a slightly used SA trans sitting in front of the garage. Yours for the taking. I decided to leave the FB trans as is, and cut the floor. I don't hold any hard feeling for the other SA owners out there, but I am glad I have that big rig shifter out if there! Plus thing is, it will work out great with the S3 dash.

 

I'll drop by sometime and pick it up Thanks!

Startin to look real good! I remember seeing the car when it was nothing but skin and bones... Amazing what it is now.

 

Still won't hold a candle to the Turbo FB. But she has come a long way from a $100 parts car. Just goes to show what can happen when you are part of a caring and giving Rotary community. Any body who has donated parts, or time for the Junkyard Queen, I thank you .