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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Rivergate 5 speed conversion

What type and weight of oil is used in the Datsun 210 5 speed transmission? I'm in the mild of doing a Rivergate 5 speed conversion and need to know what trans oil it uses.
Stephen Roode

It uses regular transmission/differential oil 80/90 weight. That's what I've been using for years in mine with no problems.

What differential do you have? If you don't have one already, get a 3:90 which will give you a reasonable cruising speed. And since the Datsun first and second gears are a bit lower than the stock Spridget ones, you don't lose out on the acceleration of the Spridget box. I have 185/70 x 13 tires on 6 inch rims and at 3000 RPM I'm doing 62 mph (100 km). One of the better upgrades that I did to my Frogeye. I can cruise all day without being deafened by high engine revs. And of course, there is always that synchro first gear.
Martin

Thanks. I'm already running a 3.9. I've also installed a Mallory dual point electronic ignition system. They recommend using a ballast resistor but don't say what size. Have any thoughts as to what I should use?
Stephen Roode

Since I'm running points and condenser, I'm not much use as far as a ballast goes. I'm sure someone will come along with the correct info. Or you could always try our good friend Google. Let us know how you get on with the 5 speed.
Martin

Martin will do.
Stephen Roode

I have run the Rivergate conversion for about 100,000 miles. It has more advantages than disadvantages but do observe the following:

-The front "conversion" U-joint is an inadequate adaptation. It uses a typical Spicer type cross with larger bearings and bearing caps on the Datsun yoke side but there is a slight amount of play between the cross and the Datsun-size bearing cap. The Chinese GMB (or the like) joint is crap. A real Spicer cross with the bearings and bearing caps and lots of heavy grease will extend the life of the front U-joint beyond the 5,000 miles or so that can be expected from the one supplied with the kit. Invest in a real Dana-Spicer cross. 5-101X with the two bearing caps and needles for the Datsun yoke side heavily greased.

-The original Rivergate clutch disc had rubber dampers in the clutch disk, not springs. The later disc has springs and they will not hold up. One shift into 5th on a hill or under a load and a spring will pop loose and lock the whole clutch up in a catastrophic failure. It has happened to me twice on the same overpass. Insist on the disc with rubber dampers. I went back to the one supplied with my original kit and it is fine.

-The speedometer angle drive needs to be packed with grease. It is exposed to water and without proper packing, will fill with rust and seize up.

Once you have 5 speeds, you won't go back but removing the engine and transmission in order to change clutch discs does get a bit old.

Also, be sure not to over tighten the drain plug in the B210 transmission. Use a bit of teflon tape and tighten just enough. The case splits easily if the plug is overtightened and they are getting hard to find.
Glenn Mallory

This thread was discussed between 08/05/2020 and 14/05/2020

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