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MG TD TF 1500 - Skyhook Engineering 5 Speed Datsun 210 Conversion

This is part 2 of my previous posting.

To all you T series owners that have or are familiar with Skyhook Engineering 5 Speed Datsun 210 Conversion.

I have been thinking about forming a group of interested owners that would be willing to share there experience with the Skyhook Engineering 5 Speed Datsun 210 Conversion. If such a group already exists I would appreciate the information.

If not perhaps we could form an email list of owners so that we might help each other in times of need.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this subject.

Thanks,
Mort
mortres@pobox.com
Mort Resnicoff

Mort
I have a steve neal gearbox I believe it is a Datson 210 conversion. Last I heard about Steve was he had had a stroke and was no longer making them. Not sure but that was some time ago.
I did find and replace the bushings for the gearstick with Datson brass ones. My stick had got really floppy and the nylon bushings had worn out.
I am looking back through my records to see if I can find the info for them.
One link was:

https://www.datsunparts.com/Transmission-5-Speed.
also
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=datsun+speedometer+pinion&ul_noapp=true

My speedo gearbox converter jammed up and broke the cable. I was concerned the pinion in the gearbox had stripped but I was lucky. The pinion gear was green and had 17 teeth but was in good condition.
So far have not had any issues, though it has started to rattle a bit, but it may be down to timing. I need to revisit that.
I am using RedLine MT-90 oil

Rod.
Rod Jones

I suppose you could include me with your group.
L E D LaVerne

Mort,

I believe I have his last or next-to-last transmission. Please add me to the list.

Jim

James Neel

Mort - I have a couple; please add me.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Just as a follow-up:

I sent an email to Steve Neal at Skyhook. He responded promptly with a lot of good advice.

I am in the "take it apart phase".

I will post observations when they become apparent.

As time permits I will set up a group email List for more direct communication on this transmission conversion.

I will post this posting on both threads.

Mort
Mort Resnicoff

John Scragg
Peter Hehir
Rod Jones
James Neal

Gentlemen,

I have started an email group called "Datsun 210 Group".
There are a few names in the group now. If you would like to be included please send me your email address. Mine is above.

I will post on both threads.
Mort
Mort Resnicoff

Since I had foolishly dropped the oil pan before checking the transmission fluid I decided to pull the engine to ensure that when I replaced the oil pan the engine would continue to run leak free.

The transmission is still in the vehicle and independently secured.

It appears to me that if there is a seal failure, there is an oil path through that hole in the bottom of the cover and into the bell housing. The O-ring appears to be intact.
To my eye I cannot see a catastrophic failure of the seal. However, since all the oil is gone from the transmission I must assume that it got passed the seal.

Before I use too heavy a hand, is there a preferred method for removing this seal from the cover? I tried to gently pry it out but it was installed with a green sealant and is quite stubborn.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mort



Mort Resnicoff

It sounds like Green Loctite. 68X, That stuff holds VERY well.
Here is what the manufacturer says.
FOR DISSASEMBLY
1) Remove with standard hand tools
2) If needed apply localized heat to assembly. Remove while hot.
3) If this temperature is not possible, heat as much as possible, and use mechanical aids,

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Hi Mort. I wouldn't be of any use in the group as I know less than nothing about the conversion. I'm hoping that the original box, a hotter cam and a 4.3 rear end will give me the performance and reliability that I need to both cruise the highway without flogging the engine and to zap around town. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Neglected to give recommended temp.
250 F

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Peter,

I fitted a 5 speed and kept the original axel. That was a misstep. In effect, I got only 4 gears - 2nd through 5, as first was only good for stump-pulling. at best 5mph.
I fitted the pumpkin from a 4.3 MGA via Dave Clark and got what I was looking for. Good normal highway and OK on the interstate, It (my 53 TD) will do 70 mph and the engine is not trying to leap out and join me in the passenger seat. Even with a hot cam, you will benefit from having the 4.3 axel with a 5-speed box.

it is all very well hidden and only those in the know will see the difference. :)

Rod.
Rod Jones

Mort,

Tom Lange asked to be on the list.

Jim
James Neel

Jim Neal, Tom Lange is on the list.

Rod, I have the Datsun 5 speed and use all 5 gears easily. I went from the original 5.125 rear to a 4.55 courtesy of Dave Clark also. I didn't want to go too low and create problems at the low end. The engine has billet crank, roller lifters, modified cam, +.060" cylinders, forged and coated pistons and oversized valves. The supercharger boosts the HP to some higher amount???
It is smooth and relaxed in first gear all the way up to 5th. I can cruise the highways at 80-85 and it runs smooth and steady, as though I am doing 50 mph. I've had it to the upper 80's and it wanted to do more but I didn't.

Jim Benjamin, Thanks for the info Jim. I bought a seal removal tool and used my heat gun to warm it up. I made a block as Steve Neal from Skyhook suggested. A piece of 2x4 drilled 1" hole and saw cut the long way thru and clamped it all in the vise. It held the it nice and tight and the seal came out easily.

Mort


Mort Resnicoff

This thread was discussed between 26/07/2019 and 04/08/2019

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