Thread: nissan 5 speed conversion

I did one using a Marks 4wd Adapters kit in 1994. It used a Cabstar gearbox and from memory went together without any dramas. I fitted it to a SWB SIII witha Holden 186 and standard (4.7:1) diffs and 7.50R16 tyres.

On the road it was great - at the time I travelled a fair bit from Sydney to Dubbo (NSW). Prior to fitting it a mate asked if it was worth it from a financial view, that being the savings in fuel offsetting the cost of the kit. I think I would have to still be driving the thing to the moon and back every week to realise that, but at that time I didn't want/couldn't afford any other type of 4wd.

So, is it worth it - depends on the cost of the kit and labour to fit it (I did it myself). From a driving point of view, I'm over sitting in a noisy, hot and uncomfortable vehicle, so an extra gear wouldn't tempt me back into a Series for daily and long distance use....but equally I know the affection we have for old rattlers that rules the head.

It was a good kit, strong box and served me well for 7 years 'til rust got the better of the chassis.

All the best,

Matt.

Not trying to hijack your thread Eddy S, but I too would love to hear from anyone who has done that conversion. I have an ED33 with the Cabstar 5sp with Marks adapter and series x-fer case sitting waiting for the right recipient.




Cheers,
Daryl.

Originally Posted by mudmouse

I did one using a Marks 4wd Adapters kit in 1994. It used a Cabstar gearbox and from memory went together without any dramas. I fitted it to a SWB SIII witha Holden 186 and standard (4.7:1) diffs and 7.50R16 tyres.

On the road it was great - at the time I travelled a fair bit from Sydney to Dubbo (NSW). Prior to fitting it a mate asked if it was worth it from a financial view, that being the savings in fuel offsetting the cost of the kit. I think I would have to still be driving the thing to the moon and back every week to realise that, but at that time I didn't want/couldn't afford any other type of 4wd.

So, is it worth it - depends on the cost of the kit and labour to fit it (I did it myself). From a driving point of view, I'm over sitting in a noisy, hot and uncomfortable vehicle, so an extra gear wouldn't tempt me back into a Series for daily and long distance use....but equally I know the affection we have for old rattlers that rules the head.

It was a good kit, strong box and served me well for 7 years 'til rust got the better of the chassis.

All the best,

Matt.

Thanks mate for the info. Did you have to move the Holden engine forward to fit the T/F case and all the leavers in the original place? Any mods to the front prop shafts and rear tail shafts required? I have an Original six car, to my knowledge the radiator is in the original position and all the gear leavers are in there original places with no changes to front and rear prop shafts. To move the engine up would be a pain resulting in the radiator to also be moved. Correct me if I'm wrong Marks adaptors no longer to the Cabstar kits anymore. Best regards Eddie.

Hi Eddie.

I'm testing my memory but I think the kit pushed the gearbox/transfer back a bit (with the engine in the original position) but because mine was a SWB with a Salisbury diff, the pinion angle was too great and would have caused premature failure of the uni and massive vibrations.

I moved the engine forward to accomodate this which meant I fabbed up a Stage 1 style grill/radiator mount and pretty much chopped out most of the front cross member. I'm pretty sure an ex-army (LW front prop shaft bolted in so I only had to have the rear one shortened.

After a while I managed to change the bonnet and grill back to original (S3) without moving the engine/box/transfer.

Anyway this was a long time ago - I'll see if I can find some photos - and was a bit of a pain because it was a SWB vehicle.

I've had a look at Marks website and it seems he's stopped the Cabstar conversion. The only other place I've used and can recommend is Dellow Automotive in Revesby NSW (he's got a website). It's a family show and are very helpful...

Onya,

Matt.

Originally Posted by mudmouse

Hi Eddie.

I'm testing my memory but I think the kit pushed the gearbox/transfer back a bit (with the engine in the original position) but because mine was a SWB with a Salisbury diff, the pinion angle was too great and would have caused premature failure of the uni and massive vibrations.

I moved the engine forward to accomodate this which meant I fabbed up a Stage 1 style grill/radiator mount and pretty much chopped out most of the front cross member. I'm pretty sure an ex-army (LW front prop shaft bolted in so I only had to have the rear one shortened.

After a while I managed to change the bonnet and grill back to original (S3) without moving the engine/box/transfer.

Anyway this was a long time ago - I'll see if I can find some photos - and was a bit of a pain because it was a SWB vehicle.

I've had a look at Marks website and it seems he's stopped the Cabstar conversion. The only other place I've used and can recommend is Dellow Automotive in Revesby NSW (he's got a website). It's a family show and are very helpful...

Onya,

Matt.

Thanks Matt, I called Dellow they dont do the conversion foe series 3 Landy... What a pain.