just wondering if you can identify the year of the trans(5spd) on an FB based on the serial number on the bellhousing or are there any identifiable marks on the case that would distinguish a change throughout the model years or help to identify the model year of the trans?

 

vent on bellhousing = GSL-SE
remote shifter = 81-85
non-remote shifter = 79-80

Not sure on the numbers and such. You can also narrow the year down by the number of sensors (reverse, neutral, 5th gear).

 

i know what the SA trans looks like. i have 4 FB 5speeds and i'm getting ready to do a manual trans swapinto an auto FB and i want to see if i have an 84 or 85 trans. what is the count on the switches on the trans based on model year?

 

The 79-80 shifter housing detail...



The 81-85 shifter housing detail...




If you've got an FB transmission, the year is irrelevant..if it's a 1stgen, it will fit.

 

thank you for the pics mar3! i am aware of the SA trans's identification marks and know the differnce between an SA and FB trans but those pics will be a great refernce for anyone who doesnt know the difference!

 

Good luck with the 5 speed conversion Dave. I did it once, and it is absolutely without a doubt, worth all of the work it takes. I never regretted it for a second afterwards. And as far as swapping those pedals in, may the force be with you....

Jamie

 

Actually all 84-85 transmission have the vent on bell housing.

I don't remember if the 84-85 12a transmissions have the 5th gear switch on them or not. I'll have to look at the parts catalog.

 

when you do, please let me know. i guess i'm just trying to get the gear ratios with the trans and diff matched up so that the spedometer will be accurate.

 

Most of the speedometer drive gears are the same. Pull the one from the trans that you are replacing and the one that you would be installing and count the teeth on them.

 

good idea doc!! i am going to probably wait until spring to start the swap but i am going to gather all of the info i need to do the conversion early so that i can prepare myself.

 

does anyone know if the serial number on the trans does in fact link it to a specific vin? i would imagine that it would....

 

Afaik, they never tied engine, trannys and vins together on paper, except maybe on thier own inhouse build sheet.

 

ok. i know that the engines and transmissions do have serial numbers and now, even more so i wonder why. i nknow more modern cars have the engine and trans numbes linked to the vin. my 92 Camry SE does and those numbers were verified by the state of ohio's ridiculous inspection when i got the salvage title converted to a rebuilt title. i guess i'll just end up counting the teeth on the speedometer gear in each of the transmissions that i have and compare those to the teeth on the speedomeer drive gear in the automatic trans thats currently in the car.

 

i'll take a pic of the trans i am wanting to use and post it up. maybe it has a feature that someone will recognize. i can also compare the picture to the other 3 5 speeds that i have

 

All I know about trans is the trans mount is different and needs swapped over when going from 81-82 cars and 83-85 cars. The mount depends on the car year and either mount will bolt up to any 81-85 trans (as far as 5 speeds go). I hope that makes sense somewhat...

 

if you run the vin number, and the info's in the computer it will come up with an engine number.

however everything before 91 wasnt on computer originally, so if there is a master list, its in a filing cabinet somewhere

 

I figured you'ld know for sure, numbers guy, lol.

 

All I know about trans is the trans mount is different and needs swapped over when going from 81-82 cars and 83-85 cars. The mount depends on the car year and either mount will bolt up to any 81-85 trans (as far as 5 speeds go).[/QUOTE]


I'll take some side shots of the two examples I've got to illustrate this difference tonight...

 

ok that will be cool.

 

There's a page like this for the 7 as well... Let me see ifI can find it...

http://members.aol.com/solomiata/Drivetrain.html


Speedo gear chart
Car Tooth count gear color notes

84-85 12A RX-7 17 green '79-83 coarse gears

84+ B2000/2200 truck,
84-85 13B GSL-SE RX-7 18 purple

86-91 RX-7 convt 19 red (small diameter)

90-91 Miata, 86-91 RX-7 20 black

1989-90 RX-7 GTUS 21 white 4.30:1 rear ratio

1979-82 RWD 626 22 Red

92+ Miata 23 Red

 

The pics....

 

They do not only the SE does