| 1992 | Completed 5 prototype installations of five
speed transmissions in Sprites & Midgets. Introduced the Rivergate
5 speed conversion for Sprites & Midgets, using the Datsun 210
transmission. This early kit retained the original steel plate on the
rear of the engine. Anyone with this early type adapter plate may
exchange it for the latest type at our current cost to produce the new
plate. Exchange will include revised fasteners & instructions. |
| Dec. 1996 | Changed from clutch disc made from British parts to
one made from much higher quality Japanese parts. |
| Jan. 1997 | Revised rear mount from Durometer 50 to Durometer
40 rubber pads |
| May 1997 | Revised the adapter plate to eliminate use of the
original stock plate on the rear of the engine. |
| Oct. 1998 | Introduced availability of new driveshaft yokes in
place of yokes made from used parts. |
| May 1999 | Introduced availability of an optional rear
crankshaft seal as part of the adapter plate. |
| April 2000 | Increased accuracy of the adapter plate by cutting
them with CNC water jet technology. |
| May 2000 | Revised rear crankshaft seal arrangement to provide
better sealing for engines with crankcase pressure resulting
from blow by. Anyone with the earlier seal arrangement (open
side of seal facing rearward) may exchange for the new seal
arrangement at no charge. There is presently no time
limit on this free exchange. The old seal plate should simply be
sent in for exchange for the new arrangement with revised
instructions and a tube of sealant. (Seal purchasers were
notified by mail.) |
| July 2000 | Revised instructions so that installation doesn’t
require denting the heater box for installation. This results in
an installation that requires absolutely no change to the
body/frame of the car. |
| Sept. 2000 | Major
revisions to the 5 Speed Kit resulting in it being easier to install
and better looking. Starter moved so that it lines up with starter
hole in Datsun transmission. This results in better appearance and no
notching for starter drive is necessary. Clutch operation modified so
that no filing or grinding of clutch release linkage is required.
Attachment of slave cylinder revised for more convenient installation
and bleeding. These changes have potential to shorten installation
time by hours. |
| May 2001 | All
our 5-Speed Kits now include the rear crankshaft seal plate and the
driveshaft adapter yoke, as well as all parts needed to install the
kit. |
| March 2003 | Both
5/8 and 3/4 inch pilot bushings included in all kits. |
| May 2003 | Revised
procedure for gearshift lever mods to better fit early Spridgets. |
