In regards to the Type 9 Ford 5-speed conversion; I've heard some mixed opinions on them. Things like transmission noise, trying to actually find a decent unit here in the 'States (Merkur XR4TI, some Ford Capris and 4-banger Mustangs), relocating the shifter, etc, all seem to point towards a big hassle trying to fit one.
There's a company in Australia that uses a Toyota transmission, but I can't remember the name of it. Again, there's considerable modification to both the transmission and car to fit one.
In my case, I scored a 1275cc "A+" engine from a Metro Turbo, complete (even has the 11-stud head!) with new Venolia forged pistons and boring already done (needs align-bored, however), all for $75, sans the front engine plate. I'll be installing this engine, along with Moss' supercharger kit and Rivergate's 5-speed conversion, this spring. Again based on all I've heard and asked about, the Rivergate kit is the way to go, and I can speak firsthand about how comprehensive and complete the kit is... but there's still a couple of issues with it, good as it is.
Anybody need a freshly overhauled and blueprinted Triumph 1500 and transmission (first gear synchro needs to be replaced...)? Less than 5,000 miles on it now!
Rivergate's kit directly fits the car, with no modification whatsoever, and now includes a badly-needed rubber-type rear main seal conversion. The issue is; finding the correct model 60A Datsun 5-speed, found in the late '79 through '82 Datsun 210 (NOT the B210... that's the type 59A transmission, which is much bigger and requires a great deal more work to fit). The guy I bought my transmission from is in California, and last I knew, has four or five more of these transmissions already removed from the cars, steam-cleaned, and ready to ship. I can provide his details if you're interested. The second issue is Rivergate says you're unable to use the stock reverse light switch. I can now understand why, as the switch itself is about an inch and a quarter long! It'll hit the side of the transmission tunnel. I'll fiddle around and see if I can't modify the tunnel slightly to allow for clearance, and post details of my progress/failure. I really don't want to run a separate switch for backup lights!
Alternatively, you could also swap in the later Datsun A14 or A15 engine (almost a direct knock-off of the Austin/BMC engine), along with the 5-speed. I understand it's a very simple swap, and the Datsun engine is good for 100hp or so, right out of its original home! Parts are pretty widely available, and there's no shortage of performance goodies. To a further benefit, the Datsun engine has proven to be very durable and reliable.
Anyway, the biggest benefit to the Datsun unit is its weight and durability! The complete transmission, with all the associated hardware and oil, weighs just about 60lbs! That's dramatically lighter than the Triumph trans and bellhousing, and notably lighter than the stock A-series 'rib-case'... and all the gears are synchro'd. My transmission got a teardown and inspection the same evening it showed up on my doorstep. I'm happy to report the internals are in immaculate shape, showing only a marginal amount of wear! Overall, the quality of these transmissions is outstanding.
It's cold, damp, dark, and drafty with the top up and headlights on... British motoring at its best!