This is something I had rest on zcarz.us
"Nissan called the '77-80 trans a "wide ratio" while the '81-83 was called a "close ratio" 5-speed. The early one has the lowest 1st/2nd gears for acceleration, but a wide spread between 2nd and 3rd. The later one has a taller 1st/2nd but a tighter spread between 2nd and 3rd. It also has a much taller 5th for cruising. Your choice.
The early 5-speed is a 4-speed with 5th and reverse sharing the same fork. He said it's common for people to "blow" 5th gear as the fork is weaker. He stated the later 5-speed is a genuine 5-speed which is stouter. I call the early one a 280a and the later a 280b to keep them straight."
My understanding would be there is another 5spd with tighter 2nd/3rd gears. Or a 4spd would help. But if the 5spd is the same 1-4, then what would be a fix for getting rid of the wide gap between 2nd and 3rd that would keep me in my boost? I am not sure of my gearing, but if that is a step closer for me I am open to any and all ideas. I'll look into the 80-83 4spd too.
Thanks