'90 300zx ..Wanting to Upgrade Transmission

[loksch]

I took this car over from my Wife with 83K km on it . My aim is to make it into a "Sunday Outstanding Driver". The first frustration is with the transmission ...it's a 3 speed auto with overdrive..right? I want to retain the auto trans but am interested in learning about the applicable transmissions since 1990. Is the '92 - '94 auto trans enough of an improvement over the '90 trans ? How 'swappable' would that adaptation be? Is there another - later model - auto trans that could 'hook up' to my '90 without any great cutting, etc?
Please send me whatever info you might have on this - am very interested in becoming more conversant on these models and need your help to get there.
TKU

[NolimitZ32]

There is absolutely no difference in the transmissions for the Z32. Your only choice for a true upgrade with an auto is a full custom build AFAIK.

[loksch]

TKU..."AFAIK" - is that a brand name? What would be the contact info for them ?

[NolimitZ32]

AFAIK = As Far As I Know

[Ace2cool]

You could theoretically mate a Z33 trans to it, but I've never seen it done. Would need to swap the bellhousing, possibly needing an adapter, fab a mount, get a custom driveshaft, and *maybe* that's it.

Z1 also offers a built Auto trans for $2000, but it's still a Z32 auto and will have the same issues down the line, just maybe not as soon.

No one really looks at swapping other automatic transmissions into these cars. Most everyone just swaps to manual.

[DCaff300ZX]

You could theoretically mate a Z33 trans to it, but I've never seen it done. Would need to swap the bellhousing, possibly needing an adapter, fab a mount, get a custom driveshaft, and *maybe* that's it.

Z1 also offers a built Auto trans for $2000, but it's still a Z32 auto and will have the same issues down the line, just maybe not as soon.

No one really looks at swapping other automatic transmissions into these cars. Most everyone just swaps to manual.

Agreed, when I was looking into a trans for my NA years ago I wanted a built A/T and as Ace mentioned there ARE built A/T's, but they are built up OEM units which is no real help given the trans itself is weak and prone to many issues. They add the HKS ALC2 and potentially some heavier-duty bands and seals, so basically a drag strip trans as I see it.
Since you mention wanting to be more conversant with the Z32 and trans, a particular piece of info is to NOT have Nissan/anyone do the trans flush procedure, EVER, as it backflushes crap back into the trans and since the trans has no removable filter it all collects on the screen to be pushed back in as soon as you leave the joint...and possibly it fails on the way home as mine did!
My guy at the time accidentally did the trans flush despite my knowing of the issue, and wanting JUST a fluid removal and change. After it died on the way home and he obviously took no responsibility, he and I were done and the M/T swap was on...and I'll never have a Nissan A/T again, period.
Another tidbit for the Z32 newbie is to find a VERY reputable Z32 mechanic, as in my experience all others will (and in my case, did) butcher your Z32 from lack of knowledge and experience with the car, and from using non-OEM parts.
Good Luck!

[Ace2cool]

The other thing about the Auto Line Converter is that it makes transmissions shift fast, and hard. Probably not what you're looking for as far as replacements go.

[loksch]

Thanks to all who took the time to help. Much apprecvited.