Ideal transmission for VH45DE?

[Robstar]

After reading quite a few of the threads around here, I couldn't find much information on transmissions hooking upto the engine.

From what I can gather, it came in the Q45 attached with an auto transmission. If you want to put a manual transmission on it, you have to get an adapter?

Also it seems common for people to attach a Z32 manual transmission on it, I'm still in the learning process of all this, but why the Z32 in particular, are there many other choices and this is just a cheaper but still effective choice for most enthusiasts?

Is having a manual take advantage of the engine better? or is it just completely personal preference for those who don't need to hold their hamburger or stick the finger up at someone who cuts you off.

So many thoughts I have on this.

[mtcookson]

The Z32 5-speed is popular because it is strong, inexpensive, readily available, and the Z32 flywheel/clutch bolts up to the VH. I think it also has pretty good gear ratios for the VH.

The extra gear gives you a little more play room plus the 5-speed will have a little less power loss than the auto. Having a lightweight clutch/flywheel also allows the engine to rev much freer as well. They're a lot more fun to drive with as well.

About the only thing the autos are good for is drag racing and lazy cruising, when you just want to kick back and cruise down the interstate or something.

[nismo silvia]

I am custome making a belhousing to mate up the z32 trans to the vh. This would eliminate the need for spacers on the flywheel and there would be alot less bolts. I should be producing these by summer I'm taking the bellhousing to get a mold made the housing will be the same price as the adapter plate but after I am done 5 speeding my q45 I will be selling a kit that includes everything for the conversion also I may make a simaler kit for the 240sx just have to see how things go with the q first.

[Robstar]

I am custome making a belhousing to mate up the z32 trans to the vh. This would eliminate the need for spacers on the flywheel and there would be alot less bolts. I should be producing these by summer I'm taking the bellhousing to get a mold made the housing will be the same price as the adapter plate but after I am done 5 speeding my q45 I will be selling a kit that includes everything for the conversion also I may make a simaler kit for the 240sx just have to see how things go with the q first.

Be sure to let us know how that goes, looking forward to the results.

Thanks for the info mtcookson, clears up some fog for me.

[David Steele]

Metal casting is the only way I see fit and that will be a big cast because it's the whole front casing.

[elwesso]

The Z trans works great for the following reasons (IMO)

1. Adapter plates work decently.2. Clutch and flywheel from the Z bolt on.3. Mounts arent a big deal, in fact for 240sx they already make one for it.4. its strong5. Gear ratios are about perfect for the VH.