I just bought a KA24E with a 5 speed tranny, going to eventually swap it all in my 1981 Datsun 510.

My car has a stock Z20S engine with a 4 speed.

I'm wondering if i can begin my swap with the KA's 5 speed tranny onto my Z20 engine, until i get all of the required electrical system to do the full swap(ecu, harness etc etc) ???

(btw, i have read about swaps into 510's but none have my engine, and they are all 60's-70's cars, they are all replacing the L series engines)

You could, but it's a good bit of work and you really wouldn't gain any required strength (a NAPS-Z engine couldn't break that trans at stock output unless it's been seriously neglected) and it would be easier just to throw both in while you're at it.

i was trhinking that it would be more economical to have a 5 speed while im gathering all the stuff to do the KA swap...

The Z20 uses a smaller bell housing then the Z24. Its a lot of work to couple. Might be best to install the KA and tranny.

so i should do the swap all at once??

Yeah. That would be best.

just read your last topic, so did it work? i have a nissan napz 85 and was just thinking about the same thing. mine is automatic, it only goes up to 3 gears. planning to change it with a 96 nissan hard body tranny(manual). does the bell housing on the KA24e have the same bolt patern as the napz engine patern? really need your experienced advice. thanks nick (saipanese)

yes, the tranny will bolt up to the napZ engine, i had to use longer bolts for the starter, and a couple places in the bellhousing because it is thicker in someplaces than the original tranny. only problems im having is the driveshaft apparently cannot be shortened like i need due to no replaceable u-jonts, and the driveshaft ends taper. i also had to cut out the existing shifter hole bigger.