RB26DETT Z32 Trans Combo

[sky_is_the_limit]

I've looked and looked and yet to find a good good informational write up on a RB26DETT Z32 Trans Combo. I was hopping to share what I have found and maybe some of you can share what you have with me. As you can imagine I'm going this swap and I'm just trying to find some good information. Bellow is the best information that I have found via other sites, really couldn't find much on here, the search button isn't helping me at all. The more information and pics the better, if no one else has any I plan on doing a full write up since I have to do the conversion anyway, just trying to figure out exactly what I need to do as I have the main idea on what needs done. Thank you in advance for your help!

This is the best information I could find on the swap, found others but this was the most detail. Just trying to see what else is out there, maybe someone else has some good info!

http://www.rbz32.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=658

Re: how do i mount z32 trans to rb26 bell housing
Postby ZFreak(Dallas) on Tue Aug 04, 2009 2:15 pm
If it helps, here's the info from my writeup....

Swapping Bell housing from the RB26DETT AWD transmission (5speed)
There are a few things that you will be starting with. First, you must have a 300zx 1990-1996 Z32 5 speed transmission. It can be a twin turbo or a non turbo transmission. The internals of them are identical; the only difference being the size of the bell housing (which we will not be using). You must also have the RB26DETT AWD 5 speed (not the 6 speed GETRAG AWD transmission, as it is COMPLETELY different). The other item you will need is a new OEM Nissan front gasket for the 300zx transmission. This is just a few dollars at the Nissan dealer.

Begin by draining the fluid out of the transmissions using a ½” drive ratchet or breaker bar on the bottom of the transmissions to open the drain plug. The AWD RB26DETT transmission will require one additional step; that being the necessity to drain the gear oil from the transfer case on the rear of the transmission. You will notice underneath the area where the rear driveshaft would normally be inserted, a black piece with two 12mm or 14mm bolts holding it on. You need to remove these, pull the black part out, and drain the fluid out. Replace the part when it is fully drained.

On the RB26DETT transmission, if you haven’t already, remove the clutch fork from inside the bell housing by pulling the pin out of the top of the bolt going through the clutch fork. Remove the bolt now. The clutch fork should be easy to remove then.

You will now see several 12mm bolts on the front of the transmission. Remove them, but recall which ones go where, as some are different lengths. Once the cover is removed from the RB26DETT transmission, feel free to toss it, as we will not be reusing this. We will be using the cover from the 300zx transmission on the RB26 bell housing. Using a set of snap ring pliers, remove the snap rings on the front of the bearings and set them aside.

The remaining step is really quite simple. On the bell housing section exterior, remove the 14mm bolts (should be about 8 bolts) and set the bolts aside, keeping track of which bolts go where. Once everything is removed, you should be able to use a rubber hammer and tap the bell housing off of the transmission assembly. It may take quite a bit of convincing, but it will come off.

Repeat this for the 300zx transmission, but save the front cover from the 300zx bell housing, as well as the clutch fork, fork pivot ball, and throw out bearing.

Assembly: It would be a good time to clean all the parts up before doing this, as everything is easily accessible. Using some red or grey RTV gasket maker, apply a generous amount to the back of the RB26DETT bell housing and let it set up for about 5 minutes. CAREFULLY slide the RB26DETT bell housing onto the 300zx transmission assembly and bolt the exterior bolts from the 300zx transmission or the RB26DETT transmission to the bell housing (the bolts should be the same from both transmissions, so it’s your choice). Tighten them ONLY HAND TIGHT to the transmission so the RTV sealant has time to set up. Once they have sat like that for about an hour, fully tighten all of the transmission bolts. Remember those snap rings we set aside earlier? Put those in place on the front of the transmission where you took them out earlier. Install the new OEM Nissan gasket on the front cover and install the 300zx transmission front cover onto the RB26DETT bell housing, tightening all bolts. There you have it! Completely converted transmission bell housing ready for your RB26DETT swap! Now, if only there was a way to convert the pull type clutch to a push type. (Next section)

oh, and I forgot to mention in that writeup: There is a piece on the RB26 bellhousing with 1 17mm and 1 14mm bolt that must be removed before the bellhousing will separate. There is a ball bearing and spring inside of it...don't lose them!

[OutToWinPAHC]

hmm this is nifty

[sky_is_the_limit]

Cheaper way to having my RWD RB30/26 solution. And easier to get a hold of mainly.

[240z4u]

I did this a LONG time ago, and obviously Andy provided a great writeup on it when he did it. Do you have a question?

[sky_is_the_limit]

Ehhh, not yet since I haven't really dove into it. I'm sure I will once I start. Also, anyone have a good line on RB26 transmission parts? Mainly looking for synchro's, then ill make sure all the gears are as they should and maybe have the rest cryo treated as well. I'm going to rebuild it while I'm in there, or at least try.

[Carl H]

uh...this was posted like 4 years ago...

[sky_is_the_limit]

Yes, and? I'm trying to find more information on it. I know this is an old idea and is nothing new, but what I supplied was the best information that I could find anywhere. I searched and searched... If anyone can supply anything else that would awesome.

[Carl H]

see the service manual for the z32, essentially all you're doing is taking the bell housing off and putting it back on.

[sky_is_the_limit]

Ok, thank you. I'll have to download one offline.

[240z4u]

As carl said, that's really all there is to it. It's very easy.

[sky_is_the_limit]

From what I'm looking at I would have to agree with you. Did you have to shave down the input shaft? Ive read that in some places.

[RRRRB]

Ehhh, not yet since I haven't really dove into it. I'm sure I will once I start. Also, anyone have a good line on RB26 transmission parts? Mainly looking for synchro's, then ill make sure all the gears are as they should and maybe have the rest cryo treated as well. I'm going to rebuild it while I'm in there, or at least try.

Synchro's are not always the issue when it comes to gear grinding, depending on what year and type of transmission you have, there are different types of synchro's.. As far as i can tell you cannot replace the 1-2/ 3-4 sliders on any R32 or z32 transmission without updating to the newer synchro style, this requires lots of parts about 1k worth.. the gears are different as are the synchros and sliders.. sliders generally take just as much of a beating as synchros do so if its been grinding chances are it needs sliders as well..

You can get the older style syncho rings and insert springs, however whats the point if the sliders are toast.

R33 Rb26 GTR transmissions have updated syncros and gears, the parts to repair if need be are available state side

R34 rb25 Neo transmissions also have updated synchros and gears.. parts are also easy to get..

R32 RB26 GTR, R33 RB25 GTS, and all US Z32 transmissions have the older style synchro setups.

I have personally taken apart and own r33 and r34 RB25 transmissions as well as z32 so i know the info about those is 100% correct..

[sky_is_the_limit]

Ehhh, not yet since I haven't really dove into it. I'm sure I will once I start. Also, anyone have a good line on RB26 transmission parts? Mainly looking for synchro's, then ill make sure all the gears are as they should and maybe have the rest cryo treated as well. I'm going to rebuild it while I'm in there, or at least try.

Synchro's are not always the issue when it comes to gear grinding, depending on what year and type of transmission you have, there are different types of synchro's.. As far as i can tell you cannot replace the 1-2/ 3-4 sliders on any R32 or z32 transmission without updating to the newer synchro style, this requires lots of parts about 1k worth.. the gears are different as are the synchros and sliders.. sliders generally take just as much of a beating as synchros do so if its been grinding chances are it needs sliders as well..

You can get the older style syncho rings and insert springs, however whats the point if the sliders are toast.

R33 Rb26 GTR transmissions have updated syncros and gears, the parts to repair if need be are available state side

R34 rb25 Neo transmissions also have updated synchros and gears.. parts are also easy to get..

R32 RB26 GTR, R33 RB25 GTS, and all US Z32 transmissions have the older style synchro setups.

I have personally taken apart and own r33 and r34 RB25 transmissions as well as z32 so i know the info about those is 100% correct..

Well that sucks, I have not idea if they grind or not. I bought it all used and I dont even remember the guys name I bought it off of, got it through a friend of a friend. May as well prepare for a complete rebuild of the trans so looks like ill be updating it all. Thank you for that information and I will be looking more into that. The information is greatly appreciated sir.

[RRRRB]

Its almost worth just buying an R34 neo trans.. its a big job to go thru and update that entire trans.. they dont come apart without pullers and a press.. i rebuilt my r33 trans with new bearings and synchros and got some good sliders out of a z32 trans..

Although its tough to find R34 neo trannies seperate from the engine, i got lucky and found mine on ebay advertised as a r33 transmission.. I bought it just to have as a back up

[sky_is_the_limit]

The issue I have with that is say I get another r34 rwd trans and it needs rebuilt, it will cost just as much as where I am at now plus the cost of the trans.

[RRRRB]

it will cost you at least 6 hours of labor for a shop to go thru that transmission, unless you plan on doing it yourself it might be worth the gamble.. The transmission i got looks incredibly mint inside, i was truly surprized. However the trans i got with my swap (R33) was in terrible shape.. ground bad, insert springs on the drain plug, and it was noisy.

Hard choice to make, either way its spendy but having those better synchros i feel is a investment worthwhile if you drive your car hard.

[sky_is_the_limit]

Its going to be driven hard, I plan on a high horse power build that is really going to max out the factory transmission. I was planning on having it gone through and having all the parts replaced anyways to be honest... Still hard to choose...