transmission Swap

[jtiet87]

I have a 1976 280z with a 4speed transmission. I'm wondering if I could swap it with a 5speed transmission?

[TurboKen]

You can do a direct swap with other 5 speed from 280Z-280ZX with no problem.

If your want to get a different gearing and more modern transmission. YOu can use your original bellhousing of your transmission and bolt in a 5-6 speed transmission from a 240SX. YOur bellhousing will require some modification but it can be done also the driveshaft will need to be shortened 2 inched since the 240Sx is a little longer.

Here is my Original posting in Zcar. http://www.zcar.com/forums/read/1/488434

You can also get more info from Blue's website: http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/tech....html

[evildky]

the ka swap is fine if thats all you can locate, it's nto the strongest or easiest to swap, here si a writeup I did when I swapped it a few years agohttp://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=96569

here is another thread from this very section very recentlyhttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/293033

the quickest cheapest easiest swap is the 79-73 280ZX n/a trans, it's a bolt in, if you want to put some serious power down the 82-83 280ZX Turbo T-5 is the only choice, the 240sx trans is stronger than the n/a but not as strong as the T5 (the Z31 guys are wrong!) and it's also more work to swap in

[jtiet87]

thank you =D i finally made enough money now its time to start on the engine and transmission thanks A LOT

[rwaelde]

I have installed a 5spd out of a 280zx(n/a) into my 260, but the shifter isn't lined up with the hole in the floor any more. it appears to be about an inch or 2 forward of where it used to be. Is there a remedy for this, or should I just put a crook in it so it pops out at the OG spot. It makes a hell of a stink without the rubber boot on.

Thanks, first post.

[jtiet87]

I also have a 280zx transmission N/A (83), i'm wondering do I need a new U JOINT? drive shaft or whatever? or can/will the transmission still fit in my car no problem? I have a 1976 280z.

[DemonZ]

I have installed a 5spd out of a 280zx(n/a) into my 260, but the shifter isn't lined up with the hole in the floor any more. it appears to be about an inch or 2 forward of where it used to be. Is there a remedy for this, or should I just put a crook in it so it pops out at the OG spot. It makes a hell of a stink without the rubber boot on.

Thanks, first post.

I put a 5speed in my 240 out of an 82zx 2+2, the shift arm is different, but i took it out and replaced it with my original 240's 4speed trans shift arm and it fit fine.

[evildky]

I also have a 280zx transmission N/A (83), i'm wondering do I need a new U JOINT? drive shaft or whatever? or can/will the transmission still fit in my car no problem? I have a 1976 280z.

I believe that will be a straight swap

[DemonZ]

I also have a 280zx transmission N/A (83), i'm wondering do I need a new U JOINT? drive shaft or whatever? or can/will the transmission still fit in my car no problem? I have a 1976 280z.

It's a straight swap, the only thing you may need to do is re use your old transmission mount

[jtiet87]

thanks evil and demon what would i do without yah

[jtiet87]

how much power will the 79-83 (n/a) transmission hold up to? lets say as a daily driver without any abusive driving?

[evildky]

if you're not racing it or doing hard launches it'll be fine, I'd say 300 hp is about all it would take to trash one but even then it's the launches that get you, you can out out 1000 hp as long as there si no shock load

[sharjt]

also the 83 had a Borg Warner T5. This is the Same transmission they put in the 80s model Mustangs and cameros. It's a lot stronger than the 79 - 82. I believe it should be good for up to 500 with a good clutch (Maybe).

[DemonZ]

how much power will the 79-83 (n/a) transmission hold up to? lets say as a daily driver without any abusive driving?

The 79-83 transmission is the stronger of the 2 NA Z 5 speed transmissions. The BorgWarner T5 is stronger, but depending on the condition of the internals, so long as it hasnt been abused you should be good till around 400 or so HP.The pre 79 5 speeds have a really weak 5th gear and i would not suggest using that for any turbo Z.

if you're not racing it or doing hard launches it'll be fine, I'd say 300 hp is about all it would take to trash one but even then it's the launches that get you, you can out out 1000 hp as long as there si no shock load

Z Rob Go here in Austin has a 77 Turbo Z with a little around 350HP and is using the 79-83 NA 5Speed. I have an NA 5speed from an 82 2+2 that I will be using on my car.The only problems Z Rob has is that he eats the Clutch and pressure plate(which we are replacing tonight). He just trashed a competition clutch a few weeks ago, and it also eats tail shaft seals from time to time.

The transmission itself is still in good shape.

[DemonZ]

A lot of people under estimate some of the Z parts... Yes it is true that there are some weak links on the Z, but there are parts you can replace them with that are much stronger.

Btw, I love this pic:

[evildky]

do you're eating clutches by riding the clutch to save the transmission or you just have mroe power than the cluthc can hold? are you useing the amsll or large clutch? I had destroyed a CF and a NISMO clutch of the smaller size before upgrading to the turbo flywheel, and I run a CC stage 4, it's held flawlessly, my car syno'd 299hp, it'll be closer to 4 if wiesco ever gets my pistons done

[DemonZ]

Not my car, and the clutch he destroyed w

do you're eating clutches by riding the clutch to save the transmission or you just have mroe power than the cluthc can hold? are you useing the amsll or large clutch? I had destroyed a CF and a NISMO clutch of the smaller size before upgrading to the turbo flywheel, and I run a CC stage 4, it's held flawlessly, my car syno'd 299hp, it'll be closer to 4 if wiesco ever gets my pistons done

Not my car, and the clutch he destroyed was a Clutch Masters Comp clutch rated at 400HP. The clutch disk was shredded and the pressure plate was also damaged. Based on the damage to the pressure plate, it appears that it was the reason the clutch disk shredded. The transmission itself has had no problem. The gear oil is a few years old and still looks brand new, no metal what so ever.

He did however destroy the 76 5 Speed he had on the car 3 years ago, but that was a long time ago.

[evildky]

so it was the small one? the larger turbo plate has like 30% more clamping force to start with, it's a must for any modified datsun

[DemonZ]

so it was the small one? the larger turbo plate has like 30% more clamping force to start with, it's a must for any modified datsun

Like I said, not my car, so I'm not sure which one he was using, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the smaller NA clutch.

I definitely agree that the Turbo clutch is a worthwhile investment. Considering that the NA clutch is 8 3/4 inch diameter and the Turbo and 2+2 clutch are both using a 9 1/2 inch disk, I would definitely go with the Turbo or 2+2 clutch for anything over 250hp.

We stuck a new stock NA clutch disk and a slightly used stock NA pressure plate back in until he gets his new comp clutch in a few weeks. The NA clutch is working fine, but I did warn him not to rev her up too high because the clutch most likely wont last if he really starts putting all the engines power through it.

I also recommend brake ugrades for any modified datsun as well. The first modification I made was to thebrakes. I did the rear disk conversion, used drilled and slotted disks, ceramic pads, proportioning valve, the toyota 4 piston caliper upgrade(also with ceramic pads, Stainless brake lines, and the 15/16ths master cylinder from the S130's. If I could find the larger brake booster from the 2+2's I'd be using that too.

I love the Z's because there are so many modifications you can make by swapping parts around from other Nissans and wind up with a really wicked setup.