Z feels like trans isn’t engaging in 4th and 5th gear

The Nissan 300ZX (Z32) general community discussion forum
RustyNissans
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Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2021 1:56 pm
Car: 1990 Nissan 300ZX

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I have a 90 z32 N/A 5 speed. Recently noticed an issue when in 4th and 5th, or basically whenever i put my foot into the accelerator to push forward. Car revs like it’s going to go forward but then the rpm’s settle back down and feels like it actually settles in the gear to move onward. Possible clutch issue?

I don’t have any issue putting it into gear and moving from a stop. Issue typically happens after I’m at a decent speed.

Any thoughts?


itsa300zx
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Joined: Sun May 31, 2009 9:39 am
Car: 1990 300zx NA W/TT swap
2011 Nissan Rouge S
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Sounds like a slipping clutch. Have you tried to adjust the pedal? How old/mileage on the clutch?

RustyNissans
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Car: 1990 Nissan 300ZX

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im 95% sure its the original clutch so im not surprised really. cars got like 206K miles on the dash. got the original motor in it so im not surpirsed.

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NolimitZ32
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Car: 91 AG2 2+0 TTMT swap/E39 BMW 540i6/E53 4.6is Dinan S3
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Its the clutch, either out of adjustment or worn to near death. Be careful, if you drive it too much with the clutch slipping like that it will self destruct and leave you completely stranded.

RustyNissans
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Car: 1990 Nissan 300ZX

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Thanks NolimitZ32. gonna use this opportunity to start my build since the trans will have to be dropped.

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NolimitZ32
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That's exactly how my decade long headache, rhm i mean build, started hahaha. Lost my clutch on the way to my last final of my first semester of college and didn't get the car back on the road until 10 years later.

RustyNissans
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Car: 1990 Nissan 300ZX

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in the same kinda vein of swapping motors, is it a must have to do a trans swap with a LS swap? or can i run the v8 on my stock 5 speed. ( with a new clutch ofc lol)

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NolimitZ32
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ITs not a direct bolt on if that's what you're asking. the stock trans (if in good condition) should be able to handle anything a stock or lightly modded LS can throw at it.

RustyNissans
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Car: 1990 Nissan 300ZX

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ive seen adapter kits from LOJ so i assumed it would take the power. seems like the easiest route since its gonna be a cruiser not a drag car

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NolimitZ32
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If you're up for that sort of project then by all means. Its true that the majority of swap pieces for the LS into a Z32 are out there. That said its still a hell of a lot more work to engine swap, even with off the shelf pieces than it is to pull the trans. In fact, a clutch job is a weekend job for me with beer breaks, jack stands, a floor jack, and hand tools. Lift the car, set on jack stands, remove exhaust (12 bolts), remove center console trim and release shifter hanger (3 screws, 1 bolt), unbolt shifter bracket/carrier (4 bolts), secure trans on floor jack and remove trans to block bolts (12 IIRC), drop trans. To do an engine swap you have to do all the trans work, plus allllllll the engine, wiring, plumbing, etc.

RustyNissans
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youre a wizard nolimit lol thanks for the advice and direction!

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NolimitZ32
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Car: 91 AG2 2+0 TTMT swap/E39 BMW 540i6/E53 4.6is Dinan S3
Location: Houston, TX

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No wizard, just been through the Z32 more times than I like to admit.

Daspyda
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Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2018 6:20 pm

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Z1 Motorsports has a guide on NA to TT swap.

If you're going to stay N/A for a little while, be sure to put in a lightened flywheel while you're doing the clutch.


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