transmission swap

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Sep 15, 2002 | 08:49 PM

kolts

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transmission swap

hi guys, a friend of mine trashed his 280ZX a few weeks back, and is looking at getting a 260Z 2+2. Problem is the 260 is an auto, and he wants a manual. Is it possible to swap the box from the ZX into the 260? If so, is a easy swap, or do new parts need to be bought / fabricated? Also, is it a big job to hook up a clutch pedal, or can he use the one from his 280ZX?

cheers

Kolts

Perth - Western Australia

Sep 16, 2002 | 06:13 AM

L0ki

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Re: transmission swap

Yes .. .. .. 280ZX box will give the 260Z a higher top speed ..

i had my 260Z 2+2 up to 215km/hr and it still had more left with teh 280ZX 5spd

Sep 16, 2002 | 11:57 AM

Bleach

The Evil Twin

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 9,297

From: Seattle, WA

Re: transmission swap

Yes, but I heard that the tail end of the ZX transmission is a little longer than a 260Z. You might end up having to have the 260Z driveshaft shortened for you.

Also, the gears are a little taller (especially 1st) depending on what year of ZX. So swap the rear differential too. Try to see if it is a 3.9 gear first. If not, then its probably a 3.54, the same as your 260Z.

Sep 16, 2002 | 04:17 PM

L0ki

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Re: transmission swap

Um i dont know whether you are right on teh 1st gear ratio thing ...... i think you will find only 5th being taller.

You do not need a shortened drive shaft and it still pulls hard with the R200 my car already had which i assume is the original diff ... just bolt the tranny straight in ...

72 240Z restoring
72 240Z RB25DET Conversion
78 260Z 2+2 Daily Driver

Sep 17, 2002 | 02:47 PM

Bleach

The Evil Twin

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 9,297

From: Seattle, WA

Re: transmission swap

1977-79 have the same 5-speed ratios. 1st is 3.3:1

1980 has the same but with a slightly higher 5th gear.

1981-83 5-speeds start 1st gear at 3.0:1 ratio but has the highest 5th gear of all the old 5-speeds.

The 280ZX turbo T5 5-speed has a very low 3.5:1 1st gear.

4th gear is always 1:1 ratio
Some may say their car pulls hard in 1st gear with a 3.54 rear end, but have they ever driven a car with a 4.11 rear gear? :-D

I have... and it makes a huge difference going from a 3.9 to a 4.11 It pulls so much harder and more suddenly

Sep 18, 2002 | 10:46 AM

KeyserSoze

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Re: transmission swap

Yeah . I'm the unlucky dude. Stupid friend ran into my 79' 280ZX with his Silvia S13. What a dick. will be hearing from the insurance tomorrow.

Still thinking about this transmission swap. If it is faultless and easy, I might go with it. Would I encounter any problems down the road though ? Oh the 260Z looks really cool. even cooler then my 280ZX with racing stripes. triple Webers !!

Gotta sell the other Silvia to finance this. Is it worth the trouble ?

Regards,
Reckless endangerment.

Zed - don't just drive it, live it.

Sep 19, 2002 | 07:21 AM

L0ki

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Re: transmission swap

bleech Zee where in OZ so we had 260Z's in 74 - 78 ... different to 280Z.

I would reccomend the swap though manuals go way harder than autos.... (in terms of z transmissions)

i would if i where you look for a 2 seater though ... unless you really want teh 4 seats as the 2 seat is way more fun to drive and worth more .. I have both ... they are both good for drifting