280ZX_AV8R

I have tried HybridZ.org with no luck. So now I shall ask Zdriver.com


I read (HybridZ.org) that you can install a 1984 300zx turbo automatic 4-speed transmission in a 1981-1983 280zx turbo, but I want to do as much research as possible. They say you put the 280zx bellhousing on the 300zx transmission, change the length of the driveshaft, create a rear transmission mount, and you're done.......so, will the 280zx bellhousing bolt up to the 300zx transmission? They also say that the shifter and everything hooks straight up. Doesn't the 280zx have a mechanical speed sensor that connects to the speedometer itself, or is it electronical? also does the 300zx tranny have a mechanical or electronical speed sensor? If the 300zx speed sensor is electronical and the 280zx speed sensor is mechanical, then how do I get the speedometer to work?

Bleach

I think both use the same mechanical speed sensor with a toothed cog at the end of the cable.
However, I have not heard of this swap before... so I have no idea if the bellhousing swaps on. The manual transmissions I have seen for the L-series do not have just a bellhousing that unbolts. The whole front half of the transmission is one piece. Only the Borg Warner T5 has a separate bellhousing.
If you want a 4-speed auto, find a 1983-84 Maxima with the L24.

s/cL3.0

I know someone in AUSSIE made some kind of adapter to make it fit..

280ZX_AV8R

What all do you have to do to put a maxima transmission in?

turbot5

boy, I hope you do it, either maxima or 300 or else, no man will shift faster a turbo engine an cut the turbo lag as well..I have a t5 and besides the "cool aspect" putting a modern 4-5 auto will make one real fast L28T..even in 1983 the fast guys agree on that n it was a 3 gear auto! imagine 4-5!!

280ZX_AV8R

after the hurricane passes through houston, i will be looking for a maxima or 300zx turbo auto tranny.

jfairladyz

An auto "Can" shift faster than a human ever could yes. But unless that auto is built for racing it's not going to be a 'fast' tranny. Auto trannys are designed to be softer. The gearing is often not the greatest, the shift points are usually pretty poor for performance, and they allow for slip which is good for dependability but bad for performance. The shifts are actually usually delayed in an auto for smoothness in shifting which results in a longer shift. All in all, an OEM auto trans isn't going to "perform", it's going to treat the car like its a commuter. Tranny's like the C4 and Turbo350 have all kinds of kits and parts made for them that allow them to out perform a manual transmission. But a trans out of a Maxima, or most any street vehicle isn't going to, not by a long shot. If autos your thing though, then it's cool. And it's probably an upgrade on the 3spd. But a manual with a good clutch and good driver will outperform any OEM auto trans of the day.

PS: Yes I relize cars now days have automatic trans that are performance oriented, but the topic was on a Maxima trans. So keep that in mind.

turbot5

quote==== Yes I relize cars now days have automatic trans that are performance oriented,====== but the topic was on a Maxima trans. So keep that in mind.=====glad to see at the end you came to your senses LOL but at the very end you wrong, the topic is a 300turbo tranny on a 280turbo and the slip you mention is what the turbo needs to spool like crazy and cut the turbo lag.

jfairladyz

A 300 auto trans still isn't going to outperform a manual. It's still an econo slush box. And think about this: Which is better, the turbo lag while waiting for spool, or a slipping torque converter that's probably going to continue to slip? If it's going to slip before the turbo even hits full boost then it's going to slip when the turbo hits boost and put's even more strain on the conv. An auto serves it's purpose, but that purpose is not perfromance (atleast not the ones being mentioned here). Even the Z32 auto wasn't up to the task of being a performance trans (though it'll hold a more torque than the 3spd). Now the auto in the 350Z will out perform any of the earlier manuals. But I'm not here to argue and if performance were really the issue then the work it takes to swap from the 3spd to a 4spd auto just wouldn't be reasonable when a T5 could be dropped in and all woe's are forgotten. I think the reality here is that he's looking for a step up from the 3spd. And thats all. I doubt he's looking for all out performance from his trans. And besides, the ONLY place an auto would ever outperform a manual is on the dragstrip. If I had an extra $10k laying around I'd get myself a bullet proof 6spd sequintial box

And besides, would you REALLY want to give up your manual for an auto?

turbot5

Happens in every forum, a member pop up a Q. generally after 2-3 responses the answer begin to sort of shape up, shortly after we all going wild on a castle over sand type of debate where money/time is not part of the equation and the dream car takes shape, with a lot of variations of course at this point I'm not sure which option is better LOL..the fuhrer had a lil Mercedes with a (truck like) low/high rear end at his fingers capable of great speed and was 1938!! I want that n I wanted NOW!

280ZX_AV8R

What I want is to decrease my rpm's at highway speed.......I don't like 4000rpm at 80.........I want 3200 rpm at the most at 80

so jfairladyz is, for the most part right

RodMoyes

If that's all you're going for, wouldn't it be a whole easier/cheaper to change the rear end/final drive ratio?

Rod.

280ZX_AV8R

well, I would like to get the best gas mileage while still getting manageable acceleration

280ZX_AV8R

and also I would like to get better top speed

Bleach

If you've already got a 3.54 it'll be hard to find a 3.36 rearend.

I'd say swap to the 4-speed auto, even the 1st gen Maxima one, and then at the same time set your rear gear down slightly. 3.54 to 3.7 would work. Even a 3.9 rear will have much better rpms on the freeway. I know the Maxima tranny has a taller overdrive than even the 280ZX 5-speed. 3.7 is probably best though.

NismoZigma

I gotta 83 with an auto and im wondering what manual trannies will work on it. Its a L28ET so yea its a turbo with an auto. Thanks for the help.

NismoPick

Did ya read the previous posts on this thread? anyway... You need to decide what gear ratio you want, then decide which tranny... you want faster off the line, or faster top end?