transmission question
 

Hey, I just got a '79 280ZX n/a with a 5-speed. It runs pretty well but it looks like I will have to replace the transmission soon. Does anyone know if a Borg-Warner T5 5-speed transmission will work on my car and bolt up to my bell housing ok? The engine block in my car is an L28E. I have heard that the Borg-Warner will work with the L6 engines found in some of the other Z cars but I'm not sure about my particular engine since its not an L6. If it won't fit, what do you guys think my best bet is for replacing the tranny? Any other good transmissions that you guys know of that will work? I will most likely have to get a rebuilt one, whatever it may be. Thanks for any help you can give me!
-Randy

The BW will fit, but you will need the crossmember and driveshaft. Not 100% sure about the crossmember. You may also run into a problem with the diff flange being smaller on your rear then the flange on the BW driveshaft. It depends on whether or not you have a big driveshaft or small one. (diameter)

A better choice would be an 81-83 ZX transmission, as they have the best gear spacing, but if you don't have 3.70 or 3.90 gears in your diff, this trans will be a little more sluggish then the BW due to the taller first and second gearing. You can use your exhisting driveshaft with the regular ZX transmission.