Hey guys I'm new to the forum and I need some help. Im working on a new project. I have an 83 280z non turbo 5spd and Im trying to make it turbo. I have a 83 280z turbo automatic parts car. My problem is that I don't know if I can use my turbo automatic motor for my 5spd non turbo. If anyone has any suggestions to make this work let me know. Thanks.

it can be done fairly easily, the motors are the same, well kinda. all that really has to be changed is the ecu + harness. plus i believe some minor wiring. someone will chime in with what wiring needs to be done. start with the motor swap, then place the turbo harness in the car. and then hook the exhaust up, keep the down pipe then make the rest new.

Hey thanks for the info so how about the fuel pump?the dash cluster? one is digital and the other is a needl one,? what about swaping the whole suspention will it fit?

keep the analog dash, ditch bitchen betty, suspension is swapable, might need a 5-speed ecu though if you are going to keep it as a 5-speed. yes change out the fuel pump as well.

can I use my n/a turbo 5spd ECU? or get a turbo 5spd ECU?

i think you will need a 5speed ecu. or you can upgrade and get a megasquirt system for $400

Use the turbo ECU and your 5 speed gearbox.. however that will be your weak spot aswel .. there is not allot different in ecu's from AT's and MT's .. from the top of my head an AT drops revs faster than an MT 9or vise versa) anyhow i used to use a AT ecu on an MT car .. so don't worry . USE THE TURBO ECU THOUGH! the engine loom is a complete separate one from the car .. to remove it you do NOT need to cut .. it runs down the driver side to the AFM and injectors/manifold, and the other branch goes over the fire wall to the fusable links, and has the fuel relays and a connection behind that black plastic cap.
i repeat do not cut! to remove it pull the loom in to the compartment and feed the plugs trough one by one ( yes it is a chore!)

Thanks Guys for all of your info very helpfull, will keep you posted on project L28 from here on. If you guys know of any links for upgrades or new parts that I need, or you recommend, installed (while the motor is out) such as an aftermarket clutch. Thanks.

240sx T/B is a cheap upgrade.. You need the adapter though.

where can I get a 240sx T/B and adapter for the upgrade ?

from your local junk yard, www.car-parts.com, and www.ebay.com

Clean The Bay And Coat It With Beadliner To Keep The Rust Out. If You Can Find A Webber 60mm T/b That Bolts Directly To The Intake With No Needed Adapter.

i dont like the bedliner engine compartment thing.... it looks to ucky, just paint it really well wiht weather resistant paint and such. also for the parts car does it have the turbo motor in it? and is it good? you never said if your making your NA motor turbo or if your swapping the motors so thats why i ask.

Yeah But Its Cheap And Water Proof. I'd Rather Do The Whole Car In Paint But I Can't Afford / Have The Time And Place To Do It.

yes the parts car is a 83 automatic turbo with low mileage 62k and i am gonna do the motor swap to an '83 N/A 5spd

ok since were on the topic... im guessin you are gonna mate teh turbo to your NA's 5spd correct? i am doing this sorta... wanted to know, how well do you guys think these trannies will hold up? im getting concerned its only gonna last me one driving season lol....

I don't know how true that is, I read in HybridZ.org that the non 5spd trannie setup is better than the turbo but don't hold me to it thats just what I read. I'll try and find that post. I'll let you know.

hmmm.. if there is any truth to this i would be intrigued, confused, and happy....

See Bleaches thread about the NA vs T5 trannies: https://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx-performance-technical-79/borg-warner-t5-experiences-14778/

I personally like my turbo T5 tranny MUCH better than the NA tranny.

yeah... i dont trust information given on Zdriver... you guys dont know anything

EDIT: PFT... **** that.. i read 2 pages and realized what my *** is gonna do.. come sumer time im gonna look for a higher torque handling tranny mated to a Z bell housing... im just pissed cuase then yah gotta get a driveshaft fab'd up.... GAY... i sure could use that Z32 tranny mated for the Z that hybridz sold from their race car a lil while back... DARN!