R200 Conversion

[mmagnus]

I am looking to convert my 70 Z to a R200 rear end. It currently has a 5 speed tran. (not sure what year) and I need a parts list for the conversion. Can anyone tell me what is required to make the swap besides the rear end itself.

Mark

[jcdozier]

This is a frequent subject on the various Z-car forums. Carl Beck has a nice write-up, complete with pictures, over on the IZCC site - look in the technical section.

www.zhome.com

[Daniel]

HI mark,Seems like you have quite the project going on.That's great!!Go to this homepage and pick link#4 datsun z garage.Then performance tips.It has all the answers to questions you haven't even though of yet!! Have fun!! Daniel

[Royce]

mmagnus,

There is going to be a swap meet at a muffler shop in Rio Vista, CA on April 6th (just over the Antioch bridge down 160 and then over the HWY 12 bridge). The focus is on modified Z cars. Eric of Zparts in Richmond, who posted the details in the events forum earlier, is going to be taking pictures of modified Z cars. He mentioned putting Z cars up on a lift to get pictures underneath too. I am sure you would be able to talk to people and see it with your own eyes.

I converted my Z to an R200 some time ago and believe the key "need to have" items are:

-R200 mustache bar (wider bar and larger diff mount holes on different center)

-correct driveshaft to go with diff mount flange(there are a couple different mount flanges on various R200s, you will need a drive shaft with the correct mount or change the diff flange).

-rear suspension cross member. The stock pre-'72 cross memeber is straight, you need one bent to accomidate the R200 which sits further back.

The trick is dealing with the strap that goes over the front end of the diff. It requires some customization to use the strap or you can do what I did, remove the strap and install a solid front diff insulator, which transmits a bit of driveline noise into the passenger compartment. Reminds me of the race car and I don't mind it!

I am in the process of parting a few Z's and have learned some things I previously thought were different. The Z 4-speeds and 5-speeds appear to be the same overall length and the R180 and R200 drive shafts are the same length. I have put them side by side. While the R200 is larger it is just mounted further toward the rear of the car so that the flanges are in the same location. I haven't had a chance to put the half shafts next to each other but will do that soon. I believe the R180's can be used on an R200 but not the other way around. I'll have to double check the length when compressed and fully extended. I have most if not all the parts for sale including a 3.5 and 3.7 R200. Let me know if you need anything, I was planning to attend the swap meet and I could bring the stuff there and probably show you how it all goes togethter while one of the cars are on the lift.

[mmagnus]

Royce,

Thanks for the info. I will definately try to attend the swap meet.

can you give the address or location in Rio Vista. What times its being held.

Mark

[Royce]

Here ya go...

Zcar Hob Nob & Parts Swap - Rio Vista, CA

Rio Vista Muffler

1105 Airport Rd.

Rio Vista, California

FYI, I got this from the events section on the 240z.org home page.

I haven't decide what I am going to bring, my van or Z. Let me know if you need anything and I will try to bring it along!

[dhayes5]

Besides the advantage of having an overdrive gear, what other benefits come with putting the 5-speed into a 240. The gear ratio spacing does not seem to be that different between the 240 4speed and the 81-83 ZXB 5-speed. But, you do change the rear end from 3.354 (something) to 3.9. Does the acceleration and hence 0-60 time increase that much?

[Royce]

The 1-4 ratios in all the Z & 280ZX gear boxes are very similar. The big deal about the ZX 5-speed is it gives you a much better overdrive so you can go with a higher ratio (or lower geared) diff. and still keep reasonable RPM on the freeway. The ZX trans also puts 1st and 2nd closer to 3rd to help decrease the large space between those gear ratios, but I digress. I haven't compared 0-60 times but I think it would help a lot more than it could hurt. What it does is makes the shift points closer together so that you don't loose as much momentum (engine revs) between gear changes. Is it better? It really depends on your driving style and what you want to get out of your car. In an autocross and racing environment (or just touring down a mountain road) it gives you more gear selection options and potentially will be quicker coming out of a corner. There is no perfect setup for all situations but with lower gearing in the diff you should be better off in performance driving situations.

Of course if you are going to be autocrossing or racing first you have to find out what the club rules allow!

Corrections, comments, and questions are welcomed! Have fun!