4 speed Vs 5 speed

[SR240Z]

I bought my 71 240Z with an autotrans, but quickly removed it to begin my Sr20det install. (almost finished). I am now looking into another 240Z to cruse around in with some loud pipes and suspension upgrades. i found one with a 4 speed trans, I was wondering, are the diff's bettween the 4spd and 5spd large? are the 4 spds highly frowned on? What kind of speeds could i reach in a 4spd, IN 4th gear at say? 3500rpm? I do drive alot of highway miles. Thanks a lot!

[Bleach]

The 240Z did not come with a 5-speed option so any 5-speed 240Zs you find will have been a swap. (or a Fairlady Z) They also may have had the rear diff swapped too.

Depending on if you use 195/70-14 or 195/75-14 tire:

3.54 rear will be about 73-75mph

3.36 rear will be about 76-77mph

...in 4th gear at 3500rpm.

[HS30-H]

Originally posted by BleachZee

The 240Z did not come with a 5-speed option so any 5-speed 240Zs you find will have been a swap. (or a Fairlady Z) They also may have had the rear diff swapped too.

Only true for the HLS30U ( the USA / North American market model ).

All other markets got a 5-speed with the 4-speed as an option if requested. All markets also got an Auto. So if you see a '240Z' with a 5-speed it could very well have come from the Factory like that ( especially if its RHD ).

[Victor Laury]

The 4 speed should not be so malaigned. The ratios are very pleasing and complimentary to the engine's powerband and rear ratio. You got to admit, Nissan knows their stuff.

The worst thing about the 4 speed - no overdrive

The best thing - plenty of cheap spares, as most Z nuts have at least one extra left over from a 5 speed swap! I got 2 for door stops.

Yes, we Gringos were short-changed by not getting the sweet shifting FS5C71A in our early Z's like the rest of the world. But, just try to find parts for that box now and you wont feel so bad about it.