Which cars have the R-200 differential?

[TomoHawk]

Planning a purchase of a 280Z for a V-8 conversion, but I've heard that the R-180 won't hold up to the V-8, and the R-200 will?

Is there an easy way to tell which cars would have the R-200 differential?

Maybe I could graft on a diff from an AUDI QUATTRO??

ref: JTR v8 conversion book.

[2ManyZs]

As far as the R-200 from the Z cars go, any 280 after 1975 will have the R-200. The late 300ZX's also used an R-200 variation, but these will require quite a bit of work to use in an early Z, they used CV joints instead of U-joints so they won't be a simple bolt in. I would look for one from a 75-about 84 for a direct bolt in.

The R-180 won't hold up to a V-8 conversion for very long, it might work but won't last very long compared to the R-200.

In a side by side comparison an R-200 is considerably larger than the R-180.

Not sure about the Audi, but I do believe some of the Subaru's used an R-200 diff. Not sure which ones but I'm quite sure that the Torson unit I have for an R-200 was made for a Subaru application.

[Jaykuo]

would a 1972 240z have posi track?.....im new to the datsun's.....so i dont know much....the car is a 4spd....and in really great condition....im gonna buy it in a month or so and was wondering about the posi traction

thanks for any help

[TomoHawk]

I mentioned the Audi differential because it's supposed to be a limited-slip type. Would that Subaru unit be limited-slip? If it's for all-wheel drive, maybe it is.

[2ManyZs]

From what I've heard and read, some of the Subaru's had an R-200 with a Torson. Never have figured out which year or model it may have came in though. I bought an R-200 a while back with a Torson unit in it and was told the Torson was for a Subaru, that's about all I know. Never have taken the time to do any research on it.

There were no limited slips offered from the factory in a Z until about 87 if I remember right.

[Jaykuo]

so in other words the rear end is most likely posi......a simple yes or no would be appreciated seeing how i know very little lingo...

thanks again....

jake