R200 worth it??

[Hrududu]

The differential in my 280Z is busted. The sound I thought was U joints ended up being a metallic knocking and banging from the diff. I decided to go with the R200 because I enjoy fast acceleration and never really drive highway in the car. I was able to locate an R200 near me, but the guy is asking $200 for it. Seems awfully over priced. I was also able to find an R180 for $85. I really am pretty short on cash right now, but I would also like to take every chance I get on making my repairs an upgrade. My question is, is the 3.90 gear ratio going to improve my accleration enough to make an impact on, say, my 1/4 mile time to make it worth it? The last thing I want to do is spend all that extra money and find it doesn't do anything for me.

[jmortensen]

The R200 came standard in the 280 with a manul transmission, so if that's what you have, then you already have an R200. It is worth it to get another one, because if you went to an R180 you'd need the smaller mustache bar to go with it, where the R200 would bolt in.

3.90s will definitely make a big improvement in how it accelerates. A good condition R200 with 3.90s should run you ~$100. $200 is overpriced IMO. Any 280ZX that's NA and has t-tops has the 3.90 gears, if you want to try some junkyard shopping.

[240ZX]

Another thing you may consider doing, to help you from breaking the rear end, is the install a LSD carrier. The reason I say this is because the standard differential (R200) is an open unit and only has a two pinion spider assembly. By going to the LSD carrier, you will get a four pinion spider assembly....which is much more durable and you will get power to both wheels reliably.

[Hrududu]

Another thing you may consider doing, to help you from breaking the rear end, is the install a LSD carrier. The reason I say this is because the standard differential (R200) is an open unit and only has a two pinion spider assembly. By going to the LSD carrier, you will get a four pinion spider assembly....which is much more durable and you will get power to both wheels reliably.

Can you buy those for the R200? Or would I have to get a diff from a 200SX or 300ZX?

[Pennyman]

Can you buy those for the R200? Or would I have to get a diff from a 200SX or 300ZX?

You can try and find the rare Z31 R200 LSD (between $200 and $500), or you could buy a LSD unit for a 240sx and shim the ring gear bolts ($500-$900). The 300zx diff's wont fit, the ring gear is too large.

Either way, you're looking at big $$. Luckily the LSD swap is pretty easy if you have the money for a 240sx diff (they're all over the place with drifting now).

Your best bet would be to check out a wrecking yard and try and find another "open" R200. They shouldn't be very pricey, no more than 80 bucks I'd think...

I'm surprised your R200 bit the bullet, they usually don't...

[HizAndHerz]

I've been looking for a plain-jane long nose R200, but the local Pick-A-Part wants $175 for differentials. Their prices are getting rediculous.

[240ZX]

Can you buy those for the R200? Or would I have to get a diff from a 200SX or 300ZX?

Yes! The least expensive unit (new) I've come across is from Precision Gear. Great folks to deal with. Visit their website and then give them a call. The LSD carrier is under $500. If your existing ring and pinion some how survived the diff failure, you may only have to replace the carrier.

[Hrududu]

I'm surprised your R200 bit the bullet, they usually don't...

Actually, mine should just be the R180. AFIK, its the stock diff in this 77 280Z. The ones that I was able to locate are both junkyard parts. Z parts are NOT easy to come across around here, and the guys with these cars know it. This one guy tried to sell me a locked up 280ZXT motor for over $300 Fact is, I can front the $200 because I NEED a new diff, but I just want to make sure it is worth it performance wise. I can get a R180 with the 3.54 gears for $85, but I would like to make this an upgrade if I can.

[jmortensen]

Manual 280s came with R200s, Automatics came with R180s. Unless you converted your car or that's just a funny gearshift on your car domain page, you should have an R200.

[Hrududu]

Manual 280s came with R200s, Automatics came with R180s. Unless you converted your car or that's just a funny gearshift on your car domain page, you should have an R200.

oh wow, thanks for that. I was under the impression that all cars older than 81 came with the R180. Alrighty that makes more sence.

[cremmenga]

I have a question what is the strongest diff i can buy that will fit in my 1972 240z and have everything fit the same, like the suspension, rims, etc.??? what all would I need to make this work?? and is there one that already has the LSD stock?? Can it be rebuilt to handle boo cue horse power?? thanks