Automatic Transmission

[theianmonster]

I've heard that all manual transmissions from '70 to '83 are all interchangable and bolt up directly to the L-series motor, is this the same with the automatic transmissions?

I'm going to swap out the automatic for a manual next year when I do a motor swap, but for now I could really use a solid automatic.

Thanks,

Ian.

[Arne]

To the best of my knowledge, all the 3 speed automatics from any of the Z/ZX cars should bolt up and work. Gary (beandip) might have done a little more research on this, maybe he'll chime in here.

[Virto]

A nice point is that auto trannys seem almost disposable. So many people are doing auto/manual swaps that there are auto trannys just being tossed to the scrappers.

I too could use a new automatic, as I can't engage park, which causes me to use the service brake, which has led to my previously discussed rusted up rear brakes.

I've seen the auto transmissions advertised as free several times, but I don't have any means of going to pick it up, let alone the space or tools to replace it, but you should have no trouble finding a good quality auto.

[Arne]

True story, I gave mine away a couple of months ago.

[theianmonster]

What is the newest automatic transmission that I can bolt up?

[TomoHawk]

Why would you want a newer model? The newest ones need all the electronic stuff to get it to work, but those also have the advantage of overdrive. Your best bet would be to just get one of the same kind with the least mileage. The one in your car is probably the exact same as other years.

[theianmonster]

Why would you want a newer model? The newest ones need all the electronic stuff to get it to work, but those also have the advantage of overdrive. Your best bet would be to just get one of the same kind with the least mileage. The one in your car is probably the exact same as other years.

Good point. I'll look around for another Z automatic then, thanks for all the help.

[Zedrally]

Actually, I think it would be cool to have a zed with an auto O/D trans.

It's a fair question to ask, which/what later model trans will fit, after all there are many engine swaps & upgrades, why not an auto upgrade?

[beandip]

To my knowledge the autos from '72 through at least '82 bolt right up . '71 is a different one and parts to rebuild are NLA . The auto is a strong trans from my experience so far . I recently had my truck's trans rebuilt and was talking to the mechanic about the Z auto . He had nothing but good to say about the Z automatic . I have one in my 240 and it seems to be holding up well behind my ZX engine . I was going to change to a 5 speed , but after driving my 240 for a couple of years before I did my mod/restore . I changed my mind and kept the auto. If I were going to auto cross or do any track driving I would go with a manual for sure . For street driving the auto has my vote. I did change to a 3.70 to 1 diff. and with the cam she pulls strong and is a kick to drive. Gary

[beandip]

Zdrally . The '83 maxima has a 4 speed with a lock up torque converter . It bolts up to and gives you a advantage of lock up converter and a additional gear. 4th is a overdrive . The converter can be manual switched in third and forth giving you a 500 rpm split at the flip of a switch. With this set up a set of 4.11 would get you off the line and the overdrive gives almost unlimited top end. If used on the drag strip with a built engine you could have the converter worked on and the stall speed increased so you will be in the power band off the line. You need the drive shaft from the maxima and the 240 one as well and have the shaft shortened . You will have the best of both worlds. I was going to go this route my self , but I know myself and I would just get into too much trouble . Here in Oregon a ticket for over 100 mph gets you a couple of days in the gray bar hotel and a fine of 1K . At my age I am not interested in any of this . Kim Blough of Idaho Z Car is the man to contact on this mod. Gary

[hls30.com]

The trannys are interchangeable '72 through '83 with a few '71s thrown in just to confuse things.

Some of the '83 280ZX cars came with a lock up torque converter(and a nifty indicator light on the shift plate), but no fourth gear-effectively giving an AOD.

The AODs from 84 and some 85 300zx will fit the L series bell bousing and bolt up, but these transmissions were not good pieces-many '84,85 3oos are in the scrapper becuase of auto tranny repair costs

Sounds like some Z stealth in Oregon...frito style!

Will

[Fun_in_my_z]

I have a auto trans, 3 speed from a 74. Im not sure of the condition, anybody want it let me know.