Identifyiny Drive train components

[bloxman]

Hi there how is everyone tonight?

I'm sorry but this is gonna be long.

I am in the opening stages of my 1975 280Z /ferarri gto 250 project.

I am in need of some assistance and opinions to make some informed choices.

I have a stock 1975 280 Z Fuel injection Engine of unknown condition.

it has a factory exaust manifold, I believe it also has a header to match/replace said manifold, as the header has a tube for an air senser.

I also have what i was believe to be a 240Z engine with a triple weber 42 dcoe setup on a cannon manifold.it has a set of headers also-no senser tube.

I have read in the forums about L24 Engines and L28 Engines, which is better? Why? how would I identify either of these?

I have three 4 speed gearboxes two seem identical, on one the tailstock seems different. How would I identify them as to series, ratios, which is better? Why?

I have one five speed.

Is it better than having a five speed just cause , or are the five speed ratios better. There's gotta be a reason they made a four speed , and the same applies to a five speed.

I have one diff installed in the car, and an extra complete rear suspension including diff.

I have read references to R180 diffs and R200 diffs, which is better? Why? How can I tell them apart.

I have a variety of driveshafts,tho that fit the diff not in the car. One that fits the diff in the car but looks like the spline end would likely fit a GM turbo 400 transmission.

It is my first choice to go with the carb engine based on the fact that I have zero experience tinkering with gasoline fuel injection systems .(Read that as fear of the unknown)

My first choice is the five speed .More is always better. five bucks is better than four bucks, nuff said

Only the turbo 400 looking driveshaft would bolt to the diff in the car.

I removed the plate that is secured to the input of the diff with the large nut and swapped it for the plate on the other diff. now the other two driveshafts fit.

I would want to think a drive shaft that fits between your diff and gearbox is better than one that can't fit

sorry this is a book, but need to know

bloxman

[Virto]

Start here:

http://www.geocities.com/zgarage2001/z.html

Lots of questions can be answered here regarding the transmissions and differentials.

You'll probably want to match the proper diff to the proper transmission, and once you determine which you want, you can get the correct propshaft.

They made a four speed be because it was cost effective and common. 4-speed transmissions were quite good when this car was available. By the time of the later 280Zs, a five speed should have replaced the old four speed model, and in fact it was an available option, but not standard.

The engine number should be stamped on the side of the block. It will contain either L24 or L28. Both are reliable and can be fitted with carbs. The setup most preferred by Z drivers and builders is the twin round top SU carbs standard on 240s, not to be confused with the flat-top models of the 260Z.

Use the 5-speed, unless it's somehow damaged. Use whichever engine you prefer. The L24 is higher revving and might be better suited to a good 250GTO replica, but both are pretty much bulletproof if treated properly.

Also check hybridz.org. They specialize in this kind of thing.

[bloxman]

Thanks Virto

Absolutely fantastic link!

Its like I just had my first day at Z school

Is everybody in general agreement with the info on this page. It certainly is presented in a well thoght out format.

I intend to print the contents from that page and do some research ,find out what i actually have and go sit in a quiet corner and think. Anybody a quiet corner I can borrow my corner has a job two kids and a wife in it.

Thanks again Virto

[sakijo]

Try here too. http://zhome.com Lots of information, but no discussion. My car is not a Z, but I get a lot of useful information here. Great bunch of people.