78 Z differential vs. 81-83 differential?

[Pir0San]

Do the 78 280Z's use the same differential as the 81-83 280ZX's? I'm not concerned about the gearing, just the type and if a differential from an 81-83 can be a direct swap into a 78 280Z.

[RIP260Z]

Jeremy,

I have just put in a zx diff in my 1978 260z.

They will be the same, but I don't know about your 280zx Stateside, if they came with a finned rear cover. If so, you would have to change over rear covers to get them to fit into a 280z.

Cheers

Ian

[cremmenga]

Jeremy,

I have just put in a zx diff in my 1978 260z.

They will be the same, but I don't know about your 280zx Stateside, if they came with a finned rear cover. If so, you would have to change over rear covers to get them to fit into a 280z.

Cheers

Ian

A 1978 260z hmm, think about that.

[SavannahZ]

Maybe since he's in England they had the 260 for more than one year?

[=Enigma=]

You are correct SavannahZ. The rest of the world got the 260 for a number of years. As you seem to be aware, it was only availaalbe here for a single year. Do a search, there are several threads that mention this. It's a big world out there.

[cremmenga]

You are correct SavannahZ. The rest of the world got the 260 for a number of years. As you seem to be aware, it was only availaalbe here for a single year. Do a search, there are several threads that mention this. It's a big world out there.

Well thats pretty cool! that means there is prob alot more parts that are alot easier to find there!!??

[zguitar71]

Swaps with no problems.

The finned cover is on the 87 300ZXT with LSD. The states ZX did not have one, Europe gets all the good stuff.

[RIP260Z]

Zguitar71, Thanks for confirming that the US zx did not get the finned cover. I think the European zx had the finned cover as the speed limits allowed a higher cruising speed than the US.

Cremmenga, even though we here in England got the 260z for longer, it no way reflects the availability of parts. With only about 700 sold over its 4-5 yrs when originally sold (I can't remember if that includes the 260 2 by 2) and probably only about 40-50 (if that) left.

Cheers

Ian