Transmission ? for 240z

[gabe]

First of all let me say that I'm new to this club and I think it's great that everyone helps one another with their Z's. After all, we all love our Z's. Anyway, I don't know much about cars but am learning everyday reading these threads. I'm sure this one has been covered before but can't find it right now. I own a '73 240z that I'm fixing up and just recently bought a L28 280z long block for it. As far as I know the 280z engine will fit in the 240 with no problems, right? Also, I want to make it a 5 speed so I've read that you can put in a 280zx tranny into it as well. Is that right? I called a guy who supplies them and he said they may have shorten the Drive Line for it to work---is that true and what is the Drive Line? Is the 280zx tranny better than a regulary 280z tranny? Is there different gear ratios? I ask for all of your input and guidance for a newbie. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[ezzzzzzz]

Search each criteria and you'll find your answers. The L6 blocks are the same externally so they interchange readily. The 280ZX is the better tranny if only because the reverse and overdrive gears are independent. You'll need all the pieces flywheel(?), clutch, pressure plate, throwout fork, clutch MC, throwout bearing from the donor 5-speed to make the conversion easy on you. I speak for the driveshaft but that's easy to resolve too. I'm sure I've missed something. Driveline equals engine, tranny, driveshaft, rearend, axles and wheels.

[Mat M]

Welcome, Gabe,

Where are you located? It would make it easier for members to know where you are in order to offer you some help with your swap. Also, some regions are easier than others to find quality parts.

Regarding your post: since you are using Datsun/Nissan parts, you should not have a problem with fitment. The running gear on a ZX will be just about the only stuff you can swap to your Z. EZZZZZZZZ is correct with his post, another thing to consider is that the 81-83ZX 5 speed close ratio. The threads here go on for days about these parts. (now to really confuse you) you may also want to pick up a 3.9 R200 diff from the non-turbo manual 81-83ZX.

With a thurough search you will find plenty of info, and like you said, members here all love to tell you what/how they did their cars.

If you are still interested, there is a lot of info on hybridz.org, as well.

[gabe]

Thanks Matt and EZZZZZZ----I really appreciate your help. I live in Valencia, Ca. about 30 miles north of L.A. I should probably put in a new clutch at the same time, right? Have any ideas as to which ones are good. Not going to race her but do want a good performing clutch incase I want to open her up.

Tom

[Mat M]

If your car is going to be a strictly street cruizer, a stock clutch should suffice. You may want to resurface the pressure plate if the donor clutch has high milage or had scored the plate.

The best clutch (sticking with Datsun/Nissan parts) would be from any 2+2 manual Z. As ezzzzzzz said, make sure you have all the pieces from the donor car. You will be driven mad if you try to swap the innards from 2 different clutches.

[ktm]

You don't resurface the pressure plate, you resurface the flywheel. The pressure plate only disengages the clutch disk from the flywheel. Secondly, the 2+2 uses a 240mm flywheel; his car has a 225mm flywheel.

If you are keeping the engine stock, just get a genuine Nissan replacement clutch kit. It comes with a new pressure plate, new clutch disk, alignment tool and throwout bearing.

You asked this same question in the engine and tranny forum. Jmortensen provided a great respone to your question. I would follow his sage advice.

[Mat M]

You don't resurface the pressure plate, you resurface the flywheel. ...snip...

You are correct, I confused the terminology.

Secondly, the 2+2 uses a 240mm flywheel; his car has a 225mm flywheel.

Yes, but if he wanted a "beefier" clutch, he could swap in the entire clutch system from the 240mm flywheel 2+2. The 240mm flywheel WILL fit the L28 crank, and ZX 5 speed.

http://zhome.com/rnt/L28conversion/engine.html

[gabe]

Thanks guys for all of your help. Your wisdom brings me wisdom. Many thanks.

[ktm]

Mat, you are correct about the fact that the 240mm flywheel will bolt up to the block. I was just clarifying your statement for gabe.

The best clutch (sticking with Datsun/Nissan parts) would be from any 2+2 manual Z. As ezzzzzzz said, make sure you have all the pieces from the donor car. You will be driven mad if you try to swap the innards from 2 different clutches.

As it is written, your statement implies that he could use the 2+2 pressure plate and clutch disk on a 225mm flywheel. If he wants a beefier clutch, he'll have to get a pressure plate, clutch disk and throwout collar to match the 240mm flywheel. He will not be able to use the 240mm pressure plate, clutch disk or throwout collar on the 225mm flywheel or vice versa.