Help!

I have a 78 probably with a 77 engine in it (both are automatics). The tranny died. Bought a used replacement from a 83 zx. will it fit? Fly wheel is rubbing! What is my problem? Do I need an extra engine spacer between the engine and transmission? When I got the car starter didn't engage...put the missing spacer on the starter and it was better but still does not engage sometimes when it is cold...is this part of the problem? Not sure about some of the screwy things that were done to this car before I got it. Do I need anything else? Where can I get one? Should I try again with the 77 tranny I just found? I'm dyin' here! Thanks for your help!

If I recall correctly, there's a spacer that goes between the flexplate and the crankshaft. If that's missing, it would cause the problem you describe. I'm not too familiar with auto trans interchangeability in Z's however.

My 78Z was an automatic:( . It had a spacer on the back of the crankshaft. I still have it somewhere.

Al

73 Datsun 240Z 4-speed manual

94 Mazda Miata 5-speed manual

92 Mazda Miata 5-speed manual

94 GMC Sonoma 5-speed manual

07 Kia Spectra5 5-speed manual

05 Nissan Altima 5-speed slushbox (the wifes car)

Bought a used replacement from a 83 zx. will it fit?

Check out this thread, it might help as far as the interchangeability.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22226

My 78Z was an automatic:( . It had a spacer on the back of the crankshaft. I still have it somewhere.

My '71 also had a spacer behind the flex-plate. About 10 mm thick, IIRC. Sounds like that might be missing.

Yes! The spacer behind the flywheel is missing (this accounts for the starter problem). Will the flywheel and spacers off the 83 fix the problem, or am I better off with an 77 tranny? Thanks everybody!

As far as I know, the 77 and the 83, as well as any 6 bolt L series crank, be it 4 or 6 cylinder, would use the same spacer