I was wondering if there is a huge difference between the 1979 to 1982 5 speed transmissions and the 1983 ones. I understand that in 1983 Borg-Warner built the Z transmissions. Has anyone had trouble finding parts or having reliability issues with a certain year of 5 speed?

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Nerdo

Here is a good link to see what the internal differences are.

http://www.geocities.com/z_design_studio/

I would think that the later the year the better the design. As more power came from the 280ZX Turbo, the gearbox would be a bit stouter...don't you think?

Might be wrong....any corrections welcome.

The T-5 Borg Warner that came with the Turbo's is a stout piece. The biggest downfall of it compared to the earlier Z transmissions is in the shifting action. It will never shift as smoothly as the Z transmission. It might be better with an aftermarket shifter, but it will still not be as precise or smooth as the earlier Z transmissions without modifications.

The T-5 was used for years here in the states behind V-8's in Camaro's and Mustangs so it should hold up to as much power as you could build in an L-6, Turbo or otherwise.