I bought a '71 240Z parts car with a 280Z engine (P79 Head/F54 Block) along with a 5 speed. It would be an even better bargain if the diff turns out to be an R200. I can't determine what the differential is though and was hoping someone with a better eye and/or more experience might be able to identify it by pics.

I've looked at the following info/links but still can't figure it out:

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/6212/diffswap/diffswap.htm

http://zhome.com/rnt/L28conversion/Diff.jpg

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9031&highlight=differentials

More pics of the parts car and my R180 are located at: http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k102/yorbay/

Thanks in advance!

I think I lucked out since the bolts on the parts car diff are 12mm and my R180 is indeed 14mm. I'll check the rest of the "what to look for tomorrow".

>>>>The rear cover of the R180 is held on with LARGE bolts (14mm). The R200 has SMALL bolts (12mm).

Thanks for the information Zvoiture.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9031&highlight=differentials

>>>>The most common one is "R200's are much bigger", but as has been mentioned, that is tough unless you have them side-by-side or are reasonably experienced.

>>>>The two big main rear cover bolts (actually studs) that hold the diffy to the mustache bar take a 17mm wrench on the R180 and a 19mm wrench on the R200.

>>>>Behind the output shafts on each side of the R180 there is a flange held on with 4 bolts. The R200 does no have these flanges. It is just smooth.

>>>>The rear cover of the R180 is held on with LARGE bolts (14mm). The R200 has SMALL bolts (12mm).

>>>>The rolled ends on the mustache bar of a R180 wrap around toward the FRONT of the car. The R200 bar comes off the REAR of the loops.

The F54/P79 engine is from a 280ZX and the diff is an R200. You can tell because the cover is larger and more round than rectangular.

Thanks Enigma. The car was advertised as having a 280Z engine & tranny in it which I verified before buying. I didn't think I'd be so lucky as to get an R200 as part of the deal. The dash is near perfect too. I don't understand that because the car doesn't appear to have been well kept. It's obvious that is was exposed to salt, road salt or salt water mist, I don't know but the shell need too much work to salvage (IMHO).

Anyway, thanks for responding. It's always good to get more than expected out of the deal.