280ZX Trans Swap

[ramsesosirus]

There is an 80's non turbo 280ZX at my local junkyard. I am thinking of pulling the trans since it is a manual and i have an auto that doesn't feel too great, may be on its last legs...

1. Will this trans fit/work? I know its the same motor.

2. What about the driveshaft?

3. What parts exactly should I get from it; flywheel, brake pedals/clutch pedals; I read that I need the spacer and the longer bolts;

4. WIll my stock brake set up work, with the other pedal?

5. Will my ECM know the difference??

THanks

[sblake01]

The trans will work and the driveshaft is the same. The AT brake pedal won't work, you'll need the entire pedal assembly but not the one from the ZX. It has to be from a 280Z or at least an S30. The ECU won't need to be changed. Read up more about what is needed as you've missed a few items. Clutch slave and master cylinder, the fluid lines, pilot bushing, correct speedo pinion, etc. If I try to list it I'm sure I'll also leave something out. The thread (or threads) is/are here somewhere.

[Arne]

I wrote this up a couple of years back. It's about early 240Zs, but the basics will be the same.

http://classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21274

[ramsesosirus]

well i have the auto so my rear dff is the R180? should i grab the rear from that car too (200?); or should i get the WHOLE rear axle/shafts/brakes/mounts/bar, shocks/struts same???

thanks

[Arne]

R200 is stronger, but also a fair amount heavier, and not needed for the amount of power you will be putting out of a stock or even mildly modded L28. You'd also need the R200 mounting parts from a later 280Z, the ZX parts aren't the same.

[sblake01]

I think you meant to say:

You'd also need the R200 mounting parts from a later 280Z(not ZX), the ZX parts aren't the same.

[Arne]

Sure did, Stephen. Thanks for catching my typo. I've edited the bad post, it's correct now.

[ramsesosirus]

Ok, read up on that, much appreciated; So will that driveshaft work with the R180? The 4 and 5 speed use diff driveshafts/ujoints, right? So if it is a 4 speed, I can use it, but if it is a 5 speed than I would need the different rear? Or will either work with the R180? Or would I need two different U-joints on the shaft?

Again, thanks a lot guys!

[sblake01]

You don't need to change the driveshaft or differential.

[ramsesosirus]

Awesome!

Thanks sblake and arne; Sounds like I'll be heading to the yard pretty soon; might pick up the dshaft if the joints are in good shape; Hopefully I'll get the whole trans, master and slave cyl, and linkage for under $100;

Then I'll just need a new clutch and the right pedal box, which I have seen on ebay.

Thanks

[sblake01]

Don't get the ZX driveshaft or any of the ancillary parts for the swap from the ZX. Those things, like the fluid lines, pedals, etc. have to come from a 280Z not a ZX. Get the trans along with the slave and fork, etc., though you might want to buy a new slave prior to installing everything. Not sure if the ZX master is the same as a Z master.

[whamo]

Awesome!

Thanks sblake and arne; Sounds like I'll be heading to the yard pretty soon; might pick up the dshaft if the joints are in good shape; Hopefully I'll get the whole trans, master and slave cyl, and linkage for under $100;

Then I'll just need a new clutch and the right pedal box, which I have seen on ebay.

Thanks

I dont think you would actually have to change the pedal box itself. I used my AT pedal box (it was in better condition) and swapped out the pedals, if I remember correctly.