I was considering a v8 swap from the beginning. About 6 people I know are serious into mustangs and one guy is a GREAT tuner for them. Between everyone, I could put together a stock 302 with there parts.

I have the oportunity to pull a 5speed from a 77 280z and was wondering if there are any trans adapters built for the 302. Would the tranny hold up to the 302?

Also, mine is a 76 280z. I read that all 280s have the R200 rear end which can withstand a v8. Does mine have it?

You'll probably have more luck about the swap questions over at hybridz.org.

I agree that there is a lot more info on swaps at hybridz.org, but don't just register and start asking questions wildly. They will expect you to search and read their (very extensive) archives before asking questions.

That said, I've never heard of a transmission adapter for the Datsun transmissions to a V8, and don't think the Datsun transmission be strong enough even if there were such a thing. I think you'll need to swap to a Ford transmission as well.

http://datsunzgarage.com/engine/

And here is a small quote....

There were three different Zcar R-200 ratios from 1975-83, none were limited slip until 1987. 280ZX automatic transmission cars came with an R180, so if you want to find a 3.90 look for a 1981-83 5-speed in the junkyard. Don't try to analyze the confusing table in the Haynes manual, this is the easy way to do it:

Datsun R-200 list (not R180)

'75-79 280Z(X)s had a 3.54

'81-83 turbo ZX's had a 3.54

'81-83 non-turbo ZX's had a 3.90

the '85-86 200SX turbo had a 4.11

the '87-89 LSD was a 3.70

If you want performance get the R200 out of a junkyard '81-83 5-speed, NON-turbo ZX (3.90). if you're speed freak like me use the 4.11 out of the 200SX turbo. The '85-86 200SX turbos came with a R200 while the non-turbo models I've seen have a solid rear axle. While not LSD differentials the 4.11 adds more snap over the 3.90 and can make your Z a real rocket off the line. It came with CV halfshafts which aren't needed, just use regular Zcar R200 halfshafts on a 4:11 in a first generation Z.

1975 NOTE: 1975 R200s and driveshafts came with unique rear driveshaft/differential flanges. So if you plan on doing a later year R200 swap into your 1975 280Z, you should try to find a 1976-78 R200 driveshaft to use.

http://datsunzgarage.com/engine/

Datsun R-200 list (not R180)

'75-79 280Z(X)s had a 3.54

'81-83 turbo ZX's had a 3.54

'81-83 non-turbo ZX's had a 3.90

the '85-86 200SX turbo had a 4.11

the '87-89 LSD was a 3.70

Im sure you meant 280(z) and not z(x) because the 75-79 were all 280z's. This would mean that my 76 280z has the R200 rear which is known good for holding up to a v8.

Where can aftermarket gears be purchased? I would like to find the best price.

...because the 75-79 were all 280z's.

Wrong. The first year of the ZX was 1979, the last year of the 280Z was 1978. At least here in the USA.

so all the 280z models are R200, not R180.........