Hey 81

The factory put the holes in the firewall of all those models. It was easier (and cheaper). When I say holes I mean the holes for the clutch master cylinder. Have a look at one with auto trans and they should have a covering grommet over them. The swap shouldn't be a hack job because the only items needed are the slave and master cylinders, clutch and brake assembly.

I guess that explains it, then. Is there a way to tell if the proper transmission was installed? My understanding is that the whole reason the auto tranny was used in 1981, was because the standard one at the time wasn't strong enough for the turbo. So, could it be that the weaker transmission was installed?

Wow, I feel dumb. Turns out its a 1983, Jan of 83 to be exact. Don't know where I came up with 81, unless thats how its (was) registered. Also found out its going to be in the neighborhood of $350 to get it all registered. Ugh, I guess its worth it

Oh, and the driver's door gave up today - the bottom hinge pulled out taking a good chunk of metal with it...looks like I need a new door. Dang it.

If you can't find a door in Calif. try Roger at the "Z Barn".

I may have to. The only z's I could find are older. And z's.

However I'm thinking I may be able to weld it all back up, going to be ugly but might work. Or it will just break again around the welds.

I had a a 280ZX once I just can't recall if it was an 82 or 83 but it was sweet. But mine was not a Turbo. Everyone wants a turbo I'm just glad to have a Z:beer:

I thought the ZX turbo also came with the T5 manual gearbox which is plenty strong enough for the car.

I thought the ZX turbo also came with the T5 manual gearbox which is plenty strong enough for the car.

It does. The OP thought he had an 81 and then relized he had an 83. The 81 turbo only came with an auto trans and that's what led to the talk about tranny swaps etc.