Telling the Difference Between Early Four and Five Speeds

I've seen this topic come up several times but never found a good description of how to tell. I realized today that I've seen one distinct difference between an early 280Z four speed and a 280z five speed. So I took a couple of pictures for the record. One is a 1976 four speed, the other a 1978 five speed. The difference is in the straightness of the housing across the bottom of the speedometer drive gear mounting area. The five speed is essentially straight while the four speed diverges at the housing.

The old timers probably know how to tell at a glance, but I have not been able to find a good writeup of how to tell them apart visually.

Both are mounted. The 76 4 speed is first, not in use, but mounted in a car. The 78 5 speed is second, currently in use.

Edited October 5, 201014 yr by Zed Head