Auto to Manual Swap: swap flywheel for pressure plate??? What the???

[ZohanIsBack]

So....went to put the fly wheel from a 1981 280zx where the pressure plate for the auto 1974 260z was, and found that it doesn't fit over the crank hub like it does on the 280zx. The hub on the 260z is actually a half inch wider than the hub on the 280zx. Wtf? So if I bolted it up, it would sit about 1/4 inch farther out than it should be. How the heck does it work?

Do I just bolt it up anyway or do I have to order the 260z flywheel (which doesn't seem to work since its 8 7/8 inch whereas the clutch is 9 1/2 inchg. HELP guys!

[Jeff G 78]

Remove the spacer plate. It's a round disc about 4" in diameter. It's only used with the auto flex plate.

BTW, don't forget to install a pilot bearing (bushing).

As for the clutch and flywheel. You should be using everything as a matched set. If you are buying a new clutch kit, you have to match it to the flywheel (coupe/na or 2+2/turbo). If the flywheel holes are too far out for the pressure plate, then you have a 2+2/turbo flywheel and a coupe/na clutch. Be sure to also match the throwout bearing collar and the pressure plate. There are a bunch of different length collars and you MUST use the pressure plate that matches the collar you have.

Do a search here for throwout collar and you will find a picture with each collar and it's length.

Edited June 4, 2011 by Jeff G 78

[ZohanIsBack]

Yes, the 280zx I am taking it out of is a 2+2. So does that mean the flywheel won't fit on the coupe 260z? The tranny seems to match okay.

[Jeff G 78]

It will work just fine, but you need to get a 2+2 clutch and pressure plate kit or use everything that you removed from the ZX if you don't plan to buy a new clutch kit.

[ZohanIsBack]

Okay, yeah, I got everything for the 280zx as far as clutch, PP, etc. go. But is it okay if the flywheel WON'T fit over the crankshaft hub on the 260z? The hub on the 280zx measures 3" in diameter, so the flywheel fit over that when it bolts on. The hub on the 260z is 3.5" in diameter, so the recessed part of the flywheel won't fit over it, it just bolts on flat. Is that ok?

P.S. I'll be back in a couple hours. Going out shooting with friends and will check again then. Thanks for the help man, I appreciate it!

[Jeff G 78]

Let's go back and get a few things clear.

1. What are you trying to reuse and what are you buying new?

a. flywheel

b. clutch disc

c. pressure plate

d. throwout bearing

e. pilot bearing (must be new)

f. throwout collar

2. The ZX is a 2+2 correct?

3. You already have the hydraulics and pedals done?

Once you answer these questions, we can better help you.

[Jeff G 78]

Okay, yeah, I got everything for the 280zx as far as clutch, PP, etc. go. But is it okay if the flywheel WON'T fit over the crankshaft hub on the 260z? The hub on the 280zx measures 3" in diameter, so the flywheel fit over that when it bolts on. The hub on the 260z is 3.5" in diameter, so the recessed part of the flywheel won't fit over it, it just bolts on flat. Is that ok?

This makes no sense. All L series crankshafts are the same at the end where the flywheel bolts on. Post a picture and I can try to help.

I will be away from the computer for several hours myself. I have the trans out of my Tacoma 4x4 and I just stopped for lunch. I need to install it now.

[Arne]

Zohan, have you not read any of the myriad of posts and threads here on doing this swap? Every single question you have asked has been answered here before - not just once, but several times. There are literally a dozen or more posts that talk about the spacer on the end of the crank that must be removed before you bolt up the flywheel.

Here's one that covers this issue in particular:

Auto to Manual swap (the pesky spacer)

Edited June 4, 2011 by Arne

[ZohanIsBack]

I searched for almost an hour and couldn't find anything. Yes, it was the spacer, I just couldn't see that it was a separate unit. Thanks so much guys. Yes, I am kinda a noob at this, just still trying to learn about these z-cars. Expect more dumb questions. Arne, the pictures on that one post shows me the difference. I appreciate it!

[ZohanIsBack]

For those in the future:

1. What are you trying to reuse and what are you buying new?

a. flywheel (used off 280zx)

b. clutch disc (brand new for 280zx)

c. pressure plate (same as clutch/kit)

d. throwout bearing

e. pilot bearing (must be new)

f. throwout collar (280zx one)

2. The ZX is a 2+2 correct? Yes

3. You already have the hydraulics and pedals done? Yes.

[Jeff G 78]

Aaaargh, I lost a response in the system. Anyways, what I said was...

You never told us if the clutch kit you bought is for a 2+2 or a coupe. Earlier, you said the car is a 2+2 and that the clutch didn't fit the flywheel. Did you buy the right parts?

[ZohanIsBack]

It's all good.

No, I was saying that I heard that the 260z flywheel is 8 and 7/8" but the clutch I have for it actually the large one, which is correct. In other words, I have a 280zx clutch, PP, transmission, flywheel, etc etc. Now that I was actually able to see that there is a rear spacer (doh, my bad), everything should swap flawlessly. It will fit just fine. Thanks!