Looking for a 1981 to 1983 zx trans

[Haggertysj]

Looking for a 5 speed trans out of a 1981-83 280zx. I own a 1974 260z and have pulled my 4 speed because it is shot. Im am doing the conversion to a 5 speed. Was told that this trans will bolt in with little to no modifications. Anyone have any advice on finding this tranny and about the conversion?

[Zed Head]

The swap itself should be easy. There is a lots of information spread around the internet, Google will find many, so will the search function on this site. If you have an early 260, then read the 240Z swaps, late, read the 280Z threads.

Junkyards and Craigslist are your best options for finding one. Any 5 speed from 1978 to 1983 will bolt in easily. I believe that the 5 speed was also an option for 1977.

If you get in to the clutch, getting a new pressure plate, you might have to spend a little time being sure that you have the right combination of pressure plate height and throwout collar. If you get a clutch kit you should be okay, since the clutch fork pivot ball is in the same relative position on the later transmissions.

I don't know what 1974 had for transmission switches, but it's possible that you'll lose a top gear switch also. You might want to check your 4 speed transmission switches to see what you have and decide if you want to keep them. The FSM will describe what they do, probably in the Emissions section. The reverse switch should be there on all of them.

These are just generalities. I've only done a 1978 5 speed in to a 1976 280Z myself.

[robftw]

Call this guy, his name is ray he has an 82 engine and trans for 500$, i was going to get the trans but i passed up because i've got another coming from dominica (its form a dr30)

I offered him 150$ for the trans and he accepted it... i just never went and got it because i got the DR30 tans for free.

He lives somewhere in buffalo, 716-570-5842 I believe he said they had about 70k on them.

Edit, i found his CL add

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/pts/2439463496.html

Edited July 30, 2011 by robftw

[Zed Head]

$150 is a good price. The Oregon junk yards are charging $160 and you have to pull it yourself. And 70k is very low miles. Maybe you should buy the engine too.

[robftw]

$150 is a good price. The Oregon junk yards are charging $160 and you have to pull it yourself. And 70k is very low miles. Maybe you should buy the engine too.

exactly why i was going to buy it, i'd get the engine too but my block only has 63k and its so easy to pull out of the car and modify there is no reason to build up a second motor

I hope OP jumps on this even though its a long drive for him

[tlorber]

If you you buy a used tranny, you should get a rebuild kit online (appx $120.00) and go through the tranny before installing it. That way you know you are done with it.