Adapting a280ZXT drive train into a 280Z

[gotmoxz]

I have an '83 280ZXT drive train complete that I'm planning on retrofitting into a '77 280Z. Does anyone here know how to adapt the 280ZXT rear-end into the 280Z? I have so far pulled the complete rear end (diff & stub axles). Will the stub axles connect (via some sort of adapter) to the original 280Z hubs or must I adapt the 280ZXT hubs to the 280Z suspension? Thanks much!

[Zed Head]

The 77 came with an R200. If the 83 did also, they will look identical. The 83 might have CV shafts, which will pop out. The 77 R200 has stub axles, which will pop out and pop right into the 83 diff, if it's an R200. The back diff mount will need removing from the 83 so that the mustache bar can be bolted on.

If the 83 has an R180, then more work will be involved. I would get the FSMs for 77 and 83 and look through the Prop and Diff sections to see what you have and how the parts fit.

Edit - just noticed the T. If it's a turbo then it should be an R200, I believe. It should be an easy bolt-in swap. The 83 might be a Limited Slip Differential also, which would be nice (I don't know if all 83 turbos came with an LSD or not).

Edited February 18, 2012 by Zed Head

[gotmoxz]

The 77 came with an R200. If the 83 did also, they will look identical. The 83 might have CV shafts, which will pop out. The 77 R200 has stub axles, which will pop out and pop right into the 83 diff, if it's an R200. The back diff mount will need removing from the 83 so that the mustache bar can be bolted on.

If the 83 has an R180, then more work will be involved. I would get the FSMs for 77 and 83 and look through the Prop and Diff sections to see what you have and how the parts fit.

Edit - just noticed the T. If it's a turbo then it should be an R200, I believe. It should be an easy bolt-in swap. The 83 might be a Limited Slip Differential also, which would be nice (I don't know if all 83 turbos came with an LSD or not).

Thanks Zed. Both are r200's, both 3.54 gears, was looking at gaining the advantage of the later (83) style style stub axles. Maybe not worth the fuss but figured someone more experienced than I would already know the how-to conversion answer so I could be better educated...if indeed this full rear end swap is technically possible as a bolt together (with adapters) change out.

[Zed Head]

I think that you have things backwards. The 77 came with stub axles in the diff, which would then bolt to half-shafts with u-joints. The 83 probably came with CV shafts, which are a complete assembly from diff to wheel hub flange. Drawings in the FSM or descriptions around the internet.

The CV shafts would require an adapter and are probably not worth the trouble for a stock turbo motor.

[gotmoxz]

Zed, my newness to this had me calling the half shafts stub axles, my bad. Here's a link to the solution I was looking for. Thanks for your comments. http://alteredz.com/280ZCVHalfshaftConversion.htm

Is all the associated work necessary, from a mechanical perspective I think not, it's a "want" of ours though so we'll make it happen.

[Zed Head]

In that case, this might be a better solution - http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/34969-cv-adapter-print/page__p__452891__hl__%2Badapter+%2Bdrawing__fromsearch__1#entry452891

I have a set of CV shafts and actually have one adapter half done. But I'm just doing it for fun and and as a future alternative if my half-shafts wear out. They don't offer a whole lot over the u-joint half-shafts.

Here's another link to an adapter for the 4 bolt 300Zx turbo CVs - http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/103581-billet-z31-cvcompanion-flange-adaptors/

And one more vendor, for the 6 bolt style that you have - http://www.modern-motorsports.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=63&PHPSESSID=51477db1b430e29534a8802dfd4401cd

The last link is notorious for slow replies though, unless you create an account, communicate through it and get lucky.

Edit - Also, I can't find any evidence that the turbo CV shaft is any different than the NA CV shaft. The MM site implies that it is, but if you go to an auto parts store they'll sell you the same part for either car.

Edited February 19, 2012 by Zed Head