I have a 1980 280zx with automatic. Just came upon a 1980 donor car with 5spd. How much trouble to convert. What pitfalls might I encounter in the switch? Any and all opinions/help/advice welcome.

Just did it on my 72. Also did it on my 73. It's really not hard at all. Here's a thread from my 73 conversion.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/thread40158.html

You'll need to remove the two pedals from the manual car and install them in the auto car. No need to remove the pedal box, your auto car has the same pedal box as the manual car. You need a brake m/c.....the hole and studs are already in your auto car. Also get the M/C to slave cylinder metal line from the donor car. Obviously, you need a tranny and slave cylinder. Splice the two wires together as in my thread (cut off switch for park). Oh, also, you'll need to put a brass bushing in the center of the rear crank to accommodate the input shaft of the tranny. You'll also need the rubber inner and outter boots and the leather boot and ring for the shifter.

Edited October 17, 201212 yr by Diseazd