Transmission ID/quiz

[LeonV]

I don't remember if I've actually started a thread on here before but I need some help in identifying a couple of transmissions.

First up, is a type-B 5-speed. I was told by the PO, who was told by someone else that it has Porsche-type (servo) syncros (maybe they meant just 5th gear?). Any way to find out what kind of trans this is short of opening it up? I thought it was a plain-jane 280Z 5-speed since it has the two ears under the shifter and the speed gear bolt is at 12 o'clock, but it "looks" to have the later shifter ears and is missing the top access cover that Marc describes at the bottom of his page: gearing2

Notice the number underneath the shifter ears.

Next up, is a type-A 5-speed. I don't know whether it's a Roadster trans converted to work on a Z, a euro trans, or something else. It seems as though the Roadster 5-speeds (FS5C71-A/FS5W71-A) had that driveshaft flange but I'm unsure whether that was shared by other type-B trannies. Any identifying features on this guy? I did read that Roadster trannies are "weaker" but I don't know how much merit that has.

I've searched quite a bit and did find some great info posted by guys like Carl B., Alan T., and Marc Sayer.

Thanks all.

Edited March 27, 2013 by LeonV

[EuroDat]

Hi Leon, my old 5speed looks like your top two photos in my 280Z. Only problem is its not original and the PO thought it came out of a 280ZX 82 model. I know it has the brass 5 th synchro.

Ill climb under and take a look and photo tomorrow.

Chas

[LeonV]

Hi Leon, my old 5speed looks like your top two photos in my 280Z. Only problem is its not original and the PO thought it came out of a 280ZX 82 model. I know it has the brass 5 th synchro.

Ill climb under and take a look and photo tomorrow.

Chas

Thanks Chas.

The thing is, this box shows signs of being an early 280Z box with a few things that are different: the shifter ears and missing access cover. Plus, like I said, it was mentioned that it has Porsche-style syncros which I assume they mean steel/servo syncros that are found in the comp boxes.

I have a couple of late-ZX boxes lying around to compare to, but I haven't had a chance to examine early type-B 5-speeds.

[Zed Head]

I have a 78 5 speed with the two exhaust hangers and the tall shifter ears. I've noticed the shifter ears on mine and wondered. I decided that the shifter ear thing as an identifier was incorrect. The shifter itself is the same as my 76 4 speed shifter and fits fine, no interference.

My 76 4 speed has the access plate and the 78 5 speed does not. Both transmissions came in cars I bought and didn't show any signs of being replacements.

Measuring the 5th gear ratio is a pretty good way of telling the late from early 5 speeds. .864 for the early and .745 for the late, with a .773 thrown in the middle, late 80 to early 81 I believe.

[LeonV]

I have a 78 5 speed with the two exhaust hangers and the tall shifter ears. I've noticed the shifter ears on mine and wondered. I decided that the shifter ear thing as an identifier was incorrect. The shifter itself is the same as my 76 4 speed shifter and fits fine, no interference.

My 76 4 speed has the access plate and the 78 5 speed does not. Both transmissions came in cars I bought and didn't show any signs of being replacements.

Measuring the 5th gear ratio is a pretty good way of telling the late from early 5 speeds. .864 for the early and .745 for the late, with a .773 thrown in the middle, late 80 to early 81 I believe.

Good stuff, thanks!

Any info on the numbers in the second pic? Does yours have those? I saw pics of a comp tranny and it had very similar markings, and I'm unsure if they're shared with other early 5-speeds.

The problem is that I sold this trans recently and am now thinking that I made a huge mistake!

[Zed Head]

Here's a picture. It has numbers but I can't easily figure them out. Different from yours.

Apparently scratched in to the sand before pouring, maybe, since it's raised on the part. Or engraved in to the mold for the investment the sand is packed around,. No metal-casting expert, so could be way off, just guessing. Notice the big vent or sprue chunk in the picture though, missing from yours.

Edited March 28, 2013 by Zed Head

[ksbeta]

I can be of a little help here.

I just put the FS5C71A in my '70. It's the roadster box with the 240z bell housing.

Hopefully those help the comparison. Let me know if you need more details. I think I have more photos.

[tamo3]

Hi Leon,

Looks like it same as my '78 280z trans.

Mine is written #15-3-21, I think.

[LeonV]

Thanks guys, the replies are all of great help! I'm still curious if that B-box is something more than a stock 5-speed...

[EuroDat]

Hi Leon, Climbed under the car today and took some photos, but its hard to get a clear view under the car.

My tranny is not original and the PO thought it came out of a 280ZX. The casting doesn't have the scratched in numbers like the others on this thread, but there is an M in front of has two casting "spurs" on the left side just under the shifter. The number #3 is cast in front of the spurs.

Does anyone have a photo of the Porsche style syncros? I have heard of them, but never seen one in a Z tranny.

The FS5W71A had the fibre type and the FS5W71B has the brass type like 1st to 4th gear. My transmission has the same syncros as the FS5W71C.

Also posted a couple of photos when the transmission was dismantled.

Edited March 28, 2013 by EuroDat

[LeonV]

Hi Leon, Climbed under the car today and took some photos, but its hard to get a clear view under the car.

My tranny is not original and the PO thought it came out of a 280ZX. The casting doesn't have the scratched in numbers like the others on this thread, but there is an M in front of has two casting "spurs" on the left side just under the shifter. The number #3 is cast in front of the spurs.

Does anyone have a photo of the Porsche style syncros? I have heard of them, but never seen one in a Z tranny.

The FS5W71A had the fibre type and the FS5W71B has the brass type like 1st to 4th gear. My transmission has the same syncros as the FS5W71C.

Also posted a couple of photos when the transmission was dismantled.

Very nice, thanks!

Yes, your tranny looks to be a late-ZX unit (speedo bolt at 6 o'clock position, one ear below shifter). It has close gear ratios perfect for pairing with lower-geared (numerically higher) rear diffs.

[12doplumbing]

Anyone know what I've got here? Under the shifter is: R1, then under that is 13-52-066-903, then under that "Borg Warner".

On the front it has "Basic 1" and another "Borg Warner" with a different number: 13-51-097-901.

Appreciate knowing. Son and I want to put an '83 turbo in his '72 240 with this five speed.