5 speed manual transmission identification

[ronlaw28]

Thanks all...

So, now I will have to turn engine and measure my shifter mount ears..

[jwtaylor]

The latter 5 speed (82-83) also has a reverse lock out located on the drivers side and a few inches in front of the shifter. It looks like a diamond shaped plate with rounded corners.

[Tirnipgreen]

So what would be the best rear end ratio (R180) to mate with a "close-ratio" zx transmission...?

[kickstand80]

Do want to drag race the 1/8 mile, or do you want top end/low rpm at hi way speed

[Tirnipgreen]

No drag racing, but better performance on twisty mountain roads...

[Yarb]

3:73 or 3:90 ratio. Not sure what the ratio availability is for the r180.

[dutchzcarguy]

John means 1: 3,37 not 3,73.. 

Most R180 are 1:3,364 for the 4 speed. over here we have 1:3.9 for the orig 5 speed 240z box..  for rally there was the 1:4,11 ratio..

my experience is when you install a orig 240z euro 5 speed you need to use the 1:3,9 ratio diff.  I don't know if the 280zx 5 speed has much different gears but i guess that there is not much difference so a 1:3,36 diff can give you a bit of a "long" first gear that eats your clutch plate aftyer some time. Also a 1: 3,9 gives shorter gears and more torque. A 1:3,36 gives more top speed.

On 8/1/2023 at 1:56 AM, Tirnipgreen said:

No drag racing, but better performance on twisty mountain roads...

So the answer is i think get yourself a 1: 3,9 diff.. i believe there is also a 1:3,6 and the 1:4,11. It would not surprise me if a 240sx or other nissan diff also would fit.

Edited August 2, 2023 by dutchzcarguy

[Patcon]

I replied in your ad, but why an R180 over an R200?

[Terrapin Z]

A maxima had an open 3:70 R180, that's what I put behind my 83zx 5sp. 

A 720 truck had a front R180 in open 3:90 a 4:11, and a 4:38 even a 4:62 if you can find it. 

The 240z had the 3:36 for the 4sp and a 3:54 for the automatic. 

[Tirnipgreen]

Question...what is meant by an "open" differential. 3:70 i probably what I am looking for as long as it is a "plug and play" unit as I am really not up for an modifications to my current setup. Thanks, Terrapin...!

[Patcon]

"Open" as in not Limited Slip. Only one wheel will spin

[Dave WM]

Just now, Tirnipgreen said:

Question...what is meant by an "open" differential. 3:70 i probably what I am looking for as long as it is a "plug and play" unit as I am really not up for an modifications to my current setup. Thanks, Terrapin...!

That means you get one burnout instead of two when you dump the clutch.