Identifying A Shifter

[RED71Z]

I am in the middle of a 4/5 speed swap and the shifter is not even close.The trans looks it takes a different type.I have spent two hours on old forums and other sites but I can,t find what I need.Here is two pics.One is 4 sp trans with shifter the other is the back of 5 sp trans.Any suggestions?

[motivealloy]

Read this page, it might help you with your identification... http://www.zcarz.us/TechnicalInformationPageTransmission.htm

[Zed Head]

Here's another good site.  Looks like you have the early "A" style 4 speed.  You'll probably have a problem with the shift lever hitting the edge of the hole in the body and console.  People have bent shift levers or trimmed the holes larger to make it work.

 

http://www.zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/AandBtranny.htm

[RED71Z]

Thanks,I read these and it says the shifters are not interchangeable between 4 and 5 speed trans.What do I do?I don't mind cutting the sheet metal.

[motivealloy]

Read through this thread for some ideas...

 

http://www.classiczcars.com/topic/40025-280z-5-speed-in-an-early-240z-console-cutting/

 

With our swap the tunnel was cut and we just used a shift lever from a 1971 Z car as it has a nice "S" curve to it.

[RED71Z]

I see what the problem is.It looks like a piece that the shifter fits in is missing?

[Zed Head]

Thanks,I read these and it says the shifters are not interchangeable between 4 and 5 speed trans.What do I do?I don't mind cutting the sheet metal.

You'll need a "B" style shift lever.  Anything from 1972 to 1983 will fit the transmission but may need bending or cutting and rewelding to fit the car.  Put a Wanted ad out there and someone will have one.

 

You might also need a longer driveshaft, if you have the forward-set differential.  Can't remember when they stopped doing that.

 

Here's a link or two with a picture of the shifter you'll need.  You can get them much cheaper.  zspecialties might have a stock lever also, for cheaper than their short-throw.  Call them.  That price is kind of ridiculous for a cut and weld on an $8 salvage yard piece.  Don't know what's going on there.  Not good.  

 

http://www.datsunstore.com/shifters-shortened-throw-p-1790.html

 

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/20-1050

[Zed Head]

I see what the problem is.It looks like a piece that the shifter fits in is missing?

You're right, it is.  I glossed over that when pointing out the difference between the two you have.  Take a picture from the side.

[Zed Head]

Actually, it's not clear what 5 speed you have there.  The hole seems too big.  Maybe a post-83 5 speed, a 71C.

[RED71Z]

This looks like the missing piece Shifter control arm.

[Zed Head]

I just went out and took a picture of a spare transmission for comparison.  It's the perspective that makes the hole look bigger.  

 

Can't be sure without the side picture but it looks like the "ears" are broken off of your shifter control arm, on the 5 speed.  Do you actually have that 5 speed, the one in Post #1, or is that someone else's picture?  

[RED71Z]

Yes they are both mine.