Difference in a 5 speed "L8" and a "L4" transmission?

[cwyzr1617]

I'm having trouble finding a simple answer (maybe there isn't one?) to the question of: are the L8 and L4 stamped transmissions exactly the same? The problem trany is in a 81 zx Base and the donor was in a 80 zx non turbo. Base has the L4 and the donor is stamped L8? Any help appreciated.

Chuck

[Zed Head]

80 and 81 could have different ratios.  There's also a reverse lockout mechanism that was introduced about that time.  Generally, the casting numbers and letters have been found to have little meaning, despite conjecture about date codes and stuff.  I have five.  Nobody has shown that they could take a casting number and actually use it for some specific purpose, that I've seen.

[cwyzr1617]

Thanks ZH, They look exactly alike but I'm new at this game so figured it best to ask. Appreciate your time.

 

[Terrapin Z]

To add to ZH's post above the O/D (5th) ratio is slightly different as shown in the far right column.  1st thru 4th is the same. 

Just FYI.......

280 ZX (8/79-6/80)	FS5W71B  5 spd "B" type	3.062	1.858/39%	1.308/30%	1/24%	0.773/23%
280 ZX (7/80-6/83)	FS5W71B  5 spd "B" type	3.062	1.858/39%	1.308/30%	1/24%	0.745/26%

[cwyzr1617]

Once again I thank you TZ for the input. This Z is my first attempt at an auto resto project. What can I say, I'm 65 and it was on my bucket list! I am amazed at the amount of info available on this site from its members and their willingness to help. Thanks to all of you.