I just got an automatic 1977 280z. I want to stay somewhat stock when I do the rebuild, but i'd like to swap to a manual. Which transmission is more desirable? Is there any sense in keeping it automatic? Because I'd love to have maybe a 6 speed from a 350z. What do y'all think? My goal is to do a complete 240 conversion, but I don't wanna do anything that I'll regret. ?

Here's some good threads on doing that.  That first one, the TECH article has a great write up from Arne.

https://www.google.com/search?q=automatic+to+manual+transmission+classiczcars.com&rlz=1C1BOFA_enUS494US494&oq=automatic+to+manual+transmission+classiczcars.com&aqs=chrome..69i57.17286j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Edited April 29, 20195 yr by siteunseen

6 speed is not a bolt in conversion. As these cars are getting more valuable, I would stick with bolt on / bolt off conversions. Any of the z car 5 speeds are basically a bolt in affair. Although driveshaft length can be an issue and transmission mount can be an issue. 240z front end conversion looks nice and is reversible. Same with the auto conversion and pedal box conversion. I would suggest you don't get rid of any of the automatic parts. So many young people can't drive a manual. I suspect auto cars will become more desirable in the future.

A turbo ZX with an automatic was fun back then but I hated the n/a autos.  They were 1, 2 and D but the speed limit was 55 mph. , 

If you plan to "stay somewhat stock" I wouldn't spend to much time trying to figure out how to fit a 6 speed. It's just not worth it.

Look for a 280ZX coupe with a "close ratio" 5 speed and grab the R200 diff while you are at it. The 5 speed in the 280ZX coupe is known as a close ratio and the diff has 3.7 or 3.9 to 1 ratio which makes a nice sporty combo in the S30 models. You will need to find a donor 280Z for other parts.

The diff in your automatic 280Z is a R180 with 3.545 to 1 ratio. It will work fine, but it's a little high for the close ratio and slow of the mark. It's is the standard diff ratio for the "wide ratio" 5 speed in the 280Z and 280Z 2+2. See document for the different FS5W71B transmissions.

 

How to identify - F5W71B Wide and Close ratio transmission (2).pdfUnavailable

  On 4/29/2019 at 3:52 PM, moozieman said:

I just got an automatic 1977 280z. I want to stay somewhat stock when I do the rebuild, but i'd like to swap to a manual. Which transmission is more desirable? Is there any sense in keeping it automatic? Because I'd love to have maybe a 6 speed from a 350z. What do y'all think? My goal is to do a complete 240 conversion, but I don't wanna do anything that I'll regret. ?

You'll spend a lot of effort just getting the pedals and clutch lines in, and the flywheel and clutch on the engine.  The mods for a 6 speed will be mostly separate from the auto to manual swap.  You could even start with a 4 speed, they're pretty easy to find and cheap, then swap in an extra gear or two later.

What do you mean by a "240 conversion"?

  On 4/29/2019 at 8:10 PM, Zed Head said:

You'll spend a lot of effort just getting the pedals and clutch lines in, and the flywheel and clutch on the engine.  The mods for a 6 speed will be mostly separate from the auto to manual swap.  You could even start with a 4 speed, they're pretty easy to find and cheap, then swap in an extra gear or two later.

What do you mean by a "240 conversion"?

Im ready for the work that  follows. And sorry, i meant like bumpers and stuff

Finding a beat up 75-78 manual transmission 280Z might be the quickest way to get almost all of the parts you need.  Then a beat up 5 speed 280ZX.  Then a beat up 240Z.  How much yard space do you have?

For the bumper conversion you could buy a set of after market bumpers from futofab or acompany in Vietnam are selling them too. You will need an airdam or modify the 280Z grill.

Check this thread for the Vietnam bumpers. Someone here is selling a set on this site atm.

www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/60079-ss-bumpers-from-vietnam/?tab=comments#comment-549680

I converted mine to the 240Z bumpers and fabricated my own brackets. 

 

 

It would be hard to make one look as good as your's Chas.

OP, I've done my front bumper but the rear is gonna be a bite that I'm not take. It's a lot harder than the front so I told myself I needed the protection of the rear bumper. There's some dipstick driver's around here.

240 bumpers on a 280 look fantastic without the cost of a 240, better ride too.

  On 4/30/2019 at 9:27 PM, EuroDat said:

For the bumper conversion you could buy a set of after market bumpers from futofab or acompany in Vietnam are selling them too. You will need an airdam or modify the 280Z grill.

Check this thread for the Vietnam bumpers. Someone here is selling a set on this site atm.

www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/60079-ss-bumpers-from-vietnam/?tab=comments#comment-549680

I converted mine to the 240Z bumpers and fabricated my own brackets. 

 

 

wdym? is it not as easy as mounting the 240 bumpers on the 280?

  On 5/1/2019 at 4:00 PM, moozieman said:

wdym? is it not as easy as mounting the 240 bumpers on the 280?

Not sure what you are referring to:

Use original bumpers? You could, but it's just hard finding a good set of 70-72 240Z bumpers. They are getting harder to find, in good condition. For as little as $500 you can have a new aftermarket set.

Or fitting 240Z bumpers: The 280Z frame mounting points are different to the 240Z. You can not use the 240Z mounting brackets. There are brackets available to fit 240Z bumpers to a 280Z. I make them for starters.