Darbji280z Posted March 6, 2009 Share #1 Posted March 6, 2009 At the end of the summer last year, I came to the conclusion that the syncros in my 4-speed trans were going bad. And I've decided to go with the 240sx trans. I am aware that my bell housing needs some modification to fit the sx trans. I've already talked to a local machine shop. The driveshaft will probably have to be shortened. I've done a great deal of research and I'm pretty confident in my ability to make this work. But I was wondering, if there is anyone else out there that's done it, do you have any advice? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arne Posted March 6, 2009 Share #2 Posted March 6, 2009 Hey, Darb, welcome back.I don't know much about the details of going to the 240SX transmission, but I do have a question. Considering how simple and straightforward swapping a 280ZX 5 speed into your car is, what prompted your decision to do the much more difficult job? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276455 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezzzzzzz Posted March 6, 2009 Share #3 Posted March 6, 2009 The 240SX (or KA) transmission is superior. Having built many early transmissions and finally completing this conversion for myself I can say it's worth the minor trouble. Head over to www.hybridz.org and search for the 240SX or KA swap. There's plenty of documented information. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276489 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl Beck Posted March 6, 2009 Share #4 Posted March 6, 2009 (edited) The complete article by Steve Heimsouth, related to the 240ZX Transmission swap - is hosted on the Z Car Home Pagehttp:ZHome.com in "the Z Car Technical Library" section.The direct URL is:http://ZHome.com/ZCMnL/tech/240SX5spd/transmission.htmFWIW,Carl B. Edited March 7, 2009 by Carl Beck Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276494 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl Beck Posted March 6, 2009 Share #5 Posted March 6, 2009 Considering how simple and straightforward swapping a 280ZX 5 speed into your car is, what prompted your decision to do the much more difficult job?Most Likely - - -240SX transmission- stronger, new and improved design- gearing 1st through 4th closer to original- easier to find low mileage examples today- usually not too expensive- rebuild parts still easily availableFWIW,Carl B. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276497 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arne Posted March 6, 2009 Share #6 Posted March 6, 2009 Most Likely - - -240SX transmission- stronger, new and improved design- gearing 1st through 4th closer to original- easier to find low mileage examples today- usually not too expensive- rebuild parts still easily availableOK, I can see where these are all desirable things. However:stronger, new and improved design - perhaps, but I doubt that any stock or mildly enhanced 240/280Z truly needs a stronger tranny for street use.gearing 1st through 4th closer to original - a generally good thing, but again, I doubt the differences are all that significant for a street-driven Z.easier to find low mileage examples today - probably true in much of the country. Not so much here in the West, where there's still plenty of Z/ZX transmissions available.usually not too expensive - neither are the ZX trannies.rebuild parts still easily available - I had no trouble getting rebuild parts for my Type A last year, and Type B 5 speeds should be even easier to get parts for.Not trying to say this is a bad idea, I don't see much downside to it, other than all the extra work and cost to pull it off. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276512 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walter Moore Posted March 7, 2009 Share #7 Posted March 7, 2009 ...stronger, new and improved design - perhaps, but I doubt that any stock or mildly enhanced 240/280Z truly needs a stronger tranny for street use....When I bought my 240Z (in 2002) it had been sitting in a warehouse for more than a decade. The transmission that came in it was from a 280Z, and the syncros for 2nd gear were shot. The title (from 1983) listed the purchase mileage at 134k miles and the odometer read just a little over 40k. From that I assume the car had about 140k miles, was on at least its second transmission, and that one was pretty much shot.A stronger transmission would be a good thing... Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276556 Share on other sites More sharing options...
280~Master Posted March 7, 2009 Share #8 Posted March 7, 2009 I have heard of this swap and have thought about it for the simple fact that you can get better gearing for the 240sx tranny. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276564 Share on other sites More sharing options...
doradox Posted March 7, 2009 Share #9 Posted March 7, 2009 The 240SX runs a 4:10 rear end stock. If you don't have at least a 3:90 you might be a little disappointed with the gearing. Or not. I have one (240SX) and I'm not a big fan of the rpm drop in the 1-2 shift. First is just a little too low so the jump to second is a little too much IMHO. But the rest have nice spacing. With a 3:90 the 1-2 shift would be little worse, but at least first gear wouldn't run out so quick and you'd be turning a few less rpm at highway speeds.Steve Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276595 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darbji280z Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share #10 Posted March 9, 2009 Well, basically I needed a transmission solution. And after looking at different options, I decided not to go with the 280zx trans because I am certain to have the same problem with syncros going out. All of the zx transmissions I was able to find were expensive and had higher miles than my own broken transmission. I am really excited about this swap. In fact all I am waiting for is the bell housing and driveshaft to come back from the machine shop! I will keep you posted. Thanks for all the info. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276817 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arne Posted March 9, 2009 Share #11 Posted March 9, 2009 All sounds good. You did your research, found your stuff and are getting it handled. I hope it turns out as good as you hope. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-276821 Share on other sites More sharing options...
preith Posted March 17, 2009 Share #12 Posted March 17, 2009 Hopefully I won't get dinged for this but for anyone else interested in this swap I have a FS5W71B bell housing from a 280ZX I'm looking to sell, PM me for more info. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/31061-swapping-in-a-trans-from-a-240sxadvice/#findComment-277750 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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