I just bought this - please help!

Robert Campbell

Club Member
Right, its been laid up for three months due to getting married, going on Honeymoon and leaving the Army. Time to take action is now.

Im struggling with a gearbox option as Im getting conflicting reports. I heard that a 6 speed option from a 350Z is possible, but need a converter from Hoke Performance. No problem with that, but Id really like to know someone that has done this before.

I'm also not confident that I have positively identified the gearbox that's in it now, whether its a 280z or ZX.... Whats the difference?

My immediate plan is to get the new alternator, get the shafts refurbished, then drive it like a madman for a weekend, then remove the engine and rebuild it. While the engine is out, get to the bodywork and respray...
 

Ped

Club Member
As others on here will tell you I understand there are a few options for gearbox swaps. The two I have heard of are from the S13 and S14.

Have a look at Huw's S14a gearbox install in his 280zx which may help let you know what kind of issues crop up, although it wont be the same on your car.

Also here is a link to an S13 install in a 240z.

Found this link that may help identify your current gearbox. I am guessing there must be some way to tell the difference by the gearbox number?
 

SacCyclone

Club Member
Hi Robert.
Great to see you taking on this project and making it your own.
If you need any assistance with parts from the states, give me a PM and I will try to help out.
Thank you for your service.
 

Robert Campbell

Club Member
As others on here will tell you I understand there are a few options for gearbox swaps. The two I have heard of are from the S13 and S14.

Have a look at Huw's S14a gearbox install in his 280zx which may help let you know what kind of issues crop up, although it wont be the same on your car.

Also here is a link to an S13 install in a 240z.

Found this link that may help identify your current gearbox. I am guessing there must be some way to tell the difference by the gearbox number?

Thanks for the links, but I'm struggling to find any markings on the box at all. I imagine they will be on the topside which will only be visible once its out.
 

Robert Campbell

Club Member
Hi Robert.
Great to see you taking on this project and making it your own.
If you need any assistance with parts from the states, give me a PM and I will try to help out.
Thank you for your service.
Thanks very much. My Dad is American and while I was there last month I bought a complete weatherstripping kit from the Zed Store. There certainly are more options over there...
 

Albrecht

Well-Known Forum User
If the car currently has a 4-speed transmission, it's almost certainly an FS4W71B type. Quite likely the stock transmission that the car left the factory with.

Can I ask, what exactly is your main aim with regard to sourcing/fitting a 5-speed transmission? Just fitting a 5-speed overdrive type transmission might not give you what you want and/or expect.

One of the key points in the overall gearing of the car is the differential ratio. Do you know what ratio your differential gear is? It may well be the original, factory-fitted, type and ratio.

Generally speaking, turboed engines *like* to 'push' against a taller (lower numerical) diff ratio. What characteristics are you looking for in the car? Are you looking for lower-revving cruising speeds?
 

Robert Campbell

Club Member
If the car currently has a 4-speed transmission, it's almost certainly an FS4W71B type. Quite likely the stock transmission that the car left the factory with.

Can I ask, what exactly is your main aim with regard to sourcing/fitting a 5-speed transmission? Just fitting a 5-speed overdrive type transmission might not give you what you want and/or expect.

One of the key points in the overall gearing of the car is the differential ratio. Do you know what ratio your differential gear is? It may well be the original, factory-fitted, type and ratio.

Generally speaking, turboed engines *like* to 'push' against a taller (lower numerical) diff ratio. What characteristics are you looking for in the car? Are you looking for lower-revving cruising speeds?
Yes. It makes quite a din when cruising at 70mph and hoping a fifth gear would reduce the noise and RPM.
 

jonbills

Membership Secretary
Site Administrator
Do you have a photo of the top of the engine with the cam cover off? I'm interested to see if your P90A head has hydraulic tappets or not.
 

Robert Campbell

Club Member
8FADD8D2-5E4C-4310-9194-091D1B9F51CB.jpeg
Thanks - I've never seen a hydraulic one so I sort of hope you do. And sort of hope for you that you don't if you want to change cam.
anyway - here are some links if you want to read up on that 350z gearbox swap.

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/120421-l28-350z-6-speed-transmission-adapters/
http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/127100-collins-adapter-l-series-to-cd009-350z-transmission/
Thanks very much, but right now I’m thinking of the easier option of a straight 5 speed swap....

Here are my dodgy shafts off to be refurbed...
 
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