Differential identification please.

Harllequin

Club Member
Hi there folks.
I though this would be the best place to post this question.

After changing all the rubber hoses at the tank end of my 280zx I decided to change the diff oil while I was under.
Imagine my supprise when I drained out 2ltr of oil from the diff.
It wasn't over full as I removed the fill plug first.
(I didn't want to drain the oil if I couldn't fill the bugger again 😜)
That made me look a bit closer but I could not see any identifiable markings.
From pictures I think it's a S13 diff possibly RS20DET.

Would you guys mind checking out these pics and letting me know what you think.

Thank you kindly in advance.
Darren
 

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Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
I think that's standard. We use those diffs in earlier cars but have to replace the rear cover to one without fins.
 

Huw

Club Member
That looks to be a standard 280ZX diff. All UK cars have the finned diff covers.

Capacity is supposed to be 1.3ltrs of the finest EP90 GL5 of your choice. However, if you follow Mr Haynes and top up the diff to level of the filler plug like it says in his book, the diff ends up holding just shy of 2ltrs.
 

Harllequin

Club Member
Well bugger.
My quick bit of reading tonight seemed to indicate sae75/90 gl4.

Huw that way of filling would explain the 2ltr oil drain.

I always though the Japanese stuff needed the anti foaming properties of GL4?
 

Huw

Club Member
Gearbox is GL4 I believe. There are a few threads on here about it, like this one.

 

Harllequin

Club Member
Gearbox is GL4 I believe. There are a few threads on here about it, like this one.

Thanks Huw.
Think I'll run it down to the local motor factors to buy some Ep90 and treat the stuff I put in as a nice flushing oil 🤣
 
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Ian Patmore

Well-Known Forum User
Only manual UK cars have this finned diff cover, autos don't. You can fit the finned cover on an S30 if you change the rear/bottom brace. I have one on my S30.
 
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