On the earlier cars the tunnel is essentially the same with the except of the actual hole in the metal that the gear lever comes through. The hole on the auto cars are smaller than the manual but can be modified to suit a manual box. I think the consul is also slightly different but I'm sure it can be made to work.
Please be aware that this is essentially a UK site and the vast majority of posts are in relation to UK cars. Therefore the 280z (never a UK car) does not have a great deal of info on this site. I have been a member for a long while and don't ever recall anyone asking this question so you will find no results on it if you try searching. This site is funded by paid up members, and I notice you are not, yet you are complaining that the site is slow and you cannot find the answer to your problem. If more members support this site by paying the very small fee to join then there would be more funds to enhance the site. I suggest you try some of the other Z related sites for more information on the 280z.