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Turbo five speed swap


Powerz

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I have a 78 280z 3 speed automatic. I recently purchased turbo 5 speed out of a zx to put in the car. I gave never done much transmission work. And I am unsure what parts I will need. I have a 260 that I am stealing the clutch pedal assymbley from. Please help. Thanks

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Fairly simple actually, just make sure you get all the parts you can if you have a donor.  You don't need the pedal box, just the 2 pedals and their associated hardware (bolts, springs, washers, bushings, nylon bushing for the spring end, etc.) Most people forget the clutch "hard line" (unless you want to use braided steel hose for the hydraulic line).

 

In the '75 that I trans swapped, I noticed the hole in the transmission tunnel was cut diferently.  I had to cut the top of the trans tunnel for the manual shifter.  The "pattern" is already there in the metal, you just have to remove some additional metal at the front.  Speaking of:  Get the boot bracket off the 260 (the rectangular ring that clamps the rubber "inner shift lever boot" to the top of the trans tunnel).

 

You don't need to modify the console, the auto trans parts will come out/off and you'll never know the auto was in there.

 

As for the transmission, simple swap.  You'll need a clutch/flywheel package of your choice and then make sure the throw-out bearing collar is the right length for your clutch package.  Don't forget to remove the flexplate adapter and get a pilot bushing installed.

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If it has this transmission:

 

trans1.jpg

 

You will also need the driveshaft and differential (or at least the flange) as well. Shortening the driveshaft about an inch seems to be the general consensus for early Z cars, though I have heard you can make it work by cramming it in. I feel kinda iffy about that though.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I had issues with my Centerforce II pressure plate releasing and learned that it may nbe just small differences, but the throwout arm and collar had different part #'s than either of the other clutch setups for S30 cars. The early 5/8" slave is no longer made, just the 3/4" and I was not getting enough throw from my clutch. I found a 240SX 5/8" slave that gave me enough length to disengage the clutch.

 

The T5 trans from the turbo cars has a removeable bellhousing unlike the Nissan trans so make sure you've got that. I had a custom driveshaft made with a Nissan yoke on the trans end and the 1310 Chevrolet joint with Neapco adapter for the R200 in the back of my car. I used the Hurst Competition Plus shifter for '83-'91 Mustang GT.

 

I think the T5 is the best swap trans because it has the deepest first gear and the highest overdrive. My car a highway monster with 3.54 gears.

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