L28 - 350Z 6 Speed Transmission Adapters

[240hoke]

Hey Guys, Z33 kit update...The first kits are in process at the machine shops, I have a batch of 5 being made. 4 will go to those interested in an early testing opportunity and the 5th set I will be using for a local install to develope the transmission mount and driveshaft. I suspect these will be ready in 3 weeks or so but there are a few unknowns with new vendors so Im not putting a firm date out.

These will be what I'm labeling DIY kits, the 'hard' work is done but it still will require some fabrication abilities to install. Im hoping to find folks that have running cars ready to do the swap and can provide feedback...

 

What will be included: 
Adapter Plate - CNC Macined Steel, Plated
Alignment Pins - SS, Engine and Trans Side
Pilot Bearing - Bronze extended for adapter offset
Flywheel - Lightweight Steel with required offset to run L series clutch
Shifter Mount - 4.5" further forward (but still 5" back from stock location) 
Required: Trans Mount Fab, Driveshaft Fab, 280zx Geared Alt (w/o Nose)
Cost: 800USD

 

This cost has almost no markup (buying in small quanitities) and wont be offered in this manner in the future. Turn key kits will have a new 'super short' shifter assembly that moves the shifter to the stock S30 location, and a transmission mount. Current estimate is 1500 w/o driveshaft, 1800 with driveshaft but this is still an estimate as I havent designed the 'super short' shifter bracket. I was targeting a lower cost but the parts just add up especially with a custom flywheel, Im happy with how everything is looking though and it should be a great bolt in solution for those with serious builds.

If you are interested in one of the early DIY kits or just have questions please shoot me an email.

 

 

Edited May 18, 2017 by 240hoke

[softopz]

How many are spoken for?

 

Earlier post you mentioned removal of material for starter at bell-housing. and last post you didn't mentioned as required  did you revise something?

 

What will be included: 
Adapter Plate - CNC Macined Steel, Plated
Alignment Pins - SS, Engine and Trans Side
Pilot Bearing - Bronze extended for adapter offset
Flywheel - Lightweight Steel with required offset to run L series clutch
Shifter Mount - 4.5" further forward (but still 5" back from stock location) 
Required: Trans Mount Fab, Driveshaft Fab, 280zx Geared Alt (w/o Nose)
Cost: 800USD

 

Also did you revise the flywheel spacer idea or ditch it in favor of a new flywheel?

[240hoke]

Hey, 

 

I should have clarified on the spacer version, so thanks for asking.  For the time being I have decided to drop the flywheel spacer route.  Besides the risks associated with installing a spacer there are also additional parts that drives up the cost; spacer, custom flywheel bolts, starter relocator, and throwout bearing relocator (or longer spacer).  Adding to this is the requirement to machine or cut clearance for the starter, with the spacer in teh factory position only a small amount needs to be removed to clear the spur (if you use a 280z starter without a nose).  In the end I think the custom flywheel route is a much better choice and is a good value for the price increase...and that gap was closing fast with the additional parts required.  I am working with a vendor that specializes in flywheels and drivetrain components. The flywheel is all steel and retains the same button geometry and starter ring gear spacing while moving the clutch surface outboard.  These are on order and I am anxious to get them in my hands.  

 

Adapter plates arrived today, I will be welding in studs this weekend and getting them plated next week.

 

I have interest in all of the DIY kits, but only a couple are confirmed! 

 

-Austin

Edited May 25, 2017 by 240hoke

[gregkring]

just to go on record I am in for one of the kits, but have not heard back how to confirm. I don't have a running car, but am ready to install engine and trans if that helps. Waiting on this trans kit has been one of the many reasons I have procrastinated. I have a series 1 so the trans mount will be different anyway. I did email you direct, but as busy as you are I don't expect quick answers.

Does the custom flywheel use the 225 mm regular  or the 250 mm turbo and 2+2 larger clutch diameter?

 

Thanks,

Greg

[240hoke]

Z33 Adapter Kit Update...I received word that flywheels were on schedule to be completed this week. Im welding studs into the plates tomorrow and they are headed to the platers. It looks like things are falling in place to have everything ready to go in 2 weeks for the early adopter 'DIY' kits. I had some folks ask about the 280zx starter. Not only is gear reduction nice this starter does not have a nose cone making it much easier to integrate with only a small amount of material removal required. I did this with a carbide burr in about 15 mintues using a 3D printed guide.

 

[rturbo 930]

Because I'm curious, and it looks like you've got it handy, do you think you could give us a weight on the 350Z trans (no adapter or starter)? A six speed would be nice, but I'm also trying to keep weight down. Thanks.

[Nelsonian]

The 350z trans is one heavy unit. Just picking up my R154 and then a brand new 350z unit there was a big difference and the R154 is no light weight.

[240hoke]

Hey,

 

350z trans weighs in at 122lbs (without oil, shifter, or adapter) which I believe is 37lbs heavier than the factory 5spd. Bank on about 50lbs total. Weight is low and in the center of the car. Lighter is usually better but it's a good trade off here for a close ratio 6 spd and the torque capability of this trans, not to mention how nice it feels. Perhaps a harder decision for those with lower power engines.

Edited June 1, 2017 by 240hoke

[240hoke]

Early Adopter DIY kits getting close! Flywheels, pilot bearings, and alignment dowels all arrived today . Getting excited, setup is coming together. First vehicle install scehduled for mid July. Time to focus on shifter design now.

Edited June 14, 2017 by 240hoke

[1vicissitude]

Any updates?

[240hoke]

Yes, sorry I havent updated this post in a little bit.  

Im behind my scheudle a bit but still making progress! 

 

Currently there are 2 beta kits in the 'wild' and I am working on a shop installation.  With the shop install I am designing the remaining components to make this a bolt in affair. 

The transmission crossmember design is complete and is currently in process at the laser cutters, driveshaft is also in process.The last piece of the puzzle is the shifter mount which I am working on designing now.  

 

Attached are a few pictures.

[calZ]

Transmission mount will get mounted to holes drilled in the floor, correct?

[240hoke]

Hi CalZ,  this is designed to mount directly to the frame rails with backup plates on the top side. 

[1vicissitude]

Curious, how close do you think this cd009 setup will be mounted in position for a VQ or LS?

 

Also, are there any early spots left?

[240hoke]

Hi, 

 

I can take measurement for both the VQ and the LS since I have done those swaps, Ill work on getting that.  I assume you are curious about the crossmember interchangability? 

 

I do have one DIY kit left right now if someone was ready to do an installation, but the entire kits is close enough it probably doesnt make sense for most. 

The crossmember laser cut parts are due to arrive Friday and I plan to weld and test fit over hte weekend! 

I am dragging my butt on the shifter mount as i have been disctracted working on my personal VQ240z...but Ill get it knocked out soon. 

 

There are a couple swaps going one right now for the brave beta testers : 

- NC, 240z (Thats me!)

- CA, 240z

- TX, 280z (Providing feedback for crossmember measurments) 

- Austrailia, 280zx (Is there any market for a full 280zx kit? Perhaps I could do a crossmember for it as well...otherwise it will be a DIY option)

 

Really looking to hear how everything goes for these folks. 

 

 

-Austin

[Yoak]

I would be interested on a ZX as my transmission is going and I would rather upgrade

[240hoke]

A couple pictures of the crossmember, more coming soon of it installed in the car. Pretty happy with how it came out for the first one but Ill be making a few adjustments to the model.  Im also wretsling a bit with switching over to the GM isolator so I can get side to side movment right at the trans but I think the 350z isolator will remain prime path for now I really like that design. 

Edited September 6, 2017 by 240hoke

[240hoke]

Hey Guys, 

The first car is on the road!  We made a custom clocked plate for The Z Car Garage's TC24 build which they got together for JCCS.  They are really stoked on the outcome and how the car drives and feels.  Really looking forward to hearing more long term feedback from them and feedback from some of the other beta testers.  Attached are a few pictures of the ZCG build. These guys used a CBF shifter to get on the road quickly before I have mine finished. 

 

What are the next steps?  Models are complete for everything except the shifter which I will continue to work on (I got sidetracked with my Z!!) I am debating on going ahead and kicking off the first run for those that wish to purchase another shifter or use a standard shifter relocation.  Delivery on these would be 6-8 weeks, I may open up either a prebuy or at least a reservation list so I can gauge interest and figure out the batch size since there is a longer lead time.  I will keep this page updated.  

 

Edited September 27, 2017 by 240hoke

[240hoke]

Hey Guys, 

Parts are in process for the first batch of complete kits,  and they are now available for order on my website. Everything is a la carte so you can purchase as little as the transmission adapter or the full kit including transmission mount and driveshaft!

Check out the product development page on my website for details about design and assembly and the webstore for specifics about purchasing and prices. 

Its been a long road I am excited to get these out to folks...and hopefully before Christmas!!

www.hokeperformance.com

Edited November 22, 2017 by 240hoke