Can You go Manual to Automatic with Engine Swap

[Guest Anonymous]

Can you make a stick-shift Z car into an Automatic, specifically a 280Z? I want to install a modern Chevy V8 with an L460E or 700R4 Transmission. Since most Z cars are stickshifts, I am wondering if this is possible?

 

Thanks alot.

 

Jason

[Kinked_Chrome]

Yes, it is very possible. That's what I did for mine. Just make sure to wire a neutral safety switch. Then, if you want, just take out both clutch cylinders, lines, and pedal.

[Guest 73TPIZ]

Not hard to install. Just make sure you get the cable operated shifter (factory or aftermarket) so it can be located anywhere. mine is a '86 Trans Am shifter for my 700r4 and it sticks up through the manual shifter boot on my 240z. i made a sheetmetal plate to cover the factory hole in the tunnel since all i needed was a 1" hole to pass the cable through. it looks totally factory.

 

Kinked Chrome was absolutely right about the neutral switch. i took the plug and 6" of the harness from the TA that plugs into the shifter and took a test light to find the wires for the park/neutral and the reverse. aftermarket shifters should come with these wires. many times i've reached into my car from the outside and hit my starter button and it's comforting to know she'll only start in park or neutral. take care