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280zxt 350hp goal - trans/diff upgrade questions.


zxgtr

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Hey all, back in action on my project zxt build and still working on getting a 'mild setup' to achieve 350hp, basically the engine is there but im still stuck with the automatic transmission and factory diff, whatever it may be.

 

I have a 1983 280zxt automatic and need a transmissions and differential package that could do at least 300hp if not 350, not for racing but needs to handle launches every now and then.

 

I've looked at the KA and Z32 upgrades and their a bit excessive as I wont surpass this power with this engine/driveline so.. something a bit less intensive.

 

I was planning on a r200 lsd from an 87 300zxt but am stuck still trying to figure out the best transmission for this hp range.

 

 

Any suggestions for a 300-350hp driveline that doesnt require extensive modifications (woud not be worth the investment) would be great!

 

Thanks!

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I would definitly worry more on the clutch selection first as most Nissan transmissions can take that kind of abuse, and also upgrading to larger ujoints. The R200 can also easily handle the power output your looking at as well.

 

The only thing after that really is traction, just getting it all to the ground.

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Hey all, back in action on my project zxt build and still working on getting a 'mild setup' to achieve 350hp, basically the engine is there but im still stuck with the automatic transmission and factory diff, whatever it may be.

 

I have a 1983 280zxt automatic and need a transmissions and differential package that could do at least 300hp if not 350, not for racing but needs to handle launches every now and then.

 

I've looked at the KA and Z32 upgrades and their a bit excessive as I wont surpass this power with this engine/driveline so.. something a bit less intensive.

 

I was planning on a r200 lsd from an 87 300zxt but am stuck still trying to figure out the best transmission for this hp range.

 

 

Any suggestions for a 300-350hp driveline that doesnt require extensive modifications (woud not be worth the investment) would be great!

 

Thanks!

 

Do a rebuild on the auto trans and do the level 10 valve body mods and you'll be good to go. I have a b&m shift kit with a keas spec rebuild and it's holding no problem. My driveline is still stock.

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EZ-E I was planning to go with a centerforce 2 clutch when (or now if) I pick up a 5spd.

 

Bernardd is making me want to keep my auto, 12.07 in the 1/4 with an auto and stock diff? Ok :) Anything else I should know Bernardd?

 

The whole reasning behing this upgrade is my fear of breaking the drivetrain before I get to have some fun, hell -- if a rebuild isnt to bad and my stock diff can take the power then I might just keep the stock setup.

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The 280zxt auto tranny is only good for about 125mph in the quarter mile with the stock rear-end and tires. If you trap faster then you will need either a 3.36 rear-end, taller tires, or a 4n71b (z31 auto tranny) Also the n/a or bw t-5 does not like drag races and 350hp. It will last for awhile but it will never be realiable. So if you really plan to run 350hp and you want a manual then the ka or z32 is the way to go to save money and time. If you want to run 300hp you are ok with the stock tranny just do a rebuild. Good luck.

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Thanks Thumper!

 

Im stuck trying to decide if I want to scrap the zxt engine/tranny and buy a used RB25DET with transmission, to me (at this time) the cost will be the same as my engine (and $900 in new parts) would be sold, basically the cost of the RB and then I would get a 5speed with it...

 

Or just keep what I got.. either way the time and money is the same..

 

How much power would the R-33 5speed take?

 

What would you do, I understand the extra steps in the RB swaps and have planned for them all along, just thought I would build the stock setup to decent power but yet what I think is decent is a bit excessive without more upgrades.

 

Thanks all! Back to media blasting the engine bay :(

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I don't neccissarly agree with the T-5 not being able to hold the power I cut low 1.6's with mine at about 400rwhp and had no issues. The real issue comes later when making even more power and not being able to find a single disk clutch to hold up. My Tranny has 180,000 or so miles on it and has never been upened up to my knowledge. With the power I'm making now, I can't get a clutch to grab long enough to make a full pass, so I'm going a different route. At 300hp, the auto your have with some upgrades should be fine. If you want to go manual, I wouldn't be afraid to use the T-5 one bit for your current power levels. If you end up getting rid of the auto, let me know as I could find some use for it.

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I agree with what you say there spork, I remember Jeffp saying that his T-5 with over 200k on it, didnt give up the ghost till he hit about 450 hp. So the T-5 can take it.

 

Ive seen high hp N/A transmissions take the abuse as well.

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Thanks guys, I based alot of my stuff in the past on what JeffP has commented on and most others here, I was always under the impression the T5 could take the 350HP and had it in the plans to switch the auto out.

 

Are those auto mods for the 4n71b only or do those work on the 280zxt auto tranny?

 

After a good night of sleep I decided to bail on doing the RB upgrade at this time, I figure I will continue the build in its current state as i have nearly every part to put the car back together.

 

spork I think I will be scrapping the auto, it was never a dream of mine to drive an automatic 280zxt, my daily drivers an automatic, 1 car is plenty :)

 

 

PM me spork and we'll work something out, I just put the engine back in to try and yank the tranny next time so its almost ready to come out.

 

Thanks guys!

 

So it looks like Im back to wanting a T5 and R200 LSD.

 

I was looking at a World Class T5 for a mustang but stopped as I read the bellhousing isnt the same, are there any T5's you guys would recommend looking for other then a zx?

 

What clutch or other changes for the 300-350hp range?

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