which Transmission

[ciavola]

I have a 5 speed transmission out of 75-78 280z, not sure of the condition(It came with a non running car) have the chance to buy a 5 speed trans out of a 82 280zx. is the ZX 5 speed better then the 280z 5 speed?

[Kash]

depends..the zx has a lower 5th gear (better on gas) and the gears are closer while the 280z has a higher 1st gear (quicker off the line).

[leftover z]

depends..the zx has a lower 5th gear (better on gas) and the gears are closer while the 280z has a higher 1st gear (quicker off the line).

 

 

Think you have that backwards Kash. Lower gear is quicker off the line, while a higher gear reduces your RPMS, which may help your gas mileage.

[Mayolives]

depends..the zx has a lower 5th gear (better on gas) and the gears are closer while the 280z has a higher 1st gear (quicker off the line).

Here you go..........http://www.zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/GearRatios.html

[Zmanco]

Here's a great tool to see how various combinations of transmission, diff, and tires affect the speed in each gear.

 

http://webspace.webring.com/people/cz/z_design_studio/transmission.html

 

You didn't say what diff you have but if it's a 3.36 then the 75-79 transmission will be closer to the stock 4 speed than the ZX. If you have a stock L24 with 3.36 and swap to the ZX, you'll find that you're going to give up a lot of acceleration in exchange for lower revs in every gear.

 

That said, the ZX transmission paired with a 3.9 or 4.11 diff is a very fun and desirable combination in an S30, especially if you use a cam that can rev to 6500+ rpm. 2nd and 3rd are closer together than the 4 speed and earlier 5 speed.

[Kash]

Think you have that backwards Kash. Lower gear is quicker off the line, while a higher gear reduces your RPMS, which may help your gas mileage.

 

You are correct...must have been low on sugar that day.

[T-Bone028]

Zmanco, thank you for that link!