Randalla Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 I have just installed a L28 with 4-spd transmission in my 1971 240-Z. While everything bolts up fine, I find that the shift lever hits the tunnel when the trans is in either first or third gear. When the inside rubber boot is installed the lever won't even go into gear. The easy fix is to cut out about 1/2" at the forward edge of the tunnel but I'd like to know why I am having this issue. I've tried substituting three different shift levers, each with a different profile, but I still have the clearance issue. I seem to recall hearing somewhere that the 1971 240-Z had a slightly shorter drive line but that should not impact the dimension from the engine mount to the point the shift lever comes up through the tunnel. Anyone else have this same issue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingo240 Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 Shifter hole is set farther back on early Z's. I believe '72 is when they were moved forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beermanpete Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Shifter hole is set farther back on early Z's. I believe '72 is when they were moved forward. Yes. The early cars have a slightly transmission. The shifter deisgn is the main difference. You are using the later "B" type trans it would seem. Cut the floor panel for the necessary clearence. The "B" trans is better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19762802+2 Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Was your car an Automatic before the swap? If so, I know on my 280z that they put a plate on the inside of the tunnel for the Automatic shifter and it will cause problems if not cut out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randalla Posted April 7, 2011 Author Share Posted April 7, 2011 Thanks guys for the input. I ended up cutting about 1/2 inch forward on the tunnel and also installed a short throw shifter, which solved the problem. Just finished it up today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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