Subject: Transmission swap
From: "DOC'S" <zdoc@yosemite.net>
To: "Roger Falk" <roger.falk@cwix.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999

Hi Roger, Doc here, I'm glad to hear that you were able to get the injectors running better. I have never heard of the product that you recommended, so if you can get it please send me some at

Doc's Auto Clinic
POBox 1240
5104 Jessie St.
Mariposa, Ca. 95338.

Yes the 83 Trans has the longer gear in 5th. The first and second gears should be OK for your application.

Yes you should be able to continue the use of the automatic driveshaft, but check the universal joints because they are permanent type and cannot be replaced if they are bad. You may have to use the 83 driveshaft, and use the R-200 differential since it should be a 3.90 ratio and it will work very well in your 280Z. If you need to use the 83 d-shaft check the differential flange for bolt pattern.

The transmission mount will need to be a stick one for a 280 so buy the new one. This mount should bolt to the crossmember in the 280Z. I believe that the automatic mount is different from the stick, so you can find out real way by calling the Nissan Parts Dept. and ask them if it is the same one.

Pull the 10mm head bolt and remove the metal tab, then remove the Speedo gear assembly from both transmissions so that you can count the teeth and color of the drive pinion. I believe that you need to switch the pinions if you just use the R-180 since the Speedo is setup to correspond to the diff ratio.

Yes, you should change the transmission seals on both ends.

The front calipers and the rotors are not a bolt-up from the 83 ZX. You would have to change the struts, and go to coil-overs on the bottom spring mount. It tends to be a costly changeover, but the Toyota calipers from the solid axle 4x4 are a direct bolt-up to your existing struts, and use your stock rotors. The only thing that is required is to slightly trim the backing plate so that the caliper slides to the bolt-up position.

So Roger, I hope that this will give you some food for thought, and some things to consider with the changeover.........

ZDOC OUT

-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Falk <roger.falk@cwix.com>
To: zdoc@yosemite.net <zdoc@yosemite.net>
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 1999
Subject: Fw: Transmission swap
Doc:
I have a 1978 280Z with a factory automatic. I believe the rear end to be a 3.56 R180. I am wanting to change it out to a 5 speed. I purchased an 83 280ZX and intend to strip the parts off it to do the job. I am aware of the need to insert a pilot bearing in the crank, change the engine backing plate and move the clutch actuating hardware (I intend to rebuild both hydraulic cylinders). Here are my questions on the matter:
1.. I understand the gearing on the later 5 speed is different from the early one that originally would have been in my '78. If I retain my R180 will my 1st and 2nd gear performance suffer to a point where it is unacceptable? I like the idea of better gas mileage and am not a "racer".
2.. Should I retain the original driveshaft from the automatic? If I do, will it fit the 5 speed without modification?
3.. Will the transmission mount from the ZX transfer to the '78? -or- Do I use the old automatic transmission mount? -or- Do I buy a different mount altogether?
4.. What is involved in getting the speedometer cable changed over?
5.. Should I change the oil seals (front & rear) on the transmission?
6.. Any other tips or suggestions on this swap?
7.. Are the front disc brake calipers on the '83 "plug" compatible with my '78? Are they better?
I appreciate the tip you gave me on the phone re. fuel injector plugs. I went over them and the car runs much better. I found Caig Deoxit to be an ideal chemical treatment to prevent the oxidization problem for the long haul - you may want to recommend this stuff.

Thanks for the help;
Roger Falk
Austin, Texas