Jump to content

Transmission change question


dgi

Recommended Posts

I have access to a 5-speed transmission from a '76 280Z.

 

My 510 currently has a dogleg 5-speed in it, but I don't like driving it because of the shift pattern.  I can't get used to it as all my other cars have the 76's pattern.

 

Will the 76 280Z tranny fit?  Anything I will need to change?

 

Thanks,

dgi

 

Link to comment
  • Replies 6
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

If you already have a dogleg, the tranny cross member should work for one from a 280Z. The Z tranny is about 5" longer than the dogleg so you will have get the driveline shortened. But that is true for almost any 5-speed with a non-dogleg shift pattern. So if you want a conventional shift pattern you will need to spend $100ish to have the driveline shortened. Think of it as being cheaper than backing into something when you thought you were in 1st gear but the dogleg was actually in reverse!

 

Be sure to use the clutch throwout bearing sleeve that is on the dogleg. TO sleeve must be matched to the clutch, not the tranny. It is possible the sleeves from both trannies are the same length but don't count on it.

 

It is cheap insurance to replace the pilot bushing in the flywheel while you can access it. When those get dry they make a sound you don't want to hear.

 

You will have to cut a new hole in the tranny tunnel for the shift lever since it sits more to the rear than the dogleg lever.

 

I don't know if your speedo cable will need to be changed to a different length.

 

Len

  • Like 1
Link to comment

First, make sure it's a 5 speed as the '77 model year was the first year for Z car 5 speeds. It might have been swapped or the seller is quoting the build date of the car, which if July '76 on, is a '77 model year.  Get the seller to send you a picture of the back half of the transmission.

 

Len's advice is spot on. If you remove the speedo cable from any clips that hold it to the body to keep it from dragging on the ground or touching the exhaust and feed it down behind the head diagonally over the top of the transmission to the rear of the passenger side of the 5 speed, you can use the shorter stock 510 speedometer cable. I swapped a 510 style 4 speed for a longer 280zx 5 speed and did this and it has been working just fine for years.

Link to comment

Okay, we all know a '58 Chevy doesn't have a dogleg, but this is the classic movie clip of forgetting what gear you are in:

 

https://youtu.be/ty1np2gv0XM

 

A couple of years ago my wife had to drive my dogleg 510 for a few weeks after her Chevy died. I was going to give her a big warning lecture about the dangers of the shift pattern, but I realized she hadn't driven any stick shift in 25 years and the shift pattern was on the knob so she wouldn't know the difference. She took to it like a duck to water. Even got stopped by a deputy once for loud exhaust. What an outlaw! :lol: Only problem is she didn't want to give the 510 back when she got an auto Camry. Understandable.

 

Len

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.