Is this possible? Installing an automatic into a 1980 Anniversary 280ZX

Have the opportunity to buy a 1980 Anniversary 280ZX that has a 5 speed Transmission. I can't drive a stick shift and would like to know how difficult it is to remove the 5 speed and replace it with an Automatic Transmission.

As for difficulty, I don't mean the grunt labor to do the swap, I can do that okay and just did it on a 4x4, what I mean is there a computer brain or complicated wiring or plumbing involved in making the switch?

Next question will be what years of Z cars can I use the Automatic Transmission out of for this swap?

Here's the car, I can buy it for $250.00



Just can't drive it the way it is.

Mike

 

Here's an auto tranny close to me,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsu...spagenameZWDVW



Just wondering how complicated it can be to make the swap.

Mike

 

Learning to drive a 5speed would be a lot easier than doing a backwards tranny swap. SEARCH for "auto to manual" swap and you will find plenty of answers... the manual to auto swap is just the opposite of auto to manual.

And you can get an auto tranny from any 280zx that has an auto tranny in it.

As for that tranny on ebay... does it come w/ the shifter linkage?

 

are you physically unable to drive a manual or do you just not know how? learning will take 10 mins. getting a family member that knows will teach you in matter of minutes. they do have videos that actually show you how to drive a stick on google. i thought it was funny because i had to teach my gf how to drive a manual. if you have to swap to auto your looking into a big hole. u need condenser with lines,ds,tranny,converter, linkage etc etc, i know the ecu are a little different but i dont know if you have to swap but im sure.

 

I know how but I'm missing my right leg from above the knee so it's easier to just drive automatics.

I recently did a similar swap for another car I bought with a stick shift, went from a 4-speed to a 700R4

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=6977.0




Mike

 

sorry to hear about that, can be installed with ease, im sure they have a writeup on hybridz.org i know of someone that has a gm transmission behind is turbo L

 

Just got to get the parts. need the tranny obviously. oil cooler and lines. auto brake pedal not really necessary. might have drive shaft fit issues. i had problem putting 5 spd in an 81 turbo w/slush box. need all the parts from the engine to the auto tranny. flywheel is different if memeory serves. everything on z's fits just bolt it up. there are some safety interlocks that went with the slushbox but hey who cares. remember to start it in park. luck

 

Mike, the swap is pretty easy as there aren't any ecu boxes or complicated wiring involved. You will need a radiator from an a/t Z, or have 2 nipples brazed on so you can cool the atf for the tranny. The driveshaft is different, and the neutral safety switch has to be wired up, the transmission bolts are different, but that's about it. It's not too bad. Don't forget to get the flex plate for the a/t otherwise it won't engage properly.