Well another woe has befallen my Z. Took it out ythis morning and came to a stop shifted in first then when I shifted in second and heard a thunk and ground second. Let off the clutch as I thought I was in neutral and the tach jumped back up to 3k. For the life of me it will not come out of first. Gonna guess the fork broke until I get it dismantaled. But seeing as how as shop would cost me more than a used tranny (typically) was wondering if I should just use another 79 5 speed or if I should get a different year and how much more I'll have to swap. Mine is a 2+2 if it matters

 

There really is no difference in years, all should be interchangeable, The only difference with a 2+2 is the drive shaft, which isn't an issue since you will reuse your old one. I believe even an s30 4 speed would bolt up, but that's a step backwards, and if that was all you were able to find, it would work just fine.

 

As long as you use a non turbo trans, you're fine. The turbos used a T5.

 

Well I know different years had diferent ratios. If I remember it was 79-80 for one then 80-83 was different. And the T-5 was bigger. The speed cable is run off the output and only mattered if you changed the diff. Like I said if I remember correctly. Too tired to google, searched this sight for hours before posting. But was wondering if between the different gear setups if one was better than the other. I know the T-5 was liked for road racing but isn't a drop in.

 

^^^ Click... Transmission Calculator - Z Design Studio

 

Thanks Nismo. I'm sure the chart would assist me greatly if I had access to a computer however at the moment my ex has mine so I'm working with my phone.

 

Rebuild yours Or just get a known good used N/A 5speed tranny from 81-83 280ZX close ratio.They always pop out for sale here or in other Z sites.

 

...and the S13 is a fairly easy mod to use as a replacement and they are much more plentiful than the 280ZX tranny now adays...