A/T to 5-Speed swap
01-15-2004 | 10:58 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
A/T to 5-Speed swap
I am 90% sure I am buying a 1980 280ZX A/T I have a 1983 (Had it for 12 years that the body is just to far gone to restore). But any way I want to know if I could swap the '83 5-Speed into the 1980 without major changes, I want to be able to put the Correct transmission back in if so it would be #'s matching if I were to ever sell it. But I love the 5-speed.
01-16-2004 | 06:17 AM
#2
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 131
From: Southside of Atlanta Georgia
Swapping from a AT to a manual is a lot of work but very do able since you already have a donor right there. And I do believe most people would prefer the 5 speed if you decide to sell it. As for major changes your going from a at to a 5 speed I would consider it all a major change..........
01-16-2004 | 09:14 AM
#3
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Posts: n/a
thanks for th equick respomse, I aggree it is a major change but what I mean is it all bolt on or am I going to be drilling alot of holes, and welding. If it's mostly bolt on I would be able to switch back. I want to be able to go back to original because it is a 10th anniversary (Red and Black) so if i have to cut a 2 foot hole in the floor or something like that i deffinately won't be doing it.
01-16-2004 | 11:49 AM
#4
The Evil Twin
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,296
From: Seattle, WA
Look and see. With the older Z's and other Datsuns it is a bolt-on. Check to see if the assembly above the pedals has the same brackets for the clutch pedal as your 5-speed. Look at the firewall and see if there is a spot to mount the clutch master cylinder. It should be plugged with a plastic piece.
If so, then you can see that its just a matter of swapping pedals, a master cylinder, and running the hydralic lines to the other side of the transmission. I did this on my Datsun 620.
If so, then you can see that its just a matter of swapping pedals, a master cylinder, and running the hydralic lines to the other side of the transmission. I did this on my Datsun 620.
01-16-2004 | 12:12 PM
#5
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Posts: n/a
Thanks for the info! that is what I am hoping! I hate A/T but i don't want to mess with an anniversry edition if I can't get it back to orriginal.
thanks, anyone that may have done this any info would be apreciated. Also any idea if the '83 trainy wouldn't fit the '80 for any reason?
thanks to all!
PS I am partinng out the '83 if anyone is looking for parts. I also have both front fenders, front air dam (From arrizona no rust at all) got them before I realized how far gone it was.
thanks, anyone that may have done this any info would be apreciated. Also any idea if the '83 trainy wouldn't fit the '80 for any reason?
thanks to all!
PS I am partinng out the '83 if anyone is looking for parts. I also have both front fenders, front air dam (From arrizona no rust at all) got them before I realized how far gone it was.
01-16-2004 | 02:23 PM
#6
The Evil Twin
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,296
From: Seattle, WA
My opinion is that if you're going to be using this anniversary edition as a driver, then the extreme high value is already gone. They aren't worth that much anyway, unless they have under 50,000 miles and have never seen rain...
I have not heard anything about the 10th anniv edition only having an auto. So, its not like you're totally destroying the originality of it by swapping to a stick. The only difference will be if someone deciphers the VIN number and realizes it is a 10th anniv with an Auto. But overall, the resale value of any Z is increased by being a manual transmission!
I say do the swap clean, and do it right to keep it that way. The only part where you have to make decisions on bolting things in will be how you run the hydralic line line with its corrosponding firewall mounts for the clutch. On my truck the extra line ran next to the brake lines, and at one point it crossed over the brake lines. I just put a little rubber piece for insulation between the lines and used a couple zip ties to form an X over the intersection. Works for me, and they won't vibrate or rub through each other. For your car, you may want to remove the mounts from the 5-speed car and screw them onto the 10th Anniv car. The auto will have two brake lines I believe, while the mounts for the 5-speed has a third hold-down for the clutch line. You'll see what I mean when you get into the project.
I have not heard anything about the 10th anniv edition only having an auto. So, its not like you're totally destroying the originality of it by swapping to a stick. The only difference will be if someone deciphers the VIN number and realizes it is a 10th anniv with an Auto. But overall, the resale value of any Z is increased by being a manual transmission!
I say do the swap clean, and do it right to keep it that way. The only part where you have to make decisions on bolting things in will be how you run the hydralic line line with its corrosponding firewall mounts for the clutch. On my truck the extra line ran next to the brake lines, and at one point it crossed over the brake lines. I just put a little rubber piece for insulation between the lines and used a couple zip ties to form an X over the intersection. Works for me, and they won't vibrate or rub through each other. For your car, you may want to remove the mounts from the 5-speed car and screw them onto the 10th Anniv car. The auto will have two brake lines I believe, while the mounts for the 5-speed has a third hold-down for the clutch line. You'll see what I mean when you get into the project.
Then again, if its already in mint condition and you'll only drive it for fun on nice days... what's wrong with an automatic? You're only cruising.
01-19-2004 | 09:14 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
TAN interior
I would be interested in the complete interior if it is TAN color and in good condition. Email me at coolhammer2003@yahoo.com
01-19-2004 | 10:11 PM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
interior
Hereis a copy of the Email I just sent you.
some of it is in good condition I can definitely get you started, I will be going there on Fri I can take some pics for you and let you decide, The only thing that I think isn't good is the console compartment cover, a crack in the dash and the very back hatch pieces. There is a rip in the drivers seat. make me an offer and a complete list and I will take pics of specifically what you are looking for. also let me know where you live I will be able to price shipping for you to.
Any one els looking for parts feel free to Email me.
PeeJay910@***.net
some of it is in good condition I can definitely get you started, I will be going there on Fri I can take some pics for you and let you decide, The only thing that I think isn't good is the console compartment cover, a crack in the dash and the very back hatch pieces. There is a rip in the drivers seat. make me an offer and a complete list and I will take pics of specifically what you are looking for. also let me know where you live I will be able to price shipping for you to.
Any one els looking for parts feel free to Email me.
PeeJay910@***.net
09-30-2004 | 08:40 PM
#12
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 62
Tranny Swap
Originally Posted by peejay910
thanks for th equick respomse, I aggree it is a major change but what I mean is it all bolt on or am I going to be drilling alot of holes, and welding. If it's mostly bolt on I would be able to switch back. I want to be able to go back to original because it is a 10th anniversary (Red and Black) so if i have to cut a 2 foot hole in the floor or something like that i deffinately won't be doing it.
MY EMAIL IS BJ_BISIG@YAHOO.COM
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