What Gearbox?

[J.B.]

Can you guys recommend a box for a manual conversion?

 

I've just bought an auto 260Z 2 seater that I want to convert over the xmas break and looking for opinions.... The plan is to eventually tweak the L28 that's in the car (mild cam, up the compression, put some webers on it, exhaust and go have fun!)

 

Hoping to install a solid box that I won't break easily... Lurch did I read that you might be able to put together a conversion kit? I'm over in Melb on the 12th Dec and would LOVE to pick up a kit to make conversion easier (if you have time?)

 

[MaygZ]

I have been told the 260Z box is good.  I'm sure it is an easy conversaion and it has closer ratios than the 240 box.

 

But I'll now step out of the way and let the guys that really know give you your answer 

 

Try this:  http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,2675.0.html

 

and this:  http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,1986.0.html

[C.A.R.]

Finding a 260Z box isn't easy, but that do have the 'better' factory ratio's.

 

However if your having a hard time finding any Zed box, my recommendation is a R32 Skyline RB20det gearbox with the L series bellhouseing fitted.

These are the strongest factory 71 series box's - only downside is the ratio's aren't quite as close as the 260 box's.

It all depends on your application of coarse...

[Zedman240®]

If you do go the RB gearbox way..I highly recommend a 4.11 ratio diff!

 

280ZX gearbox's are pretty good for some mild power. Depends how you treat it.

[J.B.]

Thanks Guys,

 

I've managed to source a Z box here in Adelaide, but the wrecker has no idea what type of box it is (71 A,B or C), as it's been sitting in a corner for a while. All he can tell me is "that it's a Z box". The good news is that its dirt cheap!

 

Can anyone tell me what part number I'm looking for and where? And which is the shorter ratio box? The guys is trying to get me to use a RB25 box, but I'd prefer the short ratio box (as 260 is planned to be a street car).

 

Also, I'm planning on rebuilding this box before putting in the 260. I've never rebuilt a gearbox before... am I looking at a lot of work? Apologies for my ignorance; this is my first Z car AND my first attempt at a project car!

 

 

[MaygZ]

Again, I've been told, the 260 box is a one piece unit, whilst the 240 box is a two piece housing.

 

Again some of the others will be able to give you more detail than I.  To date I only get to read and talk about Zeds.  :'(

[Ben]

A B or C is easy...

'A' has a flange output, Porsche synchros and the old monkey-motion shifter (and removable bell housing). Only seen in early Zeds and sports 2000's.

'B' is the common box used from 1971-1986 (or thereabouts) has the better shift mechanism, Borg Warner-style synchros, yoke output, and comes in many ratios (since it was fitted in the 260Z -> 910 Bluebird and everything in between), plus there are some 'upside-down' shift pattern models - these are  'Option' or close ratio boxes (hard to find for sale these days). Also comes as a 'stumpy' in the R30 Skyline.

 

The 'C' series has the bolt-on shifter plate, twin synchros and is as-fitted to all RB's, SR's, CA (twincams), etc, etc.

 

There are different sizes of gearsets in the 'B' (e.g. FJ20ET has wider gears than FJ20E) and the 'C' comes with different casings depending on the engine (the RB25DET box is larger than the RB20DET box).

 

What you probably want to know is the ratios of the box you've found (assuming it's a 'B') - and the only way to tell for sure is to measure them yourself. A couple of texta marks on the input and output shafts, then start counting!

[J.B.]

Thanks guys,

 

I'll head down to the wrecker and count out the ratios in the next few weeks (need to get some time off work).

 

Still trying to determine the job I am taking on to rebuild the gearbox though. Has anyone done this before? What's the complexity/time frame like? I'm confident in pulling apart the manual box; its the rebuild that's worrying me!

 

Can you buy a new set of gear cogs with different ratios, that will fit into a 260 box? Or is this a custom job?

[Ben]

You need special tools to disassemble a gearbox. I recommend you get someone experienced to do that work unless you're real brave - and have access to schematics!

 

The can be fitted with Hollinger internals. Hall Racing Enterprises here in Adelaide has done that to many a FS5W71B

 

[J.B.]

Thanks Ben, I've tried to find Hall Racing Enterprises on the Net, but can't seem to find them (or on whereis.com.au either)

 

Can you provide any contact details for them?

[hunterzed]

I spoke to the guy here at sports classic and he has a 280zx that he says has a 260 close ratio gearbox in it that he was willing to part out. Here is the link for you.

 

http://www.sportsclassic.com.au/body_shells.htm#NISSAN:

[J.B.]

Thanks hunterzed,

 

I want to check out the box down at the wreckers here in Adelaide first, as it will save some $$'s in shipping.... although a close ratio box is very tempting....

[Ben]

Thanks Ben, I've tried to find Hall Racing Enterprises on the Net, but can't seem to find them (or on whereis.com.au either)

 

Can you provide any contact details for them?

 

hallent@adam.com.au 0883896635

[zzzzed]

hallent@adam.com.au 0883896635

 

yes peter hall is the man, He is in lobethal. he builds a wicked lawn mower also

 

[Ben]

lol - Halls Small Engine Repairs (does that include A12's??)

(seriously folks, if you have a broken ride-on, he can fix that too!)