5 speed swap

[Lopez916]

picked up a 1979 280 z transmission what i heard is that i have to shorten my drive line and move my cross member back and cut my tunnel about a inch. is this right or anything else i should know?

 

 

o ya is a 1970 521 with a L18/4spd

[Pacific coast Datsun]

I did the Z 5 speed swap on my 521, read & look at this..................

http://forum.ratsun.net/showthread.php?t=523

[Lopez916]

from browsn through the threads its looks like i gotta shorten my drive line about 4-4 1/2 inches, pick up a z Throw out bearing, and fab my stock trans mount to fit the 5spd? am i missing anything?

[datzenmike]

You don't necessarily need a Z bearing, I think the bearings themselves are all the same. The housing or collar that holds the bearing to the clutch arm is matched to your clutch pressure plate height. If you are running the same clutch keep the bearing housing you have and just get a new bearing.

 

As for the shorter drive shaft, check on here if the shorter front drive shaft from a 620 will fit your 521. I think the 620 4 and 5spds were long, so they would have a shorter shaft.

[Lopez916]

anyone thats done a 5 speed swap have you guys seen a improvement in gas mileage. Im not really trying to build a race truck just mordernize it a lil with the front disc breaks, 5spd .....

[Lopez916]

[datsunaholic]

I did- from mid 20s up to low 30s, and 35 if it's all freeway.

 

And my ears appreciate it too. I used the '82 280ZX trans though. HOWEVER I also have a carb set at "best lean" condition on an L18 with an L20B head.

[Lopez916]

thats pretty damn decent my 5 0 stang is getting horrible mileage say my truck is gonna b my daily runner had it since feb drove it like twice but soon to have it on the road !!!

[Pacific coast Datsun]

Ok use the TRUCK throw out bearing & clutch slave cylinder. the 521 trans. crossmember will bolt right onto the Z trans. Remove the Z trans. mount & install the 521 mount,direct bolt on. Youll need to shorten the mount to mak eit line up [look at my pics] & yes shorten the shaft about 4 inches [pics]. Also cut the trans. tunnel hole [shifter] back a few inches, if you have a bench seat you may run into issues. th eshifter may hit the seat in 2nd, 4th & reverse.

[Lopez916]

that kinda sux i like my bench seat .... :confused:

[datzenmike]

I think the 620 automatic trucks had a notch in the bench seat. Pretty sure my '78 parts truck did.

[denveratsun]

Make sure that you use the "truck" clutch arm. They have different holes at the clutch slave end...and the "Z" (and some others) lack the return spring hole. I am right in the midst of my own, how is your going?