1974 Z 5 speed on to a 521 L16 engine?

[Tommii]

Will a 1974 Z 5 speed fit onto a 521 L16 engine?

Thanx for your time. 

[datzenmike]

The Z car didn't get a 5 speed until the '77 model year so this was probably swapped into the earlier car. (make sure you check that it IS a 5 speed some owners don't know what they have) But to answer your question very definitely YES it will bolt up. All 4 and 6 cylinder L series transmissions will interchange though in some cases you might not find this a good idea.

 

 

You should know that the 5 speed is 5.5" longer that the 521's 4 speed, so the driveshaft will need to be shortened and you will need to modify the transmission mount on the frame. (all well documented here) Keep and use your release bearing and housing.... it is matched to YOUR clutch. If the 5 speed comes with one it could be for anything, don't use it.

 

Where in Onterrible are you? I've lived in Durham Region

[DanielC]

Yes, it will fit.  I have two 521 trucks with long shaft five speed transmissions.

Datsun five speed transmissions had some different ratios for the fifth, or overdrive gear.  Some had a substantial ratio difference from fourth gear. 

The L-16 engine likes, and needs to be ran with fairly high RPM.   If you lug the L-16, if does not have much power.  the L-16 may not pull the fifth gear if it is a wide ratio.

 

[Tommii]

Onterrible...lol too funny! I’m an hour south of Ottawa. 
Great input from you both. Appreciate it big time!

[pidge]

You weren’t sellin GM a white 521 on kijiji recently were you Tom?

-Pidge