• DATSUN 240-280ZX

    TRANSMISSION GEAR RATIOS

  • Datsun/Nissan made several 4 and 5-speed manual transmissions throughout the 13 year reign of the original L-series engine platform.

  • A 4-speed was sold on the 240/260/280Zs, the 5-speed finally becoming an option on the 1977 280Z in the US and continuing through 1983. Although there was a european 5-speed available for the 240Z , it was rarely seen in the US.

    The 1977-80 5-speed was called a "wide-ratio" transmission , the 1981-83 a "close ratio" transmission by Nissan. Close ratio transmissons are preferred for road racing as they allow the driver to maintain a tighter rev range between gears compared to wide ratio versions.

  • Don't stress over which trans has the best ratios. For most people the "best" transmission is what you have in your car right now. But if you chance upon a 1977-83 5-speed from a 280Z-ZX I would recommend you swap it out for your 4-speed to take advantage of the 5th gear.

     

     



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