Manual trannies

[Z-rific]

Hey guys, I'm new here and have some questions that maybe only you guys can answer.

I'm looking at dropping a NA 4.1L V6 in my 78 280z. I have most of the issues worked out, until I get to the tranmission.

I would love to drop a manual behind that Buick, but I can't find any information anywhere on what models of manual trannies may bolt to the V6 or if there are adapters to make this possible.

If I have to bolt a 200r4 on it, I will be content, but I am a shifter.

I know this engine isnt a turbo, but any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[HOTTOGO]

Try doing a search on here, it has been discussed many times already.

 

[Sleeper]

A B.O.P. bellhousing will do the trick. The one I used came from a Chevy Monza. (Also took the flywheel, clutch and PP from it as well. Ended up using a modded clutch from a Chev V8 motor.) I had run a Borg Warner T5 from a V8 Camaro and spent a lot of time working out the geometry to get the original Toyota hydraulic clutch and modified fork to work with the GM clutch. Swapped out the stock shifter for a Hurst and I was happy. It worked well with the N/A motor.
I didn't know about it then, but now you can get a hydraulic throwout bearing assembly, and save the grief trying to figure out the fork, pivot ball, hydraulic slave mounting.
I know they now make fancy 6 speeds, but if you want to keep the cost down and not have to fabricate or order special adapters and parts, stick with the 5 speed.

Perhaps Lee will chime in with the setup he used, to give you some options.

Paul

 

[Z-rific]

Okay, I'm getting convinced that the best deal would be to match up the original auto trans, and maybe drop a shift kit into it.

What type of options do I have about shifters or valve body swaps that may give the car a more "manual" feel to it.

I was told as a teen that if you shift an auto too much, it will wear the trans down. Is that a wives tale?

 

[HOTTOGO]

Never heared that wives tale?
http://www.tciauto.com/gm/gm_2004r.htm

 

[Sleeper]

A lot of what you read about not using a stick applies to the turbo motor. The stick and N/A motor work well together.
I would say the pros are:
A saving in weight.
A little less parasitic frictional loss.
Less heat load on the Rad (If you use the intank tranny cooler)
Being able to rev and dump the clutch

Paul

 

[GNVAIR]

To add to what Paul has already said;
You might definitely want to consider upgrading the gear box to a newer and stronger domestic box. As a former Z car owner, I can attest that the gears/blocker rings are very weak, especially if performance shifting is planned.
A Borg Warner/Tremec T5 can be built to withstand approx 320 ft/lbs of torque using the 2.95 first gear Ford Motorsport gearset
A Tremec 3550 TKO is available is configurations that can withstand 525 ft/lbs of torque which is substantially more than the Borg Warner/Tremec T56 six speed. The Tremec 3550 TKO also has a 3.27 first gear which will be something to consider since the 4.1 V6 will need the added torque multiplication to get it moving in 1st gear.
I would strongly advise against using a Saginaw 4 speed, Muncie, T10 or any of the Richmond 5 or 6 speeds since the external shift mechanisms can be difficult to fit into many smaller driveshaft tunnels.

 

[Z-rific]

Aw, man, now you guys have me thinking about a 5 speed when I had just convinced myself to go automatic.

The trannie in the 280Z comes out for sure. It's not in good shape and I defintely wasn't even considering using it.

I had a feeling that a big knock on the manual was with turbos and not NA's. My main problem is that I know very little (I mean very little) about transmissions. I wouldn't even begin to know which bellhousing to look for, which flywheel, how to align everything properly, if the engine would need balancing, etc.

I have a pretty good bit of knowledge on engine, chassis and body work, I've just never dealt with transmissions. And although I have a little money, I'm still working on a budget.

I am absolutely sold on the 4.1 though. I think it's a much better option than a Chevy SB, as it is smaller and much lighter. And I'm not after 400HP. If I could get 260 to 300 HP from a built NA 4.1, I'd be happy. My Z is down to about 2550 lbs.

Anyway, I still may tackle the manual trans if you guys could help educate me. If I can get it to work out, I'd be happy to ship anyone who helps a big bottle of your favorite hooch!

Thanks

 

[Sleeper]

I guess your budget will dictate your choices
Sit down with pen and paper and try to give yourself a ballpark figure of what you want to spend (double it ) and will be able to afford. Then let your fingers do the walking through the phone book, (Wreckers) Autotraders to see what is available tranny wise and for how much $$$.
That should narrow things down a lot. Then you can begin to piece together what parts you will need for that tranny choice, and see if everything together comes in under budget.

Keep us posted and we will help the best we can.

Paul