Looking for a detailed guide on the manual conversion for the z32, I have a auto n/a 1990 300,and have plans to make it manual, if someone could link me a guide on how to do it including all the parts required and steps, also from anyone who has had experience doing this, what problems I might come across, things I should look out for/keep in mind during the process. Thanks
Search and Tech section bud. http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=326432 http://www.z1motorsports.com/upload/Z1 Auto to 5sp conversion Tech.pdf http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/forums/main/view/1109375/Manual-Conversion-Wiring-Guide.html
If I could give you the biggest tip on doing a conversion....Its to rebuild the Gearbox before you install it! When I did mine, I put in an untested Gearbox and it was the worst mistake ever! I went from a rebuilt Auto which was smooth as silk to a noisy, clunky, and grindy Gearbox....especially the syncro between 3rd and 4th. (Syncros are very soft in the early style boxes). Or If I were to do it again I would not buy a Manual Gearbox Conversion Kit. I would buy everything new (if still purchasable) to build up the kit, including a Late style Gearbox from the States or Japan.
Its case by case. Unfortunately you were on one end of the scale to which you got a dud box. We all take risks when purchasing and using second hand parts. But not all parts are bad. My example is i purchased a gb conversion kit and shipped it from tasmania to sa. sat for 12 months before using it, and what ive been pleasantly surprised with, is one of the smoothest zed gearboxes ive driven with yet. even smoother then the first factory manual zed i ever drove. So to reiterate, its definitely a case by case situation. The best you can take from your experiance, is to yes either be happy to spend big and buy new. Or have your second hand parts inspected prior to installation. I just bought a cheap (possibly issued) gearbox for retrofitting into our datsun rally car. first thing i plan to do when i have the time is split it open and visually inspect all that i can. Then go from there. Either way. on topic, the above links are very handy. Its best to get familiar with where everything is and read up on the conversion. The more you feel familiar with the job, the easier it is. I managed to do our conversion by myself over two days. Was straight forward. Just make sure you have all the parts. Makes the job so much smoother. Any issues, were here to help. Quiet allot of us have done the conversion so if you run into dramas just ask and we'll help. :br:
To make your life a little easier once you get all the parts needed to do the conversion, we offer an auto to manual transmission harness that is completely plug and play if you are interested. -Brandon
OK traced the image back to its website and it says the 6 speed box is strong and that it is in production. The Date:4/19/2011 So why hasn't anyone done this. Reads like parts are fit into the auto bell housing. So a person who wanted to convert an auto? (Obviously a clutch pedal box is still needed, but doesn't this look like a desirable upgrade if someone really wants to go manual?
I remember reading a few years ago a the 350Z 6 speed box was nowhere near as strong as the Z32 box. Apparently fine for mildly modified engines.
The 350z box is rumored to be weaker then our factory boxes, and the gear ratios in the 350z box are also pretty avg. I think the most common complaint was you have to be in third by 100kmh and 6th gear is basically the equivalent of our 5th iirc. In other words its got an extra gear, but each gear is slightly smaller. A whole lotta money to raise your 1/4 mile time
On a NA I'm sure it'll be fine. My only question would be how much did this NA cost? If it's super nice and the only thing you hate is the auto then go for it. If it's a $4000 special in below average condition I certainly wouldn't be spending another $4000 to convert it.
