4 spd vs 5 spd

[jeffwharton]

Looking for a little history lesson...I have a '73 240Z (I'm the recent second owner) built in Jan of 73. It has a 5 spd but I didn't think the the original owner had it modified. But then again, I didn't think any 240s had 5 spds. Anyway, my Haynes manual kind of indicates that some 240s came with 5 speeds. If that's the case, is there an easy way to find out if my car originally came with a 5 speed?

[Royce]

Lesson 1 - No 5-speeds in US Zs until 1977 model year 280Z. It has been changed. It is a very easy swap!

Lesson 2- What 5-speed is it? If 5th gear only drops engine revs about 400 revs on the freeway, around 70MPH, then it is probably a 280Z 5-speed. If it drops close to 1000 revs than it is probably a 280ZX 5-speed.

Nothing wrong with having a 5-speed in a 240Z. End of class! Now go take your Z for a drive!

Have fun!

[Alfadog]

I've got a 5 speed in mine also. Dunno why

[240znz]

Alphadog,

Have you checked to see if your transmission tunnel has been cut around where the shifter comes through..if so then it has probably been put in after.

Saying that..New Zealand and Austrailian Z's do have different spec's to the US so maybe you do have a factory unit in there.

Good question. Can anyone shed some light for us???

Zed not Zee

[Royce]

FYI... I don't remember what year Z car Alfadog has but in the US only pre '72 model year cars required cutting the console or trans tunnel to fit the 5-speed. The shifter possition of the '72+ model 4-speed is the same as the 5-speed.

Have fun!

[byunique]

Yes, Royce is correct about the tunnel cutting. My 73 with late model 5 speed required no tunnel modifications.