Hi, so my starter is dead. RIP. It clicks once and silence. So I had a question regarding replacement. My car came with an automatic, which it still has now, but I am eventually going to change it to manual. But I need to replace the starter ASAP. So, I need an AT starter no matter what for right now, but will it work once I change to manual? or will I need to get the MT starter later? Just trying to judge how much I should spend on the starter. and if this did come up, I did use the search button and google. Thanks!

You can just replace the solenoid when you replace the transmission.

Same starter. I just put a starter from a manual motor onto my auto motor and works perfect. I wish changing the flex plate (missing tooth) were so easy.

I'd recommend getting a 280ZX gear reduction starter instead. Better starter, and the same one fits either transmission.

I agree with Arne and I believe they are the same price.

Really?? Thanks a ton! less money out of my pocket!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-240Z-280ZX-510-Heavy-Duty-Reduction-Starter-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2561581406QQitemZ160546952198QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_1334wt_1026

or:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSAN-STARTER-280ZX-1978-79-1980-1981-1982-1983-2-8-L-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQfitsZModelQ3a280Q5AXQQhashZitem1e613a33f5QQitemZ130480223221QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_1567wt_810

Which one? or are they the same item? Just confused due to price difference and title description. thanks!

Those both appear to be gear reductions starters. The gear reduction starter actually became standard on the 78 280Z and 810 and continued through the 83 280ZX and 84 RWD Maxima.

so based on what you are saying:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/78-DATSUN-NISSAN-280Z-MANUAL-STARTER-/380314047585?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item588c7bd461#ht_500wt_749

This should be the gear reduction starter since it is off a 78 280z? and should I get a new reman starter or a used good one like this work?

Oh, and thank you for the help!

That's a gear reduction starter. Notice how the drive is offset from the body of the starter. I'm not sure I'd want to buy a used one of of eBay, however.