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A couple thoughts... First, If the Z transmission is like others I've been into, you're less likely to hear any gear whine in fourth gear because it's a straight shot through the gearbox without going through any of the counter-gearing. Because of that, none of of the internal gears are actually under any load. They're just along for a no-load spin in the oil. All of the power goes in the input end, straight through a locked up main shaft, and then out the output end. Second, I've noticed that a LOT of transmission noise is transmitted through the shift knob design. I've messed with a couple different knob designs and I've found the quietest versions are solid, heavy, and have all parts either completely firmly mounted, or shock mounted in some sort of elastomeric adhesive (fancy words for "RTV"). Third, I made shifter bushings out of Delrin. Doesn't add anything to the discussion, but just because I can. They turned out awesome:

Over the past two-three years my 82-83 ZX trans in my 73, rebuilt about 10 years ago with new bearings and syncros, has been making more and more gear whine noise. Not all the time, but specifically in 3rd and 5th. Most noticable on the highway. In forth it's mostly not there, but move to 3rd or 5th and it got noticably louder. During the last trip to the coast, a rising, whining noise when downshifting started to get worse too. Specifically as you pushed the gearshift into the next lower gear prior to letting the clutch out. Going into 3rd was the worst, but other gears were starting this racket too.. oh well, I'm thinking, time for some work again. Couple weekend's ago, I had the console out (unrelated project), and somehow I decided it was time to try yet another "improvement" of changing my gearshift knob style. I've always wanted to try a "T" type handle, so out came the shift lever from the tranny. Well guess what I found. A damaged plastic pin bushing, on the right side.kinda crushed. Still there, but not in good shape. I did notice my shifter was SLIGHTLY sloppier than before, but not enough to make me go looking. Well, I proceed with my T shifter mod, (fodder for yet another post), replace that bad pin bushing and put it all back together. Natch, I had to take it for a drive to try out the shifter feel. Off I go merrily banging gears with a big grin on my face. It wasn't until I was bombing down the local freeway did a lightbulb finally go off and I says to myself, "Hey! where the hell did that gear whine go? The trans is totally silent!!!! So what changed? Well two things. The bushing of course, but also the length, shape and mass of the shifter rod. Apparently the noises that the trans makes ALL THE TIME was getting transmitted to the shifter rod with that bad bushing. Now with a good set of plastic bushings and a different rod shape and reasonant frequency, the thing is now quiet. Who'da thunk it? Anybody change their pin bushings to some solid metal ones notice any increase in tranny noise after doing that?

I'm running 225/50 x16 Continental Extreme DW tires on 16 x7" Konig rewinds. Overall tire diameter is 24.9" which is very close to original diameter. I have an air-dam on front so front tire rub is not an issue. In retrospect the tires are too tall for my liking. A 205/50 x15 tires looks much better. Overall diameter of a 205/50 x 15 is 23.1" to 23.3" which looks much better on the car IMHO, particularly if the car is lowered. Unfortunately 15" rims limit you somewhat in tire choice. That's partly why I went with 16" rims. The other reason is that I have a BBK with 12" rotors up front. I'm looking at switching to a 205/45 x 16" tire. That will give me the desired overall tire diameter ( 23.1" ) and allow me to lower the car more. Unfortunately Conti doesn't make any tires in that size. I'll probably have to go with Yoko " S " Drive, Dunlop Direzza DZ102 or Bridgestone RE760 Sport. Or I may see if I can fit 15 x7 rims on the car and sell my 16"s. Then I'm back to the limited 15" tire selection. I live in the PNW, so a tire that is good in rain is imperative. The Conti Extreme DW is an awesome tire, but sizes are limited. Here is a picture of car with 16 x7 Rewinds ( Zero offset ) and Conti 225/50 x16's ( 24.9" Dia ) . Car has Eibach springs and is approx 1" lower that stock. I want to go lower profile tires ( 23.1" ) and have fender lips level with tires. Car does ride very nice at this stance, but a bit too high for my tastes. PS. Bumper, side skirts, rear skirts and rear spoiler are coming off this Winter. PO put them on and not to my taste. I like the clean, curved sexy look of the original Z body. Front air dam I'll probably keep.

Very nice work. You should be proud of your accomplishments!!

And under the ITG filters are some shiny stacks and a heat shield from datsun spirit. All of them fit together very nicely! I have a black wrinkle coated valve cover with brushed letters for this too.

Yeah pics would be nice.

Did you take any install or progress pictures you'd be willing to share? PMG

Just adding an update on this. I have installed front coilovers from T3 with drilled and slotted rotors and 4 piston calipers with SS lines. Also bit the bullet and cut the front fenders and installed flares (correctly too!). The Z also has forward fender mirrors and a front air dam. I'm working on the rear right now. Have one side 95% completed and going to get to work on the other side and rear flares shortly before the stroker goes in!

Siteunseen, Are you sure you fall in the "moderate" category??? I have seen your deck building...