VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Problems, ideas and comments specific to engine swaps.
Post Reply
qwik510
Supporter
Posts: 3216
Joined: 29 Oct 2006 18:51
Location: Maryland - East Coast USA

VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by qwik510 »

I just happened upon a 1984 300ZX that was super clean and low mileage (53,000) but it got wrecked. It was a lady owned, original paint, garage kept car. The damage was not to the engine or drivetrain and the engine still starts and runs strong.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

So it got me thinking about using it to swap into a wagon.

Anyone out there done this swap? Will the transmission fit into the tunnel without extensive modifications? Are these transmissions good or do they have problems? Anything else that would cause any major issues? I would use a 200SX intake and exhaust manifolds and keep the 300ZX ECU and wiring.

Let the discussion begin.

Thanks!
Enjoy The Ride!
David
ImageImage
datzenmike
Supporter
Posts: 6080
Joined: 24 May 2006 12:40
Location: Van. Isle.

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by datzenmike »

E4N71B, just a whisker longer than the earlier 3N71B (maybe 32.5") The 510 autos were 26" sooooo....

The E4N71B has extra clutches and discs in it and is quite heavy duty. It also is a true 4 speed automatic with a 0.686 over drive. Fourth gear can be locked out by a switch on the shifter.

Image



Here's a picture of the one I had from an '84 Maxima...

Image

Below it is an ordinary 31.5" 3N71B 3 speed. The L4N71B was about an inch longer. You can see the fourth gear case mounted between the removable bell and the remainder. It has the stubby tail end just like the 510 autos but it's about 6 1/2" longer.
Last edited by datzenmike on 03 Jul 2014 22:05, edited 1 time in total.
"Nissan 'shit the bed' when they made these, plain and simple." McShagger510 on flattop SUs
qwik510
Supporter
Posts: 3216
Joined: 29 Oct 2006 18:51
Location: Maryland - East Coast USA

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by qwik510 »

Thanks Mike. You always amaze me with your knowledge of these Datsun Transmissions,

So it being longer is no big issue. Shorten the driveshaft, modify the shift linkage to fit, looks like it is not too fat so maybe just a bit of massaging of the trans tunnel in a few areas as long as the placement of the engine is not too high.

Any other issues anyone knows of?

Thanks,

David
Enjoy The Ride!
David
ImageImage
User avatar
icehouse
Posts: 3879
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 17:06
Location: Everett Wa

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by icehouse »

I wired a VG car that once had an auto in it. That silver wagon that used to be Hill Billy's, the one Chumpstone bought. It had a giant tranny tunnel and that was the story behind it. Someone originally had a VG auto swapped in it. I would ditch the auto and find a manual box for ease of installation.
"People don't like it when shit doesn't match their rule of thumb." Sam
User avatar
JordanTr
Posts: 1006
Joined: 20 Feb 2013 22:27
Location: Kimberley, BC, Canada

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by JordanTr »

71C from a Z31NA behind the vg would fit nice. T5 or R30a would be larger and probably be a tight fit in the tunnel.
'72 2 door KA project | S14 Silvia RB25DET | S14 RB26DETT (sold) | '90 Audi 90Q20V (sold)
User avatar
icehouse
Posts: 3879
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 17:06
Location: Everett Wa

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by icehouse »

Yeah I would do the 71C it doesn't need a tougher tranny in a 510 so no need for the stronger units.
"People don't like it when shit doesn't match their rule of thumb." Sam
qwik510
Supporter
Posts: 3216
Joined: 29 Oct 2006 18:51
Location: Maryland - East Coast USA

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by qwik510 »

icehouse wrote:Yeah I would do the 71C it doesn't need a tougher tranny in a 510 so no need for the stronger units.
According to info on Z31.com, All automatic Z31s used the 4N71B transmission.

What's the difference between the 71B and the 71C?
Enjoy The Ride!
David
ImageImage
User avatar
JordanTr
Posts: 1006
Joined: 20 Feb 2013 22:27
Location: Kimberley, BC, Canada

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by JordanTr »

The 71c is the same 5 speed that's behind ka/ca/sr and vg NA. It is a manual trans just to clarify.

See http://www.az-zbum.com/information.transmission.shtml
'72 2 door KA project | S14 Silvia RB25DET | S14 RB26DETT (sold) | '90 Audi 90Q20V (sold)
datzenmike
Supporter
Posts: 6080
Joined: 24 May 2006 12:40
Location: Van. Isle.

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by datzenmike »

qwik510 wrote:
icehouse wrote:Yeah I would do the 71C it doesn't need a tougher tranny in a 510 so no need for the stronger units.


What's the difference between the 71B and the 71C?

Different type of shifter and linkage. About twice as strong as the B.
"Nissan 'shit the bed' when they made these, plain and simple." McShagger510 on flattop SUs
qwik510
Supporter
Posts: 3216
Joined: 29 Oct 2006 18:51
Location: Maryland - East Coast USA

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by qwik510 »

Ok, so I am not sold on the auto swap but will still consider it since this car has a low mileage, well maintained drivetrain. I will also keep my eyes open for a manual trans and flywheel in case I decide to go 5 speed with this. I have driven a n/a Z31 with auto before and think this drivetrain would be nice in a wagon. Not superfast for sure but a nice cruiser and good on the highway with the overdrive 4th gear. I think the 3.90 rear in the wagon would wake it up a bit too over the 3.7 the Z31 has.

Being that my projects move much slower these days, this will likely not get moving for a while.

Thanks guys!
Enjoy The Ride!
David
ImageImage
User avatar
bertvorgon
Supporter
Posts: 11991
Joined: 04 Aug 2003 20:45
Location: White Rock, B.C. Canada

Re: VG30 with Auto Trans into a 510 Wagon - Anyone Done It?

Post by bertvorgon »

Is this the one....
Attachments
IMGP6285 (Large).JPG
IMGP6285 (Large).JPG (309.29 KiB) Viewed 4418 times
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan

Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Post Reply