VG30 Transmission options

[340mike]

Im trying to educate myself on what my transmission options are for the VG30 engine. I have a V71C 5 speed but it is just too long for the application. Can anyone tell me if there would be a shorter transmission option?

[datzenmike]

All VG30E or VG30i

Well there's the FS5W71C it was used on the non turbo '84-'86 300zx*, '87-'88 S12 200sx*, '86-'97 D21 Hardbody** (after '97 it was a VG33 but probably will fit) and the '87-'88 WD21 Pathfinder 2wd

*Long tail probably around 34" long
** short tail around 30" long


FS5R90A (T5) '84-'86 300zx turbo (this is NOT the world class T5 and very large not that strong)

FS5R30A*** '86-'96 300zx (Z31/Z32) '89-'95 WD21 Pathfinder 2wd (after '95 it was a VG33 engine)

*** very heavy duty but large dimensions.

Starters are generally are on the right some high, some low and one even mounts on the transmission bell housing facing forward.

[340mike]

Thanks for the info. The 71C is just too long for what I'm doing.

[icehouse]

Swap your bell onto a D21 5 speed. I think it's 4" shorter, unless you have the S12 V6 trans. It's only 2" shorter then that. If you are local to Seattle I would trade you.

[340mike]

I am in lewiston Idaho but maybe I can catch someone going that way because I would trade for 4" shorter.

[datzenmike]

Thanks for the info. The 71C is just too long for what I'm doing.

The 71C are either 35" or about 30" That's it. I wouldn't let the length stop me. Shorten your drive shaft. The 71C is plenty strong for the VG. You don't say what it's for but if 510 they were 26".

There was a 26" long 71B 5 speed found in some 720s but the B is at it's limit with a VG in front of it. Called the 'shorty' it's for the Z series engine and you would have to swap a 71C VG front case onto it. Cheaper/easier to shorten the drive shaft.

[icehouse]

Thanks for the info. The 71C is just too long for what I'm doing.

The 71C are either 35" or about 30" That's it. I wouldn't let the length stop me. Shorten your drive shaft. The 71C is plenty strong for the VG. You don't say what it's for but if 510 they were 26".

There was a 26" long 71B 5 speed found in some 720s but the B is at it's limit with a VG in front of it. Called the 'shorty' it's for the Z series engine and you would have to swap a 71C VG front case onto it. Cheaper/easier to shorten the drive shaft.

There is a in between length. The V6 S12 and the R32/33 GTST had weird in between guy. I have one. I haven't yet torn it open. But I hear the counter shaft bearing isn't the normal size either. Which if true is double weird.

As for the 71B mega short 5 speed. Wouldn't he have an issue if he swapped bells? I mean swapping the counter shaft bearing isn't a big deal but the shift forks are the smaller flavor aren't they? I'm trying to remember.

[icehouse]

I am in lewiston Idaho but maybe I can catch someone going that way because I would trade for 4" shorter.

I'm down, but your pick and pull yard will for sure have a D21 in it. Mine had 6 last time I was there. Might be easier. But if you find someone headed this way I can help make it happen. I'll swap your bell on and send it back that way.

[datzenmike]

The 1st/2nd shift rod is 14mm on the B but the hole on the VG C bell is 16mm. Perhaps a shim? A B would work but the C is stronger. Again, cheaper to shorten the drive shaft and in the unlikely chance that the C should fail there are plenty of replacements that don't need mods to fit.

[340mike]

Thank you everyone , I swapped my bell housing to the D21 trans and saved about 4 1/2" of length.

[Thomasval]

That is a little spendy There are lot lot of mega expensive option, but I for one do not want a transmission that costs more them the entire car cost to build.

Graham