2L transmissions and parts

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CU Zcar

2L transmissions and parts

Post by CU Zcar »

Hey, I'm new to Roadsters (though I currently own a 280Z) and not much up-to-speed on how much parts cost and how available they are. I have a chance to buy two different 2000 Roadsters. One of them my friend Tom is buying, and the other is being sold by the same buyer. Tom only wants the car to swap the engine and tranny into his 1600 for autocrossing/racing, so he'd sell me the rest of the body and also an L20B with lots of go-fast goodies for pretty cheap. The L20 is useless to him because it would put him out of the CSP class, but for now this would be a street car for me so I could live with it. How close are the U20 mounts to L20 mounts? Tom says he'll fabricate whatever is necessary to mount the L20, but I'd hate to have to modify the car itself...hoping that just the engine side of the mounts can be changed. Anyone done this swap before?
Or, I could buy the other car with the U20 in it but missing its transmission. I understand I can't use a regular 1600 or L-series transmission due to the starter being on the wrong side, so what would a used 2000 tranny cost, and do I have any other options?
Also, I saw a post in your other forum about how much new 2000 parts cost, so I wonder...how much does a U20 cost to rebuid (assuming I don't need to overbore/buy new pistons)?
Sorry for sounding like such a n00b but thanks for any input!
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S Allen
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RE:2 liter tranny

Post by S Allen »

Hey Shaun, welcome to our little group. U20 parts are not cheap. Timing chain components were running around $1200.00 for a complete set. As of late there seem to be more components popping up for sale. 2 liter 5 speeds are not cheap either. A used unknown condition tranny can cost you $500.00. I got lucky several months back and picked one up for $200.00. If it needs a rebuild add another $500.00 to that. Your best bet for now is to go with the L20B. Stan Chernoff sells a kit for dropping an L series into a roadster. I prefer the stroked push rod 1600 pushing close to 2 liters. Not cheap to get built but cheap to rebuild. I do not think the U20 mounts and the L series mounts are close enough to work but I could be wrong. Here is Stan's email address- ask him about his kit. STAN CHERNOFF <az589@lafn.org> Jimmy Claypool completed the L-series swap last year. I also have a write-up in the engine-swap section on the 311s.org site with Jimmy's email address. Do not worry about being a noob. Good luck.
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CU Zcar

Post by CU Zcar »

Ah, thanks, I just ran across the 311s tech site and saw the Lseries page. Sounds interesting, I'll have to look into how much the crossmember needs to be modified...I'd rather not do that to a 2000, but then again I doubt anyone else would put the time into the car. I would probably just throw Tom's R16 into it but he wants to keep it, and the other R motor he's got is a real piece. The L-motor swap is looking like my current best bet...hehe if I ever want to autocross the car I guess they'll let me into SM2 :)
I've also gotten plenty of feedback to this same line of questioning on the Roadster Email list, a lot of people are telling me that the 1600 and 2000 transmissions are interchangeable. Is this true? Cause if that U20 has a decent timing chain...Tom does have a 1600 tranny he'd let me use...the lack of a 5th gear wouldn't bother me much. It doesn't in my 280Z...I swapped an earlier 4spd in when I wore out my 5spd's :P
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S Allen
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RE:2 liter tranny

Post by S Allen »

The two trannys are interchangeable. When putting a 2 liter 5 speed tranny into an R16 or a stroker :D you need the thicker 2 liter backing plate. The thinner R16 plate with the 2 liter 5 speeds puts enough pressure on the crank thrust bearings to do damage. Trust me I know this from experience. If you use the 4 speed tranny on a 2 liter motor I would use the thinner R16 backing plate. That way you know the pilot shaft fits correctly. The L20B would be a fun little motor. You could pick up a 200SX dog-leg 5 speed relatively cheaply to tranny the L20B. I do not think you would like the 4 speed with a 2 liter but you gotta do what you gotta do. Have fun!
66 Stroker-Going Orange
67 SRL311-00279-resto project
Stock '72 240Z-Blue
2002 Ford F250 7.3 Diesel 2WD Hauler
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Coupe
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth
CU Zcar

Post by CU Zcar »

Couldn't I use one of my extra Zcar 5-speed transmissions with the L20B? Or, I can get a 510 4-speed...or find a close-ratio 280ZX 5-speed...is there something special about the 200sx case that I'd want for mounting issues? I'm sure I could find one but I have the Zcar 5-speeds sitting around needing nothing but a few new bearings...hmm wait if it's so easy why haven't I done it again and put one back into my Z... :lol: but you see my question I think.
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S Allen
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RE:2liter tranny and parts

Post by S Allen »

Actually you would be better off using the Z 5 speed as the dog leg 5 speeds are not all that great. I only mentioned the dogleg as I used that combo in my 71 521 truck. Jmmy Claypool used a 1979 280ZX 5-Speed and the 1600 driveshaft requires NO MODS. That will save you a bundle right there as modifying a drive shaft is not cheap either. That L20B is looking pretty good right now.
66 Stroker-Going Orange
67 SRL311-00279-resto project
Stock '72 240Z-Blue
2002 Ford F250 7.3 Diesel 2WD Hauler
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Coupe
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth
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