Cheap LSD swap in Datsun 280z

Well I'm building a 280z for the GRM $2011 Challenge and it has the stock R200 diff. Is there a cheap way to swap an LSD into a 280z? I've searched and I haven't found anything unfortunately. So like I said, is there a way to swap in a LSD for the least amount of money possible.

I'm not sure what the differences between 510 and Z-car are (though there are comments in this following link that seem to mention them), but I know that some Subaru LSDs have been used in 510s. Check it out. Google will show other results as well if you search for the topic.

I think the subaru dif is an R160 which will be small if you make much power. There are aftermarket diffs but they are too expensive for a challenge car. The best option is to try to find a clutch type LSD out of an early 300zxt, it is an R200. After that you look at using the R230 out of later Nissan and Lexus cars. It has been a couple years since I got into this but this is what I remember. I suggest you ask this question over at Hybridz.org , that is a really good forum for the Datsun Z cars.

I'll have to ask a friend, but I seem to remember something about the front diff in a 4X4 Datsun was a direct swap, and available with LSD and 4.10 or 4.37 ratio, or something like that.

16vCorey wrote: I'll have to ask a friend, but I seem to remember something about the front diff in a 4X4 Datsun was a direct swap, and available with LSD and 4.10 or 4.37 ratio, or something like that.

This would be great if it's true. Let me know if you find anything else about it.

I remember that being a 160 as well. The turbo 280 had the lsd, along with the t5 transmission.

In reply to 16vCorey:

I did a little bit of research and I have found my answer. I just need a 3.9 R200 out of a '80 280ZX (2X2) MT or a '81-83 non-turbo MT 280ZX. It should bolt right in according to what I've read. I'm lucky I have a 280z because if it was a 240z I would have to buy 280z axles, mustache bar, and front diff mount, but supposedly it bolts right into the 280z. Now i just have to find a 3.9 R200

There is a 280ZX in the scrap yard up in Bunnell off of US1. I couldn't tell you if it was turbo and M/T or not but its there and the prices are uber cheap.

Might have to go check that out.

clownkiller wrote: I remember that being a 160 as well. The turbo 280 had the lsd, along with the t5 transmission. In reply to 16vCorey:

no it didn't, well it had a T5 but no LSD, just another open R200, the 87.5-89 300ZX came with the CLSD, if you are lucky you might stuble upon one at a junkyard like I did, years of looking I've netted 2, the 88 300zxSS came with a VLSD R200, and if you aren't afraid of swapping the carrier the 90-96 300zx n/as got the R200 viscour with the short snout housing, also a number of infiniti's and 240 sx's got this same setup, the viscous swap is more complicated due to the output shafts beign specific to the carrier

turboL24280z wrote: I did a little bit of research and I have found my answer. I just need a 3.9 R200 out of a '80 280ZX (2X2) MT or a '81-83 non-turbo MT 280ZX. It should bolt right in according to what I've read. I'm lucky I have a 280z because if it was a 240z I would have to buy 280z axles, mustache bar, and front diff mount, but supposedly it bolts right into the 280z. Now i just have to find a 3.9 R200

yes it will bolt right in but you might have to shange over the pinion flange and that is a OPEN diff so the only thing you gain is an earlier shift, the L6 doesn't generally need the extra help especially if it modified, so on an autocross you'll be doign more shifts as you'll run out of second gear a bit sooner than the rest of us

Hey Greg, what's the name of that scrap yard in Bunnell? Always good to know where they are as I travel I-95. Thanks

http://www.johnsfamousautoparts.com/ 3626 S US Highway 1 Bunnell, FL 32110

There is that one which pulls the parts for you.

The other is maybe .5 miles up the road. I believe they are somehow related. The north one is a metal recycler and you just sort of wander in and can pull your own parts. There are a bunch of 40 - 90s cool cars, trucks, busses, heavy machinery etc. Last time I walked out with a bunch of stuff. They said "$20 sound fair?" Sold. If you need metal they will sell it by the pound.

2005 Legacy GT's have the R160 with 4.10 ratios. Seeing as I'm putting out 310ft lbs of torque at 2700rpm in my Legacy with no issues I doubt a 280z is going to break it while staying in the Challenge budget.

without ARP headtuds and a metal HG the Z isn't likley to put out more than 300 hp at the wheels

I think I'm going to make between 250-275hp

soooo, you know the cheap brake upgrade right?

Nope, care to fill me in?

brake calipers off of a toyota pickup.

Yea I've heard of that with the 300zx rotors.

they're four pot calipers, and not hard to find/expensive.

I'll most likely be investing in the suspension and brakes.

http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/39435-help-what-brake-options-are-available-for-s30-z-cars/