FS5W71C Compatibility - Z31 Performance

Z31Wrencher

Junior Member

Posts: 3
#1

FS5W71C Compatibility

10-30-2012, 04:24 PM

My transmission, a 1987 FS5W71C, decided to blow up, so I have to get a new one. I found a 1985 FS5W71C at a local salvage yard, but I was told it wouldn't work in my Z (1987 NA). I know the 1984-1989 FS5W71C were the same internally, but some people said they had trouble swapping 1987+ transmissions into 1984-1986 cars. Half of the people I ask say I can do the swap without tapping new holes for the crossmember, half say otherwise. So before I spend the money I just want to get another opinion. Can I swap an 85 FS5W71C into my 87 NA? Thanks.
michaelp

Senior Member

Posts: 9384
#2

10-30-2012, 05:26 PM

The half who say you can't are retarded. They're the same transmission externally..mount and all.

- VG30DET (HE341) 86 300ZX - 1982 280ZX Turbo - Headered NA 1986 300ZX 2+2 - 2000 Xterra -
Guardian

Senior Member

Posts: 225
#3

11-09-2012, 06:53 AM

+1 yeah it shouldn't matter. But I will add, when I ordered my synchro kit from drivetrain.com, they had the 84-86 years separated from the 87-89 years. :-?

Originally posted by michaelp

I tell them that everyday, "thats a good lifter…good lifter. You want a treat? Oil change next week." But on the other hand, the headgasket is a bad headgasket. Hes always leaking out in my cylinders, making a mess on the cars behind me with all that coolant. So I discipline it with 6,600rpm burnouts.
862sik

Senior Member

Posts: 2159
#4

11-10-2012, 05:06 AM

Yea it will work 100%. The only thing down there that's different from the years is the driveshaft flange to the differential.

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michaelp

Senior Member

Posts: 9384
#5

11-10-2012, 09:39 AM

Guardian wrote: +1 yeah it shouldn't matter. But I will add, when I ordered my synchro kit from drivetrain.com, they had the 84-86 years separated from the 87-89 years. :-?

Yep, there are some differences internally with the syncros but nothing external and nothing that affects if it can/cant be used in any year Z31.

- VG30DET (HE341) 86 300ZX - 1982 280ZX Turbo - Headered NA 1986 300ZX 2+2 - 2000 Xterra -