FS5W71C Compatibility

  • #1

    FS5W71C Compatibility

    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.
  • #2
    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 -
  • #3
    +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.
  • #4
    Yea it will work 100%. The only thing down there that's different from the years is the driveshaft flange to the differential.
    My Build Thread
  • #5
    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 -