In the 1979 to 1983 S130 280zx there was six transmissions that were offered. Below you will find the differences and specifications.

Manual Transmissions

Datsun/Nissan made several 4 and 5-speed manual transmissions available in the second generation Z car or S130. The 1981-1983 FS5W71B is a "close ratio" five speed transmission where the FS5R90A 5-speed transmission found in the 1983 280zx turbo is a "wide ratio" transmission. Close ratio transmissons are preferred for road racing as they allow the driver to maintain a tighter rev range between gears compared to wide ratio versions.

Finding the "optimum" transmission for your car all depends on what you are wanting from your car. For most people the "best" transmission is what is already in your car.

You can tell the difference between the FS5W71B and the FS5R90A by the shifter mounting.

Gear ratio/Transmission Model	1979 F4W71B	1979-1980 FS5W71B	1981-1983 FS5W71B	1983 FS5R90A
1st	3.321	3.321	3.062	3.500
2nd	2.077	2.077	1.858	2.144
3rd	1.308	1.308	1.308	1.357
4th	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00
5th	N/A	0.864	0.745	0.780

Throw out bearing differences

throughout the years there were different throw out bearing sizes used in the S30-S130 cars. The image below will explain the differences.

Automatic Transmissions

There are two Automatic Transmissions that were offered in the S130. They were the 3 speed 3N71B and 3 speed L3N71B. Thay are both a fully automatic unit consisting primarily of a 3-element hydraulic torque converer, two planetary gear sets, two multiple-disk clutches, a multiple-disk brake, a band brake and a one way sprang clutch.

Other than the number of clutch plates the transmissions are the same. The chart below will explain the differences.

Changing of the gear ratios is fully automatic in relation to car speed and engine torque input.

Below you will find Identification information of the automatic unit.

Sources used on this page:

• 1979-1983 Datsun Factory Service Manuals