Editing S30/transmissions (section)

== Manual Transmissions ==

Datsun/Nissan made several 4 and 5-speed manual transmissions available in the First generation Z car. Although there was a european 5-speed available for the 240Z, it is rarely seen in the US market. It wasn't until 1977 that a 5-speed was added to the Z car lineup in the US. The 1977-1978 5-speed is a "wide-ratio" transmission where the gearing is further apart , the 1981-1983 280ZX has a "close ratio" five speed 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. If you decide to upgrade your 240/260/280 4-speed to a 3.90 or higher rear end you should upgrade to a 5-speed for the additional gearing for highway cruising.

| Gear ratio/Model Year | 240Z 1970-1973 | 260Z 1974 | 280Z 1975-1876 | 280Z 1977-1978 |
| 1st | 3.549 | 3.592 | 3.321 | 3.321 |
| 2nd | 2.197 | 2.246 | 2.077 | 2.077 |
| 3rd | 1.42 | 1.415 | 1.308 | 1.308 |
| 4th | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 5th | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.864 |