Manual trans swap and more power

[mrslick800]

Hey. I just bought a 91 Z34 with 105 grand on it. I love the thing, the only quicker car I've owned was my 302 ranger, but that was too scary to take over 90, not exactly a problem in the Lumina.

Any way to the question, I want to do some mods to it. Eventually I'd like a naturally aspirated 250-280 at the crank, supposedly what the motor was originally designed for. My biggest concern is the transmission, whats needed to swap to a manual and what's the strongest manual trans that would fit? Failing that would the stronger, later model autos swap in?

One more thing, about that 250 horsepower. I read somewhere that the motor was designed for 276 horsepower originally, but they tuned it down, mostly with remappping the fuel and spark curves. SO my question here is, theoretically couldn't you tune back in most of that power by adjusting the cams and messing the the ecu?

[dohcfiend]

first of all, i highly suggest a manual swap. Hardware-wise your car can accept a manual tranny easily since it is already setup for one.

the stock model is the getrag 284 but you could swap in a 282 and tighten up the fdr and gear ratios to match the 284 since they are hard to come by.

[mrslick800]

cool I'll start my search, are there any must do upgrades for that box or will it be fine as is?

[dohcfiend]

gear ratio and fdr wise it is perfect. this was the only car it was ever made for.

there are a few upgrades available, aluminum flywheel, pressure plate and clutch.

aluminum flywheel give quicker revs and more high end but sacrifices low end. there is no flywheel specific to the getrag 284 but it is the same as the neutrally balanced flywheels for the 282. just make sure it is neutrally balanced and 1988 and above application.

[series8217]

gear ratio and fdr wise it is perfect. this was the only car it was ever made for.

No, in fact the first car it was in was the Maserati TC back in 1989.