Jim: I have not done it yet, but I do have a 280ZX 5 speed in my garage, I plan to do this conversion in the spring.
Who is doing the work? Are they using the Rivergate kit?
What year is the gearbox? The 77-79 have a gear set w /ratios very close to the stock 4 speed, while 80-83 have a taller first gear and much closer intermediate gearing. The 82-83 has a tall OD ratio (.745).
I would make sure that all the old rubber bits are replaced, that a new roller throw out bearing is installed. Is the gearbox rebuilt or just out of the junk yard? Parts are fairly easy to get and not expensive. While I havent done it yet, the gearbox looks fairly easy to disassemble and work on.
One small detail is the shift knob. The shifter that Rivergate provides still has a metric threading, meaning that Datsun stock or aftermarket knobs could be used. Hurst has a very classic looking simple black knob with the correct 5 speed shift pattern. I believe they offer it to fit metric as well as SAE threading.
I would like to hear more about your experiences.
[ 12-19-2003: Message edited by: Andy Blackley ]</p>